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| Welcome Home My Florida! |
| New Beginnings! |
I absolutely love flowers, and it thrills me to no end that we can grow many more different
varieties here in North Florida, then let's say the Central Florida area. Just two hours south
and you can't keep Inpatients alive during the summer... and you can forget Gladiolas! Have
you seen the Hyacinth, oh my goodness! They are beautiful here! That's just naming a few.
Maybe you can teach us a thing or two! Please, feel free to jump in and help any time!
varieties here in North Florida, then let's say the Central Florida area. Just two hours south
and you can't keep Inpatients alive during the summer... and you can forget Gladiolas! Have
you seen the Hyacinth, oh my goodness! They are beautiful here! That's just naming a few.
Maybe you can teach us a thing or two! Please, feel free to jump in and help any time!
| The Country Garden |
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| Gardeneers, From Left to Right, De Parrott, Lys Burden & Irene Patterson |
Any Garden Group, or individual gardeners
are welcome to participate here! Do you
have a tidbit of insight into planting,
growing, fertilizing, maintenance? Please,
share!
This site was created to share experiences
or even just photos... like ZuZu's Petals!
There's many ways to help.
Children are invited to showcase their
projects as well! Email us here!
are welcome to participate here! Do you
have a tidbit of insight into planting,
growing, fertilizing, maintenance? Please,
share!
This site was created to share experiences
or even just photos... like ZuZu's Petals!
There's many ways to help.
Children are invited to showcase their
projects as well! Email us here!
 |
For more information about how you can be a part of
learning how to grow your own crops:
Even if you've never gardened before, don't let that stop
you. You'll be amazed at how easy gardening can be!
learning how to grow your own crops:
Even if you've never gardened before, don't let that stop
you. You'll be amazed at how easy gardening can be!
QUESTION: Janet, from Gainesville would like to know if bags of soil, sold at most garden and
home centers can contain contaminates that could kill your plants. "About a month ago I bought
several bags of 'lower priced' soil and used it in several containers. It's been about 3 weeks and
every single plant is falling... weak... and dieing. Should I look to the soil as being the problem first?
The plants were mainly purchased at one location, but not all. I don't know who I should take this
to.... Can you advise?"
ANSWER: Personally I feel that the soil is the foundation to all gardening. Therefore in gardening I
always try to have the best soil possible. Purchasing low cost soil (can be) like purchasing
inexpensive fabric to make a garment. Most times you get what you pay for. In purchasing soil look for
high nutrient content made by a well known manufacturer and you should be fine. As to who you
should take your frustrations to, I suggest starting with where you bought the soil. Take your receipt,
and one or two dieing plants to show the results and I'll bet you get your money back.
The best to you and thank you for asking!
Ann
home centers can contain contaminates that could kill your plants. "About a month ago I bought
several bags of 'lower priced' soil and used it in several containers. It's been about 3 weeks and
every single plant is falling... weak... and dieing. Should I look to the soil as being the problem first?
The plants were mainly purchased at one location, but not all. I don't know who I should take this
to.... Can you advise?"
ANSWER: Personally I feel that the soil is the foundation to all gardening. Therefore in gardening I
always try to have the best soil possible. Purchasing low cost soil (can be) like purchasing
inexpensive fabric to make a garment. Most times you get what you pay for. In purchasing soil look for
high nutrient content made by a well known manufacturer and you should be fine. As to who you
should take your frustrations to, I suggest starting with where you bought the soil. Take your receipt,
and one or two dieing plants to show the results and I'll bet you get your money back.
The best to you and thank you for asking!
Ann
QUESTION: Barbara asked about germinating seeds... Do the seeds have to be covered? I know it's
supposed to be okay, but I just don't like the idea of the dripping ink running into the soil, root
systems, etc. I was also wondering if & why the newspapers were supposed to be cut to the exact
size of the box or tray?
ANSWER: I called the local newspaper print room manager and found out that all the newsprint they
ship out is printed with soybean ink... which would be completely organic... no more heavy metals in
ink these days (at least newsprint). Covering the germinating plants with newsprint allows greater
humidity buildup in the sprouting environment, a very smart idea, as the sprouting medium is very light
and porous and dries out quickly. That is why we should water twice a day, especially in this heat.
I think our master gardeners were recommending exact size AND stapling or taping to the pots or trays
to help capture the moisture. This moistened newspaper covering is to be done only while the seeds
are germinating. Once they have popped up and start forming leaves, do not cover, but water
frequently. Still keep them in the shade until true leaves appear. Then keep them in filtered sunlight
and water often. You can at that point add some weak compost tea, as the sprouting medium does not
contain much nutrient. Hope that helps!
Lys
QUESTION: Janet from Gainesville is back visiting and asks: "Ok... I'm kind of an idiot, but you
suggest Compost Tea after sprouting happens... What is Compost Tea and if it's not the kind you
put in a cup to drink, where would I find it? Thanks! PS I hope I'm not coming off TOO stupid! :-) I
love this place! I need to learn, so thanks in advance for your help!
Janet
Janet, if you are located in the area come and join us. We have members from Branford to
Gainesville. Compost Tea is made when you add manure to water in a garbage can or some such
receptacle. It looks like tea, but we do not drink it. The dilution is a mild fertilizer. Gerry Baker's books
have lots of formulas for various conditions: insects, disease, and rejuvenation. Here's his site: Gerry
Baker Now... about the manure... The most common manure used, Black Cow, is purchased at Home
Depot, Lowes, Walmart, or any gardening center. Horse manure is as good.
Never fear that you are any kind of an idiot. We all ask these questions and hopefully some of us have
answers or we may know some source or someone who can supply the know how. We love this site,
too, and are excited about its success. Thanks!
De
supposed to be okay, but I just don't like the idea of the dripping ink running into the soil, root
systems, etc. I was also wondering if & why the newspapers were supposed to be cut to the exact
size of the box or tray?
ANSWER: I called the local newspaper print room manager and found out that all the newsprint they
ship out is printed with soybean ink... which would be completely organic... no more heavy metals in
ink these days (at least newsprint). Covering the germinating plants with newsprint allows greater
humidity buildup in the sprouting environment, a very smart idea, as the sprouting medium is very light
and porous and dries out quickly. That is why we should water twice a day, especially in this heat.
I think our master gardeners were recommending exact size AND stapling or taping to the pots or trays
to help capture the moisture. This moistened newspaper covering is to be done only while the seeds
are germinating. Once they have popped up and start forming leaves, do not cover, but water
frequently. Still keep them in the shade until true leaves appear. Then keep them in filtered sunlight
and water often. You can at that point add some weak compost tea, as the sprouting medium does not
contain much nutrient. Hope that helps!
Lys
QUESTION: Janet from Gainesville is back visiting and asks: "Ok... I'm kind of an idiot, but you
suggest Compost Tea after sprouting happens... What is Compost Tea and if it's not the kind you
put in a cup to drink, where would I find it? Thanks! PS I hope I'm not coming off TOO stupid! :-) I
love this place! I need to learn, so thanks in advance for your help!
Janet
Janet, if you are located in the area come and join us. We have members from Branford to
Gainesville. Compost Tea is made when you add manure to water in a garbage can or some such
receptacle. It looks like tea, but we do not drink it. The dilution is a mild fertilizer. Gerry Baker's books
have lots of formulas for various conditions: insects, disease, and rejuvenation. Here's his site: Gerry
Baker Now... about the manure... The most common manure used, Black Cow, is purchased at Home
Depot, Lowes, Walmart, or any gardening center. Horse manure is as good.
Never fear that you are any kind of an idiot. We all ask these questions and hopefully some of us have
answers or we may know some source or someone who can supply the know how. We love this site,
too, and are excited about its success. Thanks!
De
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| Gardeneer Girl Power! The Work Behind Transforming The High Springs Community Theater |
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(More on Compost Tea)
From Rodale's Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, " It is really no trouble to make compost water on a
small scale...all you have to do is fill a sprinkling can half full with finished compost and half with water,
stir gently 10 or 12 times and pour. The compost can be used several times, as one watering will not
wash out all its soluble nutrients. The remaining compost is actually almost as good as new, and
should be dug into the soil or used as mulch. It takes the action of soil bacteria (and fungi) and plant
roots to extract the major value from compost."
Lys
(For a bit more detail on making Compost Tea)
For disease suppression, you make a compost tea by putting about a quart of fully finished compost in
a 5-gallon bucket of water. I use a square of unbleached muslin to hold the compost and a rubber
band to close the top of it. Cover the bucket. Every day, come and stir the water. You can use the tea for
disease suppression anytime from 5 to 10 days after putting it on to soak. Strain it before putting it into
your sprayer or you'll clog the nozzle.
For a nutrient supply, you use the same proportions of compost to water but have a longer window of
opportunity to use it--it's good for at least 15 days after it being put on to soak.
Best,
M
From Rodale's Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening, " It is really no trouble to make compost water on a
small scale...all you have to do is fill a sprinkling can half full with finished compost and half with water,
stir gently 10 or 12 times and pour. The compost can be used several times, as one watering will not
wash out all its soluble nutrients. The remaining compost is actually almost as good as new, and
should be dug into the soil or used as mulch. It takes the action of soil bacteria (and fungi) and plant
roots to extract the major value from compost."
Lys
(For a bit more detail on making Compost Tea)
For disease suppression, you make a compost tea by putting about a quart of fully finished compost in
a 5-gallon bucket of water. I use a square of unbleached muslin to hold the compost and a rubber
band to close the top of it. Cover the bucket. Every day, come and stir the water. You can use the tea for
disease suppression anytime from 5 to 10 days after putting it on to soak. Strain it before putting it into
your sprayer or you'll clog the nozzle.
For a nutrient supply, you use the same proportions of compost to water but have a longer window of
opportunity to use it--it's good for at least 15 days after it being put on to soak.
Best,
M
| ZuZu's Petals |
| Need a peaceful moment? You must see ZuZu's Petals slide show of her garden. I watched it and along with the music she's added, it's just a nice quiet, peaceful moment. When I see a flower, I see God in the details. Just incredible. |
| Click on ZUZU'S PETALS |
RAIN BARRELS
Our friends at the University of Florida have a
great website for all kinds of information
about Florida yards with a list of 9 Principles
of Florida Friendly Landscaping tips. Click to
learn more! 9 PRINCIPLES
Rain Barrel making is not only functional to
naturally water your plants, but you can dress
them up to match your environment. Below
you'll see three great examples. You can find
all the details and instructions on their site
here; RAIN BARREL
Our friends at the University of Florida have a
great website for all kinds of information
about Florida yards with a list of 9 Principles
of Florida Friendly Landscaping tips. Click to
learn more! 9 PRINCIPLES
Rain Barrel making is not only functional to
naturally water your plants, but you can dress
them up to match your environment. Below
you'll see three great examples. You can find
all the details and instructions on their site
here; RAIN BARREL
Osteospermum (commonly called "South African Daisy" or "Cape
Daisy"). This orange one with the purple blue center is a cultivar
called "Orange Symphony".
Daisy"). This orange one with the purple blue center is a cultivar
called "Orange Symphony".
Click on Any Photo for larger Image
The garden was TRANSFORMED! Through everyone's fabulous efforts, the weedy pathways were cleared,
lined with newspaper and heavily mulched. The mulberry tree that had sprung up along the fence-line that was
overwhelming a couple of plots was hacked back to a stump and many vines were removed from the back and
side fences. The compost pile tripled in size!
We recruited four more community gardeners on Saturday too: Ann Carter, Ruben Gardner, Pam Lane and
Deborah Sheehy. We have planted some squash, but are waiting until October's cooler temperatures to put in
most other vegetables.
Many thanks again for all the support and help to make this downtown demonstration garden one we can all be
proud of... a true community garden!
lined with newspaper and heavily mulched. The mulberry tree that had sprung up along the fence-line that was
overwhelming a couple of plots was hacked back to a stump and many vines were removed from the back and
side fences. The compost pile tripled in size!
We recruited four more community gardeners on Saturday too: Ann Carter, Ruben Gardner, Pam Lane and
Deborah Sheehy. We have planted some squash, but are waiting until October's cooler temperatures to put in
most other vegetables.
Many thanks again for all the support and help to make this downtown demonstration garden one we can all be
proud of... a true community garden!
THE GARDENEERS!
THE HIGH SPRINGS COMMUNITY GARDEN
The High Springs Community Garden work party held on Saturday,
September 8th was wildly successful with much of the credit going to the
tremendous efforts of Gardeneers. THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Ann
Carter, De Parrott, Pam Lane, Irene and Harry Patterson, and Linda and Bill
Heyl, as well as community gardeners.
We had a lovely all-you-could-eat breakfast under the market tent with
special scrambled eggs with cream cheese and chives (harvested that
morning from Irene's garden) prepared on site by Dan Burden. The full
breakfast included oatmeal with raisins and milk, two fruit salad
selections, scrambled eggs and toasted English muffins, orange juice and
coffee. Later Symma brought one of her wonderful baked fruit crumbles
for snack breaks.
September 8th was wildly successful with much of the credit going to the
tremendous efforts of Gardeneers. THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Ann
Carter, De Parrott, Pam Lane, Irene and Harry Patterson, and Linda and Bill
Heyl, as well as community gardeners.
We had a lovely all-you-could-eat breakfast under the market tent with
special scrambled eggs with cream cheese and chives (harvested that
morning from Irene's garden) prepared on site by Dan Burden. The full
breakfast included oatmeal with raisins and milk, two fruit salad
selections, scrambled eggs and toasted English muffins, orange juice and
coffee. Later Symma brought one of her wonderful baked fruit crumbles
for snack breaks.
| Thursday, Sept 27th 6 to 8 pm, 320 S. Main Street High Springs Learn how to use local garden produce, herbs and whole grains. Symma will be cooking, demonstrating what to do with all that food you've been growing! Menu: Creek Country Salad, Raita Candied Yams, Fl Pumpkin Pie, Minestrone Milanese Registration Cost: $20 For more information, Call Symma 386 454 2080 |
| THE GARDENER'S TABLE |
If you've got a question about gardening, the Gardeneers are the group to ask! So feel free to submit
questions by emailing us and as you'll see below, collectively, they've got the answer!
questions by emailing us and as you'll see below, collectively, they've got the answer!
| Coming in October! Planting Guide for the Winter! Book Review: Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver Photos from The Gardener's Table & More! |