tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post8183717561769265431..comments2024-03-28T14:37:45.575-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Garden 2012: Pretty Was Last YearLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-21049420111212163962012-08-20T09:10:03.217-04:002012-08-20T09:10:03.217-04:00Oh Em, I've started my strawberry bed three ti...Oh Em, I've started my strawberry bed three times in three years because of wiregrass. The wiregrass has spread exponentially since we got here. Our fescue/vetch pasture is now about 75% wiregrass. This year I don't have the heart to do it again. Nor the time. We're working on some raised beds at the bottom of the garden, where the water collects after a rain. I may be able to get a fresh start again down there. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-40300399192675420942012-08-20T04:34:24.311-04:002012-08-20T04:34:24.311-04:00It might be worth while 'starting again' w...It might be worth while 'starting again' with the grass control, working out from beds where there isn't any growing and mulching over what are currently perennial beds? Moving the plants might seem like a pain but it is probably easier than constantly fighting the grass invasion!!! I have found that it only takes one good mulching to make it die off. After that you only have to stop it coming back in from around the edges; you don't need to re-newspaper each year :)Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07776481723125911564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42754487569468862632012-08-19T05:26:36.081-04:002012-08-19T05:26:36.081-04:00Welcome Em! You are confirming the conclusion I ha...Welcome Em! You are confirming the conclusion I have been coming too. My real problem is where I have perennials in the garden, like my strawberries. No way to completely smother it out in beds like that, so every year I end up moving the bed and not getting many strawberries. My perennial herb beds are the same way. :(Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-67000338278493590142012-08-19T02:11:13.433-04:002012-08-19T02:11:13.433-04:00Hi, new reader here, first time commenter :) Couch...Hi, new reader here, first time commenter :) Couch grass (the most common name for it here in Australia) is the bane of my existence but I have learnt how to cope with it - I found the trick is to mulch very heavily with cardboard or newspaper over the ENTIRE garden area including pathways so that you then only have to control it around the very edges. If you let it grow in the paths between beds you will always be fighting it. Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07776481723125911564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-88914188010795886852012-08-17T13:42:19.360-04:002012-08-17T13:42:19.360-04:00Mama Pea, you don't sound preachy at all, you ...Mama Pea, you don't sound preachy at all, you sound like a concerned friend who wants to encourage. I think partly what makes it harder for gardeners like us, is putting pressure on ourselves to conform to a certain concept of what a garden should look like; a concept we think most folks hold, i.e. the better homes & gardens look. I know my neighbors think I'm nuts for not using round-up on that wiregrass, but I can't do that. Not sure in the end what they'll think. Or do. You're right when you say we just do the best we can and try to learn some useful things along the way.<br /><br />Lisa, that's the kind of neighbor we all should be! What a great testimony to the man. And see what kind of impression he left behind. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-50881550617503893362012-08-16T14:13:39.928-04:002012-08-16T14:13:39.928-04:00It's me again. I hope I didn't sound &quo...It's me again. I hope I didn't sound "preachy" in my second comment above. Wish I could have said what I meant as eloquently as Lisa just did. (Thanks, Lisa!)Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-10022328401744519382012-08-16T14:02:05.550-04:002012-08-16T14:02:05.550-04:00Leigh, I think your garden looks both beautiful an...Leigh, I think your garden looks both beautiful and bountiful. Our weather has been so strange this year our garden has suffered in unique ways too... what usually has done well, did bad; what usually has done bad, did well. <br /><br />I do hear you about 'being examples in the community' and there are still those in our community who 'live' like 'us', and when I lived a little further out and a newcomer to the homestead/farm way of life, those were the folks who took me under their wing, not only teaching me, but inspiring me. One man even sent his farmhand to my property to till my soil for a garden one year when I was unable to do so myself. Not only me, he did that for others nearby as he wanted us to all have an opportunity to grow our food. He was so sick. He died of cancer shortly thereafter. I miss him and his leadership. So, even though maybe you might not feel you are inspiring others, maybe you are by simply doing what you are doing, living the way you are living. You are certainly inspiring others through your blog. Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09872753120191298033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-19682809324146141602012-08-16T12:05:39.993-04:002012-08-16T12:05:39.993-04:00I know exactly what you mean. There are times whe...I know exactly what you mean. There are times when my garden looks a total mess and I don't want anyone to even LOOK at it because it doesn't set a good example.<br /><br />Yet, for us to inspire others to start becoming aware of what needs to be done for us all to survive, those other people need to have a desire to garden, to live responsibly, to live self-sufficiently, etc. Perhaps we would do them a disservice if we gave the message it's all easy? That gardening isn't hard work? That animals don't get sick or die?<br /><br />I still totally share your frustration at not being able to do the kind of job you want on your homestead. My hubby and I are very private people and yet there are times when we wonder why communes or close communities of like-minded people don't seem to work. When you are doing alone (just the two of you) all you're trying to do, it is extremely hard and one thing or another gets short-shift. Once again I have to say that my fondest wish would be that some of us lived closer together. I would love to spend time helping in your garden, or mucking out the barn, or whatever. It would be so, so beneficial to us all.<br /><br />Instead, we all just keep doing the very best we can and try to remember that every year we learn more and it all gets better, some aspects faster than others.Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-86950833046821345932012-08-16T11:36:35.983-04:002012-08-16T11:36:35.983-04:00Janice, thanks. Sounds like you've had a terri...Janice, thanks. Sounds like you've had a terrible gardening year! Good for you for counting your blessings instead of complaining. :)<br /><br />Farmers Wife, thanks! You are so right about picking our battles. Every year though, I claim I'm going to mulch better. So far, not yet, LOL<br /><br />Bernadine, it's ubiquitous! When I researched it, I discovered numerous names for the stuff all around the world. Oddly, we're the only ones who don't label it an invasive weed. <br /><br />Mama Pea, you know, the thing that bothers me the most is that I'd like to think of us as examples in the community. Most folks around here think we're just weird. I'd love to think I'd inspired someone to start a garden of their own! OTOH, they probably look at all those weeds and think it's too much work. ;)<br /><br />Mandy, may it be so!<br /><br />Tim, thank for that. I'll have to try the vinegar mix, but I'll need to find someplace where it won't kill something else, LOL. <br /><br />My neighbors all use RoundUp but I've read in the gardening forums that it isn't a permanent solution either. Judging that the neighbors have to keep sparying, I'd say that's about right. I wouldn't even consider it though, because all the places I don't want wiregrass is near where I grow edibles. <br /><br />Sue, this is the first year I haven't battled drought! You'll love having kids and fresh milk! Goat milk mozzarella is the best in the world.<br /><br />Frenchie, my pizza sauce is very easy, directions <a href="http://my5acredream.blogspot.com/2010/07/why-my-kitchen-always-smells-like-pizza.html" rel="nofollow">here.</a> :)<br /><br />Tami, congrats on the strawberries! We're building four beds at the bottom of the garden, cuz the water puddles down there. Maybe I should plant them with strawberries!!!!!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-49701172848404850202012-08-16T05:06:04.935-04:002012-08-16T05:06:04.935-04:00My first year with Amish Paste too and "Boy, ...My first year with Amish Paste too and "Boy, Oh boy" am I in love! I'll be planting TONS of those next year.<br /><br />I planted strawberries in 3 of my raised beds keeping in mind your issues with the wiregrass. I didn't intend to plant them there this Spring, but I didn't have their "inground" bed ready when the starts came.<br /><br />Turns out the strawberries are happy as clams in the raised beds and my inground beds are covered with wiregrass.<br /><br />So it all worked out for the best. BTW, my raised beds ONLY have soil that I trucked in. Tamihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06597093453934852571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-35611886501275250442012-08-16T03:23:54.163-04:002012-08-16T03:23:54.163-04:00I hate Bermuda grass! I dig it out if I can. The r...I hate Bermuda grass! I dig it out if I can. The roots can go down 12 - 18 inches, so it is a pain to get rid of. Can you share your recipe for pizza sauce? My goal is to can our spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce and salsa for the year. We'll see how it goes! I have planted 30 tomatoes plants, mostly paste tomatoes, and 30 pepper plants. My garden didn't get planted until the first of June so things are just starting to ripen.Frenchiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05036441911167065687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-25093549268203305842012-08-16T02:56:37.737-04:002012-08-16T02:56:37.737-04:00So jealous of how productive your garden is. No wa...So jealous of how productive your garden is. No way I can grow sweet potatoes, and I love them. My garden all died off this spring, and I've been too exhausted to fight to get another going. Next year, hopefully!<br /><br />My eldest is eagerly awaiting the arrival of kids and goat milk, as he has plans for an all goat lasagna. It can't happen soon enough for him!Suehttp://www.majorasue.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-20109897756051043142012-08-15T23:21:12.756-04:002012-08-15T23:21:12.756-04:00Leigh,
If you can find 20% vinegar and mix it with...Leigh,<br />If you can find 20% vinegar and mix it with orange oil and a drop or two of soap, you can spray it on the bermuda grass and it will burn it off. Don't get it on your strawberries though as it will burn them too.<br />It is a natural alternative to the glyphosates.<br /><br />Tim in East TXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-75088736157462392482012-08-15T21:56:49.782-04:002012-08-15T21:56:49.782-04:00I hope my garden next year will look as nice as yo...I hope my garden next year will look as nice as yours!Squealing!!!we got some land Leigh back home but we got it.And I'm set up.Misty Pines Homesteadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08987279242206006833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58473333435920520582012-08-15T21:48:37.722-04:002012-08-15T21:48:37.722-04:00Oh Leigh, you just can't do everything or be i...Oh Leigh, you just can't do everything or be in two places at once. (But we still keep trying, don't we?)<br /><br />I don't think I'll ever complain about our quack grass again after realizing how truly bad your wiregrass is. At least it is possible for me to get ahead of the quack grass.<br /><br />Don't be ashamed or feel bad about your garden's appearance. Get what you can from it and know you'll have more time for it next year. All of us gardeners understand the work and hours that are involved in gardening.Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-5919572937066614912012-08-15T13:35:45.773-04:002012-08-15T13:35:45.773-04:00I had wondered what 'wire grass' was and t...I had wondered what 'wire grass' was and to find it's 'bermuda'... well, we have the same problem. It grows into our liriope lining the front walk way and always looks a mess. Your tomatoes look amazing. How do you keep hornworms away? I've cleared my garden for fall plantings. I can't wait to see what is produced. Bernadinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16587313532492965871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-87933698965475987082012-08-15T13:02:30.105-04:002012-08-15T13:02:30.105-04:00Everything looks great Leigh - even the weeds! I&...Everything looks great Leigh - even the weeds! I'm with you - it's hard to keep up as there's not enough hours in the day. You just have to pick your battle with the weeds. I like your cardboard idea...I might give that a try for the "devil" grass we have growing in Indiana.<br /><br />I love the success of your sweet potatoes! Mine failed this year!Farmers Wifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03596698067321344037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-1846175310848717082012-08-15T12:32:59.539-04:002012-08-15T12:32:59.539-04:00Love your post and pictures. Your garden is beauti...Love your post and pictures. Your garden is beautiful compared to our pathetic wannabee garden. What with the squirrels, deer, and rabbits we've been battling we've nearly given up for any kind of decent harvest this year. The critters beat us to it.<br /><br />As far as the summer going by fast . . . it's not gone by fast enough for us. It was 90 degrees at 10 o'clock last night, has been triple digits for the last couple of weeks. When will it end?<br /><br />But, I still count my blessings every day . . . life is good!<br />CaliforniaGrammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05137556336315915924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-91790163869631961522012-08-15T10:20:40.078-04:002012-08-15T10:20:40.078-04:00Carolyn, the last time we bought hay it was coasta...Carolyn, the last time we bought hay it was coastal bermuda and my goats loved it too. I suspect our wiregrass is a more primitive variety, though the do eat it and we do cut some for hay.<br /><br />Theresa, actually, that's an idea worth experimenting with, though you're right about having the time to do the work!<br /><br />Nina, so true. Rabbits are a nuisance. We have them too, but they're on the other side of the house! Riley has caught quite a few baby bunnies so hopefully they're under control(?) I reckon the deer are too big for him. ;)<br /><br />Bridget, that makes for a tough growing season. I think you have more annual rain typically and cooler temps making for a challenge for sure.<br /><br />Akannie, yes the midwest has been experiencing what we had several summers ago. I have to say that drought is worse than too much rain. As much as I dislike the humidity and the mildew is a nuisance, at least I'm not running up a huge water bill irrigating my garden!<br /><br />Bettina, the stuff is everywhere! Chevon is goat meat. Sounds better than "goat", kind of like "beef" sounds better than cow meat, and "pork" sounds better than pig. Wonder why then we just say "chicken" and "turkey"?<br /><br />Crusty, I sometimes think that summer gardening in the dead heat is just as bad as freezing temps in the winter. I'm thinking I should focus most of the production on spring and fall. <br /><br />Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-76165806503537507692012-08-15T10:09:53.318-04:002012-08-15T10:09:53.318-04:00Our ugly garden is producing squash. A decent hau...Our ugly garden is producing squash. A decent haul of winter squash. Other than that, one cantaloupe, 3 cucumbers, maybe about 25 tomatoes, and some decent hot peppers. Thassit. The heat about did us in.Crustyrustyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09478587825608882510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-14015252170903320102012-08-15T10:04:51.007-04:002012-08-15T10:04:51.007-04:00I feel with you about the grass - it's a total...I feel with you about the grass - it's a total nuisance over here, too:( as soon as you turn your back, it grows again... had to laugh about the neat garten though:) I'd take productive over neat any day! and yes, I use cardboard as well, never mind the looks, at least it keeps the weeds out! but what is "chevon"? never heard of it. <br />and the buckwheat I've sown has come up very measly:( a few lonely plants here and there - and no deer in sight! I have no idea, what happened, but it sure isn't working as a ground cover for me:( <br />well, I'd say your garden isn't looking too bad, considering how little time you had left to work it!Woolly Bitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11961632742998726155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-10415438276000561122012-08-15T09:47:17.557-04:002012-08-15T09:47:17.557-04:00We've had the opposite of your weather problem...We've had the opposite of your weather problems here in the midwest...terrible drought and temps in the hundreds for days on end. It's a miracle my garden survived as well as it did. I'm still harvesting, and have finally started my fall garden, as the temps have come down to the 80's and we got a tiny bit of rain. <br /><br />At least the seedlings won't burst into flames as they come out of the ground! lolAkanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00513632434353119491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-31701804688667086222012-08-15T09:33:18.654-04:002012-08-15T09:33:18.654-04:00Considering the weather your production is pretty ...Considering the weather your production is pretty good. Here in Ireland it's been a bad Summer too. Today is strong wind and driving rain.Bridgethttp://www.arignagardener.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42642755541460119812012-08-15T09:14:46.469-04:002012-08-15T09:14:46.469-04:00The wonderful thing about gardens, is that they wi...The wonderful thing about gardens, is that they will often still produce even when there are some weeds. I love the way cardboard works as mulch. I sometimes use it in areas where I plant seedlings, as it works so well. We fenced for bunnies this year, and it worked well for keeping the large ones out. I did see a baby bunny in there the other day but no deer issues thankfully.Ninahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07049476969325691637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-68560730030977741702012-08-15T06:58:51.204-04:002012-08-15T06:58:51.204-04:00Well, productive bests pretty I would say and whil...Well, productive bests pretty I would say and while you've been super busy with remodels and the things life throws at you, your garden is still darn productive!<br />So, is there anyway of sinking edging between paths and garden and just using that wire grass as a pathway?<br />Probably a terrible stupid idea and more work than it's worth.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09574936988046982209noreply@blogger.com