skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Anyone Gardening in the heat

16 years ago

Is anyone else gardening in this heat. I went out and weeded the berm this morning about 8:30, it was already 85 out. I got 99% of it done. I was sick and tired of looking out the window at something that is suppose to make me feel good and all I felt was lazy. LOL I am going out in the morning and sprinkle Preen very generously where I weeded. Hope you all enjoyed your day.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

jannie
16 years ago
I don't garden in the heat. in fact I normally don't garden after July 1 except to pick things that have matured.
ruthieg__tx
16 years ago
Still picking tomatoes and I have a kid working for me cleaning my beds and weeding..Too danged hot and my missing lung sections make it hard to breathe in the heat. I love fall gardening though so I can't wait for the heat to pass.
Related Discussions
This 'cat's in a pickle: Heating coils, anyone?
Q
Comments (14)
I always get a notice when someone posts to a thread I started (or am interested in), but I didn't get ANYTHING from this thread. The only reason I thought to check up on it is because someone sent me an email directly to my "private" box. How very weird. I'll have to re-check my preferences, see if I messed something up. Ok, from the top: - heating pads from Zellers (I refuse to shop at Wal Mart) was my next Best Idea Ever....until I checked a) price and b) electical connections/safety. Then it was back to the drawing board, sigh. - Mora, I wish I had known about the Manitoba link earlier. Teach me to assume I'll get regular GW updates! I've requested their catalogue. I paid $40 for 40 feet of cable at Stokes. But THANK YOU for the new resource! - wyndyacre, that sounds like a grower's nightmare. I have a Secret Weapon: the DH is an electrician. He's been hovering over everything daily, and checks current flow, voltage, amperage, and a bunch of whatchamacallits every day. So I have my fingers crossed (and I'm keeping the receipt for certain!) - bev, your christmas-light idea is brilliant! I didn't know you could get waterproof ones (we don't do Christmas, we're Buddhists whose holidays are right now, ending at the end of Feb). If these cables don't work (or if I need more), I'll definitely try the lights. Actually, I'll try to find some now anyway and do a "test bed". I'm a big fan of make-it-up-yourself. - lil: aaaaaaggh! That's PERFECT! Why didn't I think of kitty litter BEFORE I washed and filtered the sand for the boxes! Just another reminder to READ OTHERS' POSTINGS FIRST! *oh my aching everything....* - Tomgyrll, I'm a little short on rotting manure...would a vermicomposter do? ;-) Actually, that's only half-true. Our cousins, who give us our 3-acre plot for vegs each year (we rotate growing on different parts of it), raise cattle. I have a lifetime supply of old, well-rotted manure...and LOTS more every day. The little fellows are - ahem - MOST productive! As for Where I Am Now: I've finished my growing rack and installed the heating coils. So far, I think they're wonderful. I grow dozens of rare and finicky seeds, and it's a frustrating loss of money, time, effort and blooms when they don't co-operate. I've got the whole thing sitting in the middle of the kitchen, and I love that. I've always used the basement and several smaller racks, it's crowded and messy, and now I walk earound the whole unit to tend everything easily. I have a tall electric fan (on wheels) that I move to help harden off (2 shelves are without heater, too), and it's a huge relief not to be crammed into a cold basement corner. I'll be able to put things into the greenhouse (cheap 'n plastic, but it does the job!) SO much earlier to harden off. YAY ! After last year's disasters, I guess this 'cat deserves a break. Keep your fingers crossed! Love and Chocolate Daisies to all (40 of them so far), - Merri
...See More
what's surviving the heat in my garden
Q
Comments (11)
Thanks all, for your kind words. It's such fun to share! Writersblock - there is a lot around here that's brown too! I just choose to post what I've handwatered...hope that will stop after today! Kara - everytime I look at that arbor , I remember what it took to put it up! I found it out on trash day, all in pieces, bent and of course, screws missing. Took me two days to resurrect it but it was unbelievably wobbly. When I stood it up, it would fall apart. Grrrr. Finally got it in the holes I dug through the compacted dirt and cement of the old driveway and quickly poured quickset in the holes. Stood there forever holding it up and finally the quickset took hold! But it was worth the effort and I'm glad you like it. I want two more arbors but they seem to be in short supply at the stores but I keep looking. Again, thank you everybody, Hester
...See More
anyone install Carbonic Heat under floor mat?
Q
Comments (0)
Has anyone installed a radiant floor heat mat called Carbonic Heat in their floor? Yesterday at a home and garden show, we saw a new (to us) brand of under floor radiant heat called Carbonic Heat and it's really *really* flat. Flatter than the other wire mats that we've seen that are (amazingly) too thick. This uses flat copper wire between a conductive flat mat material that you use spray adhesive to fasten. DH had dismissed underfloor heat because we're trying to keep very close to the old transition height which is very shallow. The old floor was just the concrete slab, thinset, and thin 4x4 tiles. Because the floor now has divots from tile removal in addition to the existing cracks, we're going to put in a layer of self-leveling cement. Then, we had intended to use a glue-down 2x2 end-cut wood floor (a friend owns a wood floor mfg company) but of course glue-down doesn't go so well with underfloor heat. So now we're thinking we need to figure out a tile floor which I hadn't wanted to do (Hate. Grout.). thanks!
...See More
Anyone Convert from Hot Air Heating to Hot Water or Steam Heat?
Q
Comments (29)
You've probably never been in a home with properly sized ductwork. Don't feel bad, it's estimated that as much as 3/4 of the heating and cooling systems in the US are oversized. 2 stage and modulating furnaces are better, but I've lived in a home with both, and both can be very comfortable and the single stage equipment doesn't make it feel more dry that I can tell. BUt you are correct, multistage cna reduce the sense of dryness you might get with a less than ideal system. THe RH of hot air is lower than cooler air, but cool air can make things feel drafty. That's why radiant heat is popular. You essentially have very, very low air velocities and much of the heat energy is indirect infrared heat which make you feel warmer, similar to direct sunlight. Keep in mind too, that unless you have an outdoor rest control for hte boiler or to sped up or slow the circulator, most hydronic air handlers are single stage for heating. So the heat is no different than a furnace. Worse, as you reduce BTU's to the coil, the airflow speed is usually ocnstant, so air temps get cooler. My point being, that a properly designed and installed furnace won;t make it feel dry even if single stage. But yes, oversized furnaces and those with restricted airflow can. Vairble capacity will always make the system more comfortable, but it will cost more. Radiant heat overall is superior, but the installed cost is much, much higher. That's why it fell out of favor. Same reason drywall took over the market and plaster disapeared. ITs' primarily a matter of cost. It's also why stone and brick homes aren't built anymore and concrete homes are the minority.
...See More
nicole__
16 years ago
I LOVE preen....:0) Todays the 2nd day without rain. It's rained every afternoon for a month straight. I hauled home 3 buckets of horse manure to spread around some bearded iris & roses. The slight slope the iris on is washing away in the afternoon showers. :0) I mowed the lawn yesterday....sprayed some 2-4D on a couple of spots...
Jasdip
16 years ago
My pepper plants on the balcony finally have peppers on them!
All summer long the blossoms were dropping. Have had loads of flowers but they wouldn't bud into peppers. Till now.
Have 9 pepper and they're growing! One is a good sized little bugger now.

My basil in 2 containers is doing good too. First time I've been able to grow it. It usually turns black on me.
hounds_x_two
16 years ago
Yes, and have been sweating buckets!
I've been hauling around 40lb. bags of soil like I had good sense, digging, planting, and having a great time. Too hot here to work during the day...have to get it done in the mornings and the evenings before dark.
User
16 years ago
Our weatherman told us this evening that we've had 43 consecutive days of over 90 temps (Chicago area) and that we've broken a record that's held since 1955. I'm not gardening except to pick veggies, and I swat oh so many mosquitoes off my skin when I'm outside. It has been a great crop year, though!
mariend
16 years ago
If it ever stops raining, will get the weeds and the lettuce that got away from us.
vala55
Original Author
16 years ago
Rain sounds good to me, I am so sick of this heat. I need to check into renting a vacation home up north next summer. My problem with the berm is it originally was just a flower bed in the middle of the yard. The first year I lost $150. worth of plants from the sprinklers coming on every day. So I had the flower bed turned into a berm. It drains better now, but the edging is to low and the grass is creeping into the berm, can't mulch because it would wash off. I have gotten one bid for an edging and waiting on another. I am hoping I can get it done by fall and move some of the plants. It will look a lot better.
vala55
Original Author
16 years ago
I meant to post this on my last reply but forgot. This picture was taken this spring. You would not have recognized it as the same berm before I cleaned it up.
Tally
16 years ago
I absolutely hate this time of year in Southern California. I usually get out around 8 am, and by 10 it's game over.

Back inside to the AC.
mamatoad
16 years ago
I have to start thinking about my Fall garden soon. I can't do much now except try to keep the tomatoes, peppers and okra picked every other day. Hurry Fall!!
sheilajoyce_gw
16 years ago
You must live inland, Tally. It has been a very cool summer here, so cool that the tomato crop is poor.
ruthieg__tx
16 years ago
We always have high temps this time of year so we have learned that it is time to take a break. I have a kid helping me so that gets it done for now. We garden nearly the whole year because of our temps so it is easy to give up one month in the summer for fabulous fall and winter gardening.......
susan_on
16 years ago
Ruthie, I know it's hot there this time of year, but I am jealous of your climate! I would love to be able to garden all year.
schoolhouse_gw
16 years ago
I mowed today, didn't seem as hot as predicted; perhaps because of the breeze. Well...around 4pm. I noticed the house seemed kind of dark, I have blinds down to help keep the heat out, but it was a different kind of dark. Opened the blind on the livingroom door and - IT WAS RAINING!

Wow, it's still pouring and I hope it keeps up all night. We surely need it, plus I got all the yard mowed just in time. Other than pulling a few weeds, I haven't been outside in the garden much. Just too hot to do anything unless you begin at 5am. in the morning.
country_sunshine
16 years ago
Just picking what is ripening on the vine. We are giving most of it away as we have way enough to last us until next year. There are so many that can really use the excess veggies. I never thought I would say this, but I am tired of tomatoes !! The melons are all done and eaten. They were awesome this year. We were inundated with french pole beans too. So, no... I am not gardening.. but will probably plant some Collards or so after awhile..

Lots to do to keep my busy, as I am working to prep the house for listing. It will take me a year to get it to where I want it to be before a Realtor takes a look at it..

Kitt

Related Stories

LAUNDRY ROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Laundry Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make fluffing and folding more enjoyable by borrowing these ideas from beautifully designed laundry rooms

HOME OFFICES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Home Office Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Borrow these modest design moves to make your workspace more inviting, organized and personal

BEDROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Master Bedroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make your bedroom a serene dream with easy moves that won’t give your bank account nightmares

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Drought-Tolerant Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun and Reflected Heat

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Got a hot spot in your garden where plants often die? Try these tough shrubs that add beauty while shrugging off the heat

PATIOS A Modern Backyard Trumps the Texas Heat

By Annie Thornton

New shaded areas offer a respite in an outdoor Houston living room, while a fire pit re-creates fond memories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bocce, Anyone? Toss Some Popular Games Into Your Yard Plans

Score points for entertaining with a yard set up for lawn bowling, croquet, chess and more

BATHROOM DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Bathroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your bath from blah to ‘ahhhh’ with just a few easy and inexpensive moves

DECORATING GUIDES The Cure for Houzz Envy: Guest Room Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make overnight guests feel comfy and cozy with small, inexpensive niceties

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas

MUDROOMS The Cure for Houzz Envy: Mudroom Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Make a utilitarian mudroom snazzier and better organized with these cheap and easy ideas

Sponsored

More Discussions

What are you reading? November 2026 Edition

13

Filler-Up on Tuesday 11-3-2026

28

Would you be okay with … ?

14

I'll show you mine/ysmy - F 11/6/26

20

dry eye syndrome

14