I've always called KS the midwest state to just drive through as fast as you can. Same for Nebraska.

Glad you're joining us finally!! Most of our yakking is on the Midwest Weather thread so come join us there!!

@ZenMan, welcome! Glad you found a remedy for those ticks. I don't like them either. I am guessing the hummingbirds really go for those zinnia. Nice garden!

@ZenMan Welcome. Glad you decided to join in to tell us about you. Come join us on the Midwest Gardening and everything else or whatever the whole name is. I knew that about guineas. A friend also raised chickens and guineas. Love your yard and Zinnias.

@ZenMan hello again. Not sure if you recall our discussion a few seasons ago on zennias. I was looking for a good source and you gave me a few sources for premium hybrid seeds. I actually collected the seeds and planted them the next season just to see what I would get from them. Of course I didn't get the same flower, but the colors I got from the seed I liked a lot. Incredible deep colors. So I've been saving and planting those.

Hello Thomas,

I do recall that we had a discussion a few seasons ago about zinnias, although right offhand I don't remember the precise details. It is not uncommon for me to come into a room in the house and ask myself, "Now, why did I come in here?" And then remember.

I have continued with my zinnia hobby, and I have obtained some unusual color combinations, like this one. I think you can still see a larger version of the photos here by clicking on them. And the F11 key can hide your Browser's headings to make a bit more room for the pic, if you are so inclined.

The usual zinnia combination of white and pink occurs in reverse order, with the white at the tip of the petals. I continue to find and save new zinnia flower forms as well. I am currently starting some zinnia seedlings indoors under lights in our utility room in the basement. That is also something of an experiment, because those seedlings will probably come into bloom before it is safe to set them outdoors in this part of Kansas.

Having introduced myself here, I will continue my Midwest forum participation over in the Weather and everything else message thread, and or the Chit Chat thread.

ZM

Very beautiful zinnia!

I am glad you like it, Vickie. I have had some with unusual petals whose beauty might be in question, but are different.

I like unusual zinnias, not just for themselves, but for their potentiality of producing something even better when crossed with other unusual zinnias. Only a small percentage of them turn out to be really interesting, but I am always optimistic about what my new hybrids will look like.

ZM

Glad to see a few more Wisconsin people on here!

Hey Y'all,

My name is Sam, coming from the Metro Detroit area.

Never been much into plants or gardening before, so this is all new to me. I've collected a good amount of houseplants during the COVID lockdowns but I still have to learn how to take care of them better. I want to get into outdoor plants too but one step at a time.

If anyone's got any advice or tips, please feel free to let me know. If anyone is near Detroit/Michigan, I would even be willing to drive up and meet.

Sam, Good idea to get into it slowly, and learn along the way.

Sam! I hope gardening becomes a lifelong passion for you. I don't do houseplants anymore, but have flower gardens (mostly daylilies) and a veggie garden. Folks are always ready to offer advice in the forums, so you have found a great place to ask questions.

Welcome, Sam
I enjoy houseplants, and outdoor flowers as well as my veggie garden.
I know that most indoor plants don't like their feet to stay wet, and some people tend to overwater. Drainage holes are important. Also, some like watering at the top of the soil while others you water in the saucer and they "wick up" the water to their roots. Those are the ones that like it a bit drier, like African violets. Never water the leaves of an African violet.
If you check where they're from, that will usually tell you how much sun & water they like.

Hi, just moved back to Illinois a couple of years ago. I'm smack dab in the center 30m southeast of Springfield. We moved from western PA and found quite a few differences with weather and plant disease for tomatoes. I'm here looking for some ideas. I'll peruse some sub forums first before asking any questions.

Glad to find this site!

Welcome to the site Derek! Lots of friendly knowledgeable people on the site.

Welcome Derek!

As you poke around you'll find lots of fun interactive places. The people are warm and friendly and very responsive.

Check out the forums; the plant data base is extensive. I really enjoy the pleasure of adding my own photographs and viewing other peoples photos. Earning "acorns" (the currency of this site) to purchase microbadges, is fun and decorates your profile page. Giving acorns to others for whatever reason is sort of similar to a "love" acknowledgement on Facebook.

Again, welcome and have fun.

Derek! Hope you are adjusting to the move okay. I was in Springfield a few years ago and really enjoyed it. It has a lot to see!

Hi Derek
Derek - tomato diseases......... you need to put egg shells in the bottom of the hole & on top of the ground for calcium. It helps prevent blossom rot on them.

I'm here, I'm there, I'm every where, so beware.