*~August Food Growing Mamas~*

[FarmerCathy]

I didn't see a thread for this month so I thought I'd start one.

It's been so long since I've been on here. Such a crazy summer so far. Meeting a new man (he takes up most of my extra time), my dad being in and out of the hosp. and taking care of my mom, and putting in and maintaining the organic garden next door for the neighbors, besides my own garden, which is embarrassingly weedy. So, here I am.

Harvested a couple watermelon, more apples (which I need to make applesauce with today if I can), cherry tomatoes, summer squash, and some peaches.

So far, and maybe this is because I didn't get a chance to tie them up, but my tomatoes are not doing as well as I thought they would be doing. Besides, that side of the garden did not get built up with as much organic matter as I would have liked. Though next year I will be living in town for about 15 months so I will have a limited space, though it will be in Michigan. Anyone with Michigan planting tips are so welcome. I have no idea when to plant there yet. LOL! Way different than CA I'm sure, esp. since there will be a the snow factor. LOL!

So that's me, I hope everyone else is having awesome gardens.

[Talula Fairie]

My garden has been mostly difficulty this entire year. I found out my backyard is totally inhospitable to garden. No wonder when we moved in it was like "here is the tree and some dirt" I should have taken it as a sign that WEEDS don't even grow in my yard.

Oh, the tree. It's an elm tree, so caterpillars drop from it in droves like little death bombs. Plus it shades the entire. yard. Nothing gets enough sun to grow, NOT EVEN SHADE PLANTS. Seriously. Everything dies in there eventually, it's just a matter of time.

So I moved my containers to my front yard, which gets full sun for most of the day. However, it also is in an area that gets hit by sprinklers, so controlling watering is hard. I have some yellowing leaves but most things seem to be producing ok. I am getting some squash and tomatoes finally, so that's exciting.

But one of my tomato plants has a major disease, curly top. Again. And it's not not the full, lush garden I wish it was. I'm just so frustrated. I just don't have a house where a 'real' garden is possible. It's depressing.

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by Talula Fairie

My garden has been mostly difficulty this entire year. I found out my backyard is totally inhospitable to garden. No wonder when we moved in it was like "here is the tree and some dirt" I should have taken it as a sign that WEEDS don't even grow in my yard.

Oh, the tree. It's an elm tree, so caterpillars drop from it in droves like little death bombs. Plus it shades the entire. yard. Nothing gets enough sun to grow, NOT EVEN SHADE PLANTS. Seriously. Everything dies in there eventually, it's just a matter of time.

So I moved my containers to my front yard, which gets full sun for most of the day. However, it also is in an area that gets hit by sprinklers, so controlling watering is hard. I have some yellowing leaves but most things seem to be producing ok. I am getting some squash and tomatoes finally, so that's exciting.

But one of my tomato plants has a major disease, curly top. Again. And it's not not the full, lush garden I wish it was. I'm just so frustrated. I just don't have a house where a 'real' garden is possible. It's depressing.

If it were me. I would yank the elm, put in a thick layer of compost on the entire back yard and put in a couple fruit trees. Then you can also have some raised beds and they won't be shaded like they are now. Fruit trees, esp. the first couple years won't shade much at all. It's a thought, but it depends on how much you want to do with it. It's a good winter project.

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by FarmerCathy

If it were me. I would yank the elm, put in a thick layer of compost on the entire back yard and put in a couple fruit trees. Then you can also have some raised beds and they won't be shaded like they are now. Fruit trees, esp. the first couple years won't shade much at all. It's a thought, but it depends on how much you want to do with it. It's a good winter project.

I would too, if it were my house. We rent from a housing complex.

Also it's not just the tree shading the (tiny) yard which in no way would be big enough for a fruit tree, let alone multiple fruit trees. The actual house with covered porch shades it during one time of the day, and during another time of the day the 6' wooden fence shades it. It's pretty much full shade 100% of the time. I don't know why I was thinking the small amount of dappled light it gets would be enough to grow a garden. *sigh* I just really wanted one.

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by Talula Fairie

I would too, if it were my house. We rent from a housing complex.

Also it's not just the tree shading the (tiny) yard which in no way would be big enough for a fruit tree, let alone multiple fruit trees. The actual house with covered porch shades it during one time of the day, and during another time of the day the 6' wooden fence shades it. It's pretty much full shade 100% of the time. I don't know why I was thinking the small amount of dappled light it gets would be enough to grow a garden. *sigh* I just really wanted one.

Aw, bummer. I know the feeling. Well, atleast you can have some containers.

[lmonter]

Michigan?!?!? When did that happen? Dude! What happened to keeping me in the loop? Does this mean I'll need to put together a little packet of seeds that have done well for me up here for you to take with you?

I'd say read up on Solar Gardening (I think that's the book's name), Cold-Climate Gardening (again, I think), possibly Gardening When it Counts by Steve Solomon... and there's a bunch of other ones I've checked out from the library (ironically, mostly ILL's from the much warmer Seattle area, go figure).

So what zone are you going to be in? 4, 5, 6? You certainly won't be getting watermelons in July/early August, that's for sure.

I hope your dad's doing okay. Hospital visits just suck.
I hear you on the weeds. It's scary out there in my garden. Weeding just takes so much energy regardless of how bad they are out there. Blah.

[Talula Fairie]

Originally Posted by FarmerCathy

Aw, bummer. I know the feeling. Well, atleast you can have some containers.

This is true! And really, other than the one diseased tomato plant, a lot of my containers are doing great. I'm getting squash, tons of watermelon and cantelope blossoms (who knows if they will fruit, but the blossoms are promising), my bush beans are going nuts, everything looks pretty happy. So yay for that. My thumb is not black after all.

[lmonter]

Interesting change of topic here.

Anybody have one of these canners? I'm so totally lusting after one, and have been thinking about it for like a year or two since I saw it linked on a friend's blog. She's using it for the first time this year, and totally digs it. Now to see if I can convince hubby of it for Christmas if we've got a job by then...

[serenetabbie]

Ah Cathy, I hope your dad is ok! I am so bad at keeping up with these threads and everyone's blogs. Now that there are not blog links in sigs it's even harder for me to keep up! I can send you seeds suited for your new climate too. And hats & mittens if you need them Thanks for starting the new thread.

How are you feeling these days Lanna? That canner is awesome! I am getting new, heavy duty, restaurant quality burners put in my stove ASAP. I told DH I am not going to wait any longer, and if he wants to keep using the big heavy cast iron pans he is going to kill the stove soon (AGAIN) anyhow. After that, the next thing I am buying is a pressure canner. I wish like crazy that we had a gas range.

Lindsay, things seem to be moving along well for you! Just think, next year will turn out even better

I finally pulled all the pea vines after one more harvest. I never had such a long pea season! I harvested a few zuchinni, planted a small amount of spinach and chard for the fall and am watching the squash grow like mad! The corn has tassles, horray!! Of course, once again I have forgotten to write down what I planted in the way of squashes. I am pretty sure I have two jack-be-littles and at least one spagetti squash. Maybe a butternut. I am pretty sure I did not plant the queensland blues even though I really wanted to. I am positive there is a watermelon and some sad little freebie things that were marked "black straight neck" from the nursery. One of these days I will be organized.

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by lmonter

Michigan?!?!? When did that happen? Dude! What happened to keeping me in the loop? Does this mean I'll need to put together a little packet of seeds that have done well for me up here for you to take with you?

I'd say read up on Solar Gardening (I think that's the book's name), Cold-Climate Gardening (again, I think), possibly Gardening When it Counts by Steve Solomon... and there's a bunch of other ones I've checked out from the library (ironically, mostly ILL's from the much warmer Seattle area, go figure).

So what zone are you going to be in? 4, 5, 6? You certainly won't be getting watermelons in July/early August, that's for sure.

I hope your dad's doing okay. Hospital visits just suck.
I hear you on the weeds. It's scary out there in my garden. Weeding just takes so much energy regardless of how bad they are out there. Blah.

That's what happens when you find the man of your dreams. LOL! He wants me to manage his farm when he finishes his PhD. He's my homesteading dream man. LOL! Plus, he's my age. What a concept.

Hmmm.... I will have to look up what zone I will be in. I think 5.

Yeah, my dad is much better. Still taking awhile for his foot to heal since he is diabetic. He was almost septic, so it was pretty bad there for awhile. But he's on the mend, which is good so I'm free to go places when I need to.

Originally Posted by lmonter

Interesting change of topic here.

Anybody have one of these canners? I'm so totally lusting after one, and have been thinking about it for like a year or two since I saw it linked on a friend's blog. She's using it for the first time this year, and totally digs it. Now to see if I can convince hubby of it for Christmas if we've got a job by then...

I totally want to get that for next year. I sent Dave the link. Hehe! It's so cool!

Originally Posted by serenetabbie

Ah Cathy, I hope your dad is ok! I am so bad at keeping up with these threads and everyone's blogs. Now that there are not blog links in sigs it's even harder for me to keep up! I can send you seeds suited for your new climate too. And hats & mittens if you need them Thanks for starting the new thread.

I finally pulled all the pea vines after one more harvest. I never had such a long pea season! I harvested a few zuchinni, planted a small amount of spinach and chard for the fall and am watching the squash grow like mad! The corn has tassles, horray!! Of course, once again I have forgotten to write down what I planted in the way of squashes. I am pretty sure I have two jack-be-littles and at least one spagetti squash. Maybe a butternut. I am pretty sure I did not plant the queensland blues even though I really wanted to. I am positive there is a watermelon and some sad little freebie things that were marked "black straight neck" from the nursery. One of these days I will be organized.

Yeah, I will totally need a new wardrobe for winter. That's for sure. Going to be playing in it as much as I can. I love the snow. Though shoveling snow might get old after awhile. I hope my goat can handle it. Hehe!

Yeah, definately will need new seeds for this new climate.

[lmonter]

Laura ~ I'm still tired as all get out. First trimester suckiness, same ole same ole. Didn't you have a glass top stove that you guys killed a while ago, too? Let me know when you start shopping for a pressure canner - hubby might be able to find some deals again like he did for mine - he got it for $129 or $149, and it was regularly $180 or so at the time. And since it was from Amazon.com, free shipping to boot. Because damn, that sucker's heavy.

[PiesandAbrosmama]

Canned all week. Got a little put up. Planted some fall seeds yesterday-some squash (stays hot here up until mid/late fall), lettuce, more beets ect. Finally dug up the not so good squash plants that the squash bugs have been ravaging. Picked first watermelon I think 2 weeks early it was good but a little early. Melons popped off the vine little small ones like palm of my hand small, but very tasty! Tomatoes are doing good, having some bug issues but still producing many and there you have my week in review!

[Owen'nZoe]

Originally Posted by lmonter

Interesting change of topic here.

Anybody have one of these canners? I'm so totally lusting after one, and have been thinking about it for like a year or two since I saw it linked on a friend's blog. She's using it for the first time this year, and totally digs it. Now to see if I can convince hubby of it for Christmas if we've got a job by then...

Wow, that is huge! I'm curious, though - I know water bath canners that cover 2 burners are not considered safe, because the water between the two burners can stay a lower temp than the water directly over the burners, so jars in the center do not process properly. I wonder whether this would be an issue with these, as well?

[Owen'nZoe]

Originally Posted by FarmerCathy

Meeting a new man (he takes up most of my extra time)... Though next year I will be living in town for about 15 months so I will have a limited space, though it will be in Michigan. Anyone with Michigan planting tips are so welcome. I have no idea when to plant there yet. LOL! Way different than CA I'm sure, esp. since there will be a the snow factor. LOL!

He must be very special for you to give up your lovely climate. Congratulations!

What part of MI will you be in? I'm in neighboring WI, and my first tip is not to be swayed by the lovely descriptions for long-season varieties in the seed catalogs. Look for the varieties that mature in the shortest amount of time, and go for those. That and make sure you plant some perennial veggies as soon as you can - it is so nice to have something to eat fresh from the garden after the long winter, even if it means having sorrel so many times you start wondering how long it really takes to develop oxalic acid poisoning.

[lmonter]

Originally Posted by Owen'nZoe

Wow, that is huge! I'm curious, though - I know water bath canners that cover 2 burners are not considered safe, because the water between the two burners can stay a lower temp than the water directly over the burners, so jars in the center do not process properly. I wonder whether this would be an issue with these, as well?

Hmm, I hadn't heard this. I figure that once it's all come to a rolling boil that won't stop, the temp is even all around. And that's when I start my timer anyway.

I know I do have that problem with the warm but not hot spot in the middle of my two-burner griddle - but it's mostly because I'm in a hurry to get my pancakes or grilled cheese sandwiches done rather than wait another 5-10 minutes for it to get really, really hot. But once it's warmed up, it's just groovy.

[Owen'nZoe]

Originally Posted by lmonter

Hmm, I hadn't heard this. I figure that once it's all come to a rolling boil that won't stop, the temp is even all around. And that's when I start my timer anyway.

I know I do have that problem with the warm but not hot spot in the middle of my two-burner griddle - but it's mostly because I'm in a hurry to get my pancakes or grilled cheese sandwiches done rather than wait another 5-10 minutes for it to get really, really hot. But once it's warmed up, it's just groovy.

You know, when I was looking for info on a new canner awhile back, I read several articles that mentioned that the water directly over the two burners will be a different temp than the water that is not over the burners, but I can't find it now. I did see that the USDA says your pot should not be more than 2" larger than the burner on any side. : That said, I'm currently canning on a glass-top stove, which I read is also a no-no.

[GardenStream]

Hi everyone, I think I can now officially join into this thread. I finally deserve the title of "food growing mama" as opposed to years previous when I was more of a "mostly weeds and one pathetic tomato growing mama."

I'm hauling in about 20 or 30 pounds of produce each morning and am really struggling to find ways to use it all. About 90% of it is just going into work with my husband and people there are taking it.

I tried to use my brand new pressure canner for the first time last night on some beans. I didn't blow the place up and I did learn a few things, so that's great.

Really, I'm just waiting for something other than zucchini, summer squash, pickles and cucumbers to be ready. I saw the first hint of color on a tomato the other morning, so I have renewed hope.

[serenetabbie]

Didn't you have a glass top stove that you guys killed a while ago, too?

No Lanna, but this is our second stove. The first one came with the house and caught on fire when we tried to use it. Very exciting. This one I bought because it had the largest oven I could afford and the lady talked me out of buying the glass top saying that I could not can on it. This will be the second time I am replacing the damn burners. I tried to find a larger diameter burner, but will have to buy a commercial cook top apparently to get what I want. *sigh* So, I guess I need to settle for the standard size commercial grade burners instead... they are $30 each.

I think a lot of the problem we are having is that DH slides the pots off the burners rather than lifting them, but he would never admit to that.

Cathy, let me know via PM how big your littles are and perhaps we can hook you up with some home-made winter duds

[FarmerCathy]

Originally Posted by Owen'nZoe

He must be very special for you to give up your lovely climate. Congratulations!

What part of MI will you be in? I'm in neighboring WI, and my first tip is not to be swayed by the lovely descriptions for long-season varieties in the seed catalogs. Look for the varieties that mature in the shortest amount of time, and go for those. That and make sure you plant some perennial veggies as soon as you can - it is so nice to have something to eat fresh from the garden after the long winter, even if it means having sorrel so many times you start wondering how long it really takes to develop oxalic acid poisoning.

Yes, yes he is. Though after the last couple months with several weeks of over 100 and more days than I'd like in the 110-115 range here. I think I'm ready for a change for a bit. I won't miss the rattlesnakes either or watering every day. Though after he's done with his PhD we could go just about anywhere.

Actually just ordered some Music garlic that does well socked in snow. Very excited! Hopefully I will find out lots of info on perrenials to plant from the garden clubs there. There's like 4 or 5 clubs just in Lansing alone. He actually just got back from a conference in WI. Very rural conference so they talked a lot of Ag.

Originally Posted by serenetabbie

Cathy, let me know via PM how big your littles are and perhaps we can hook you up with some home-made winter duds

That would be so cool. Thanks!

[SAHMinHawaii]

Things are going well here. We are harvesting about 3 pints of grape and cherry tomatoes a day along with at least 1-2 lbs roma tomatoes. Some days we get 4 lbs of tomatoes! My mr. stripey tomato plant gives us the best tasting, large tomatoes. We get 2-3 every other day. At least 2 cucumbers daily as well. We are eating yellow squash at least once a week, i only have one plant. I didn't plant near enough green beans. I have been pickling cucumbers using a kosher dill recipe that doesnt use vinegar. So they are only good for a week but are eaten way before then anyway. I started my fall seeds too! yippee. Every year gets better and better. I am so tired of watering already though. I forgot to water for 2 days and my plants are looking sad. Yet they are producing so well still. I see summer veggie end in sight. The best thing for us is that we planted mostly grape tomato plants since they are our fav. We eat them like crazy.