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Phisherman[_3_] · 24-01-2010, 06:28 PM posted to rec.gardens

On Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:20:55 -0500, (EVP MAN)
wrote:

I'm new here and have been looking for just such a group as this to
discuss vegetable gardening. I'm a 61 year young male who lives in
central Pennsylvania. Last season I decided to grow some tomato plants.
Didn't know much about it though. Just dug some holes right through the
sod in my back yard about 10" in diameter each and planted (14) plants.
I wasn't expecting much but to my surprise, they done really well
especially the Jet Star plants. Needless to say, this got me hooked on
gardening big time! I've been digging up sod every chance I get. Sure
is a back breaking job By this spring I hope to have about 175 sq.
ft. of planting rows dug each being 30" wide. I even ordered 35
asparagus crowns and plan to start a bed. If possible I'd like to try
and grow all the vegetables I enjoy eating. The bug bit me hard. I got
a Tumbleweed composter, grow lights and heat mat for starting seeds and
lot's of different seeds from the net. I plan to grow tomatoes (all
kinds including heirlooms) leaf lettuce, sweet bell peppers, eggplants,
cauliflower, parsley, copra storage onions, ground cherries, turnips and
cantaloupes. The wife say's: that's enough so it looks like I have to
stop now! LOL My soil is clay so I been digging in lot's of shredded
leaves from last fall and also some home made compost. I may also mix
in a bit of dry bagged cow manure and some bagged garden soil. Any
hints or tips on any of the veggies I'll be growing will be much
appreciated ........... Rich From PA

Not everything will grow well, and some things will grow well one year
and not so good the next. Check up on companion planting and rotate
your crops. Sounds like you know about composting you will do well. I
made three round wire-fence compost bins, easy to make and move
around. No zuchinni? I have the little Honda tiller, lightweight and
does a remarkably fast job in smaller gardens. Borage is a great herb
to help draw bees and increase yield.