Comments on: Welcome To My 2011 Garden-stravaganza

By: Sayward

Sayward — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:32:58 +0000

@ Kerstin – I’ve done canning and dehydrating, but my favorite is fermenting! I’ll be writing a lot more about preservation methods this year.

By: Kerstin

Kerstin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 01:58:31 +0000

I’m curious to know what to do to preserve your harvest every year (: Do you can and dehydrate?

By: Sayward

Sayward — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:30:35 +0000

@ Dani – Zinnias attract butterflies and beneficial wasps, and they also repel pests.

I thin out just by feel, but if you look on the back of seed packs there will instructions for spacing. When you plant the seeds, you sow more than you’ll actually need. Then you thin out to the proper spacing for whatever that particular plant needs.

By: Dani

Dani — Sun, 29 May 2011 21:26:14 +0000

And how do you know when/how much to “thin out”?

By: Dani

Dani — Sun, 29 May 2011 21:23:42 +0000

Why zinnias? Just for looks? Or to attract butterflies? Or do they have another beneficial role?

By: Sayward

Sayward — Sat, 28 May 2011 06:51:35 +0000

I love hearing about everybody’s gardens in all the different locations across the world! So neat, how it’s a little different for each of us.

@ Amy – 1) I keep my seedlings on a custom-built table that’s quite high, so my dogs can’t get at it. Not sure it would be kitty safe though. 2) Seedlings need more water, especially when they’re in little cups (that dry out quickly) I try to water every day – just a little! – or every other day at least. But you can listen to them and they’ll tell you when they need water. Give a splash at the first sign of droopiness. =)

@ Natasja – This looks hopeful! http://urbanpantry.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/GrowingYourOwn_Resources.pdf

By: Natasja

Natasja — Thu, 26 May 2011 05:38:54 +0000

Does anyone have any links/tips for Noob gardeners who want to set up a plot for Spring?
we are in the NZ winter and my parents live on a farmlet (pigs & sheep, and a big compost heap) so I need to know what to do to get a plot of grassy area ready for planting.
ANY help appreciated!

By: Monika {windycityvegan}

Monika {windycityvegan} — Wed, 25 May 2011 15:20:01 +0000

Beets! I completely forgot to plant beets this year. Your beds look great, and I love reading about everyone elses' gardens. Your post inspired me to get off my duff and post my own update, which is here . Happy gardening, everyone!

By: Nerdfins

Nerdfins — Wed, 25 May 2011 11:58:01 +0000

I love your garden! I just started container gardening in my apartment, and I planted a sweet red bell pepper plant in a 5 gallon pot. Unfortunately I had to bring it inside as my balcony doesn’t get enough sunlight, but I use an LED grow light on it. I also plan on planting small carrots, mint, and zinnias.

By: TeniseRae

TeniseRae — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:50:31 +0000

OH! My irises are just now getting ready to bloom, and my vibrant yellow azalea hybrid is blooming like crazy and fills my whole yard with this wonderfully sweet fragrance. I just love it. :D