First timer needs advice regarding watering
David Mcgrath zone6 NJ
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
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David Mcgrath zone6 NJ
7 years agoRelated Discussions
First Timer looking for advice!
Comments (7)Welcome meganann! I must admit that when I read your zone, I thought to myself "Where is she, in Hades?!?" I completely forgot about the Sunset zones. LOL! But truly it would help to know where you are. The links that duajones and simmran1 gave are excellent starting points as is Carolyn's book that miesenbacher referred you to. But don't think that there are only 100 heirloom tomatoes out there, there are literally thousands and thousands. And while it seems that a majority of the people on this forum grow heirlooms, we aren't going to toss you out if you grow hybrids. But most of us will think you are missing out on the fun and satisfaction of growing future generations of your tomatoes (and peppers and other heirlooms & open pollinated veggies and flowers) from seeds that you harvested and saved. Plus there is the fun of trading and collecting seeds (for the first year that may be buying, borrowing or saving from produce purchased at farmer's markets or other placed that carry NAMED heirloom's.) There are always some pushers growers that are willing to hook help you on heirlooms. Before too long you will be pushing sharing with other unsuspecting novices. SCENE 1: The local coffee shop. Meganann: "Hey want to try some really amazing tomatoes? They are so good. You eat these and you will feel so good. Really, they are so delicious! And they have a history. I have some Brandywine and some Mortgage Lifter seeds. And I can get you some MariannaÂs Peace if you want them, they used to be the most expensive tomato seed in the world!" MeganannÂs table mate: "Well, I suppose I could try one, I do have a sunny spot in my yard that I could put it in. Meganann: "Yeah, thatÂs great! That is the way I started, with just one heirloom." SCENE 2: A busy street corner just after last frost. Meganann: (to man passing by) "Hi! Would you like to by an heirloom tomato plant?" Man: "No thanks, I donÂt have time or a place for a tomato plant. And if I did, IÂd want a new one, not an old tomato." Meganann: (Laughs lightly) "Oh, heirlooms are old in their history, but the tomatoes are as fresh as can be when you pick them yourself and so much better than store bought. And they can be grown in biggish pots on your porch or patio, you just have to water them." Man: "Well, I donÂt knowÂ.." Meganann: "Try one, youÂll love it! And it will help me out so I can buy some more seed envelopes and Â. Stuff." Man: "Ok, I will take one." Meganann: (Giggles to herself and thinks "Another one hooked.") SCENE 3: Months later in a darkened alley. Meganann: "Psssst! Hey buddy, yeah, you. Got any heirlooms ta sell or trade?" Unsuspecting bystander: "Get away from me you crazy gardener!" Bets...See MoreKitchen layout advice for a first timer
Comments (24)Beuhl- I'll do some measuring to see if the laundry closet could be moved the the dead space that currently leads to the master bedroom. The electical panel is there, as well. The only thing that may not be possible is shifting the living room door. I'll have to check. You're going to laugh at me, but from the first two layouts, I like the peninsula option better. I love having the window above the sink because the squirrles run back and forth along the fenceline just outside of it. Would the space to the right be utilized as a breakfast area? mnerg- You're right, that would help with space. I wonder how noisy that is with a front loader? I've never really used a stacked set. I'm actually having a platform made to lift them right now, because I find that I have to sit on the floor. Looking at the plans, I'm really surprised by what a difference pushing the laundry wall back makes. I can't picture how much space the 75" in the breakfast room is. I'll tape it off on the floor tonight. DH has always loved the idea of a window seat and a little table (if not french doors). I just never thought we had room due to the bifold laundry doors. Do you have any idea how deep a bench should be? I guess pictures make all the difference, because in my mind, I saw the peninsula on the dining room side. It never even occurred to me to move the fridge. (DUH, young!) I do really like the idea of the prep sink. I wonder if my pots/pans would fit in the 24" cabinet next to that. It might be easier to access than the lazy susan?? Wise Friends-- I love the idea of trading the laundry for a pantry. Here is the only hangup for me. If I move the laundry, closing off the master bedroom door, I'll have to do a loop through the house to get to the other bedroom when it serves as a nursery in a year or two. Do you think that will drive me crazy in the middle of the night? Right now, the rooms almost adjoin. I don't know what to think, having no young ones at home right now. Please chime in, moms. :) Lav- I hadn't considered swiping space from the master. We're doing that soon on the other side of the room to increase the master bath. I'll look at the numbers. I know it's the biggest room, but it's not huge. I can't remember that room size off hand. I know I'd love the look of a display/pantry wall. I'm going to print these and look at them side by side so I can really digest them. **THANK YOU!**...See MoreFirst timer needs advice regarding watering
Comments (2)Cool set up man! As far as watering goes, I would water each section individually every other day right now. Once the root systems have had time to develop, maybe in 2-3 weeks, I would try to water every 3 days. I would also say if you could water with something other than a spray bottle, it will help ensure that you are saturating deeper down in the soil. If they are planted in potting soil don't worry about the fertilizer. If they are planted in a substrate (volcanic rock, hydroton, etc) you should fertilize them. Good Luck...See MoreFirst timer needs advice regarding watering
Comments (0)I have never grown a thing but decided over the weekend to start. I know the setup might look wacky (my wife was making fun of me when she got home from a weekend away) but humor me. I purchased a small grow light with a timer and some stackable pots. I put in 9 herbs along with some cherry tomatoes on the top pot. It is in the corner of my kitchen and to my amazement (I am new to this) they have already begun to grow. I was wondering about watering them. How often should I? A quick spray with a water bottle everyday? Also, should I dilute a little liquid fertilizer in the water bottle when I spray my plants? Any advice regarding my little experiment will be appreciated. Again, I know this isn't ideal but it's what I have right now so help me show my wife I'm not a total nut job....See MoreDavid Mcgrath zone6 NJ
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