Veggie Growers Unite About This Page:

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by Ann2

Thank you, thank you, thank you for starting this thread... I have tried planting a garden, in addition to NOT having a green thumb, I have soil that consists of mainly clay and limestone, deer and every other creature that comes out of the woodwork. Went to potted plants and have done it for 2 years in a row. First year was a bust and second year, I think I yielded 3 tomatoes and 4 green peppers and one cucumber...that was it and they weren't anything to write home about! I would love tips too!!!

OH, you are welcome. I think this is going to be a very fun Spring for us! I've never been so motivated to start a garden.

[mrsmac2001]

I grow a garden every year and can a lot of the stuff I grow.
Every year we plant
Onions
Red, Yellow, Green and last year Purple Bell Peppers
Jalapeno Peppers
Banana Peppers
Zucchini
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Cherry Tomatoes
Grape Tomatoes
Green Beans

Also I have an herb garden and I grow my own strawberries and black berries

[3dogknight]

I planted cherry tomatoes in a giant flower pot on the deck . That worked for me in keeping animals away. My dogs being the worst offenders. I didn't have any bug problems. Tomatoes you can start in the house and then transplant outside when the weather starts to warm up. I tried green and red peppers but only got 1 pepper per plant. I don't know if it was somthing I did or the plant. Radishes are supposed to be the easiest thing to grow.

[wyomom]

I have some answers to questions!

Time of year to plant: depends on where you live. Plant outside after the last freeze... normally there is a rule of thumb in your area. For us, it's Mother's Day which would be too late for many of you. If you are unsure, look on the seed packets or plant sticks (plastic things that tell you what you are buying) and it should tell you what zone the plant is. If you are still unsure, go online and look up climate zones.
In addition, i have found that "walls of water" (found at nurseries or Home Depot) or gallon milk jugs work great for covering your little plants and keep them from those late frosts. They work like green houses.

What to plant where: Tomatoes love the sun! Make sure they get a good afternoon sun. Tomatos grow very well in large pots barrels. Make sure to stake them. Cucumbers and other vining vegies (zuccinni, squash, pumpkins) like it a bit cooler, consistant moisture to soil (not too wet mind you). Morning/early day sun with afternoon shade is best for them.
Herbs tolerate just about anything but I do suggest containing them in pots or barrels as they will spread like weeds! No matter how many times you till up the dirt, those peppermint plants will keep coming back!

If bugs are an issue, plant marigolds around your plants. It's a natural bug deterant.

Make sure to stake/fence tall vining vegies such as your tomatos, peas, green beans, etc. If you plan on growing ground vining vegies, they like a mound to start on.

Don't overwater your root vegies as they won't grow in order to seek water in the ground. Make sense? A root grows down in order to seek water. If they are getting watered regularly, they wont seek that water, hence, small carrots, beets, onions, and potatos.

Tips on tomatoes: Once your plant is in the ground, remove the few bottom leaves and cover the stem with more dirt. Continue this a couple more times as your plants grow. This will give you a bigger, robust plant capbable of holding those gorgous tomatos!

Dirt: I highly recommend getting some cow manure and mixing it in with your vegies. Yes, it's god awful smelling, but it goes away after a few days.
Dig deep! Let me clarify this. Your plants only need to be planted so deep, but working the soil deeper will allow the roots to grow better especially.....
if you have that nasty clay like substance that is considered earth in your yard. It is best to add top soil, clay buster, manure, etc to your "clay" and work it in.
If you are fortunate enough to live in that part of the world with great soil, then the above info does not pertain to you and the rest of us resent you!
Till/turn the dirt around your vegies often. Dig up those weeds so they don't strangle out your garden.
Miracle grow is just that! Get some!
Watch for bugs and inconsistancy in watering. Gardens don't grow well on their own. They need TLC.

Ok, I am done for now!

[Sandra Bostwick]

Thanks everyone! HURRY UP SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Minnie Lor]

Oooo, lots of good tips. Thanks Wyomom! Hopefully you and Lori will pop in to answer questions.

[wyomom]

Originally Posted by Minnie Lor

Oooo, lots of good tips. Thanks Wyomom! Hopefully you and Lori will pop in to answer questions.

I am happy to help as much as I can! Growing gardens in Wyo is tough with our short growing season, but I am happy to lend tips on what I do know.

[CastleWishes]

We will be doing this too
I just asked my Aunt to help me because I have never done any vegetable gardening. She is helping me a great deal. I will share any of her good tips as we get there. She promised to walk me through every step from across the country. She lives in Ft. Collins, CO. She's getting us off to a good start.
I am in total agreement about the herbs...I always end up throwing leftovers out. Such a shame. I love to cook with cilantro, but can't add it to everything!

[wheatenwalker]

I plant some in pots and some in our tiny garden, one thing I wont plant again is zuchinni-

[Teresa]

The only tip I have is: plant tomato plants deep. Take off bottom 2/3 leaves, and plant to that. You'll have plants that are sturdier and easier to stake - and yes, you need to stake them. Panty hose work well to tie them to a stake.

[chezp]

I hope to do more this year, now our greenhouse is built and ready to use. In the past, I've grown tomatoes with great success, cucumbers, courgettes (zucchinis), peppers and aubergines (eggplant) with less success. Some years they've been great, other years not so good.

I agree with taking off the bottom leaves from the tomato plants, so then it can focus on supplying food to the fruit, rather than the leaves.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by chezp

I hope to do more this year, now our greenhouse is built and ready to use. .

I've been dreaming of a Greenouse! I saw one that was attached to the back of the house, like a sunroom. It looked WONDERFUL!

[Disneydiana]

Great tips! I plant in the ground and not in pots. I haven't had trouble w/ animals yet (knock on wood). I have these growing on side of my house in a large flower box. I think I am going to move them into the backyard so that I'll have more space. You guys inspired me think big! I think I'll try to grow peppers, cucumbers and broccoli too!

[wyomom]

How fun would it be to post our garden pictures and show the progress over the summer!
Also, I love to can and vegi soup and salsa are always on my list. Perhaps we can share some favorite/new recipes that involve our crops.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by wyomom

How fun would it be to post our garden pictures and show the progress over the summer!
Also, I love to can and vegi soup and salsa are always on my list. Perhaps we can share some favorite/new recipes that involve our crops.

WHat a great idea! I have a great roasted tomatoe soup recipe.

My friend bought a few 2 dollar tomatoe plants and ended up with a HUGE crop. They were absolutely delicious!

I really need to spray my apple trees so the bugs dont eat everything also. I don't mind sharing with the deer, but not the bugs.