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#1
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new gardener questions
This was my first year attempting a garden of any sort.
Having sent houseplants in three states to their untimely demise, I was very wary. I read at the library, and asked folks handing out zuchinni and tomatoes at work what they did. Having gotten through the summer with more success than I really expected, I'm wondering about planting for fall, and about planning for next year. If you have advice/answers/tips, I'd love to hear them. Specifically-- 1. I think I underestimated sun requirements. I planted two beds, both semi-shady, one more so. One did ok--lots of growth with some vegetable production, the other was/is kind of sickly and sad looking. I just didn't really think 'full sun' could mean Texas sun, and now know better. The spots were picked mostly because they were areas without grass. Next spring I want to plant a new bed, in more sun. Should I tack a tarp down over the spot to kill the grass? Just pile clippings etc. on it until the grass underneath dies? 2. Should I start lettuce seedlings now, to put in the beds I have for fall? Just throw some seeds in the ground? When I tried lettuce in the spring, I got nice seedlings, but when I moved them they croaked. Or should I just spread the compost I've been cooking all summer and turn it over, and wait for spring? Can I try zuchinni again? 3. Things that did well were string beans, peppers, and cucumber. The tomatillos grew like mad--easily hundreds of flowers, but only a dozen fruit or so. Tomatoes grew ok, but only one or two, zuchinni and squash got bugs, I think. Herbs, in the very shady bed, were not happy, except one that the guy at the store called 'Portugese cilantro', I think. Next spring I'm planning on putting things right back where they did ok, tomatoes and herbs in the new, sunnier bed. Any help, info etc appreciated. Jen |
#2
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new gardener questions
wrote in message
... This was my first year attempting a garden of any sort. Having sent houseplants in three states to their untimely demise, I was very wary. I read at the library, and asked folks handing out zuchinni and tomatoes at work what they did. Having gotten through the summer with more success than I really expected, I'm wondering about planting for fall, and about planning for next year. If you have advice/answers/tips, I'd love to hear them. Specifically-- 1. I think I underestimated sun requirements. I planted two beds, both semi-shady, one more so. One did ok--lots of growth with some vegetable production, the other was/is kind of sickly and sad looking. I just didn't really think 'full sun' could mean Texas sun, and now know better. The spots were picked mostly because they were areas without grass. Next spring I want to plant a new bed, in more sun. Should I tack a tarp down over the spot to kill the grass? Just pile clippings etc. on it until the grass underneath dies? 2. Should I start lettuce seedlings now, to put in the beds I have for fall? Just throw some seeds in the ground? When I tried lettuce in the spring, I got nice seedlings, but when I moved them they croaked. Or should I just spread the compost I've been cooking all summer and turn it over, and wait for spring? Can I try zuchinni again? 3. Things that did well were string beans, peppers, and cucumber. The tomatillos grew like mad--easily hundreds of flowers, but only a dozen fruit or so. Tomatoes grew ok, but only one or two, zuchinni and squash got bugs, I think. Herbs, in the very shady bed, were not happy, except one that the guy at the store called 'Portugese cilantro', I think. Next spring I'm planning on putting things right back where they did ok, tomatoes and herbs in the new, sunnier bed. Any help, info etc appreciated. Jen If an area didn't even grow grass, it's probably not optimum for a garden. Enough compost, mulch and water will eventually improve things, but the dirt's probably in lousy shape now. Lettuce is a cool season crop here. Direct seed every few weeks in the fall/winter/early spring for a continuous crop. Fall is the best time to garden in Austin IMO, especially if you're doing perennials. Annuals too. With luck, good sun and extra attention on frosty nights, your fall tomatos may keep fruiting through February. |
#3
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new gardener questions
gribbee wrote:
If an area didn't even grow grass, it's probably not optimum for a garden. Enough compost, mulch and water will eventually improve things, but the dirt's probably in lousy shape now. Previously, one bed had ferns, the other ivy. I am going to keep working on the soil. Lettuce is a cool season crop here. Direct seed every few weeks in the fall/winter/early spring for a continuous crop. This is great to know. Hopefully I'll be more successful than I was in spring. Thanks, Jen |
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