Winter Planting

[Shirlv]

For anyone planning to garden this year here is a fun project.

https://youtu.be/Nh6IDg7Dn7k

[Irmi]

That was interesting, Shirl.

Will you be doing any container veggie planting on your deck?

[Shirlv]

Irmi, I have 3 large 12” container. When Eastridge Gardens in Centreville opens in February I’m going to buy spinach plants for one container I like spinach salad with strawberries, walnuts and feta. Lettuce plants in another container. Those are cold weather plants. But not sure after they are finished, probably herbs. Didn’t have much luck with the tomato plant last year. The local produce stands had cardboard tomato’s, no taste.

[Bethers]

Interesting video. I'd kill everything in those jugs lol

Shirl, I deleted the duplicate post for you.

[Liz]

Thanks for posting this. I have a container garden started and more planned. I’m learning a lot. It’s time to start seeds inside.

[Shirlv]

Liz, what are you planting in your containers? I searched for grape tomatoes and found
“Juliet Roma Grape” which are larger than regular grape tomato s. It is indeterminate so might end up with a monster that takes over the balcony but I need an adventure. After reading I will need a larger container and water the plant more regular than I did last

https://balconygardenweb.com/

[JudyJB]

Shirl, I used to plant tomatoes in half-barrels and then water them almost every day. Otherwise, they do not do well. But I got a ton of little tomatoes. Also staked them up in barrel.

One trick with tomatoes is to plant at least half of the plant in the soil. They will develop roots on the stem and end up as much stronger plants. My barrel tomatoes used to grow to be 6-8' tall.

[Shirlv]

Judy, half a barrel would work but there is not enough space. I also need to move container to give maintenance access to the mechanical room. I think a 24” container will do but they are pricy so still shopping.

[Liz]

Shirl, So far I have 3 raspberry plants and 2 blueberry plants in large pots. They produced a little last year, hope for a better harvest this year. I would like to grow strawberries, but first attempt was a failure. I ordered 25 bare root strawberry plants and followed all the directions carefully planting in red plastic cups to get them started indoors. A few started out with signs of growth, but ultimately all withered and died. Most looked dead already when they arrived. Think i’ll Try to get some established plants and try again with fewer. I tried tomato and eggplant that took off and grew ginormous but the many blossoms all dropped off. So will try some grape tomatoes, zucchini and summer squash, lettuce and spinach. Not sure what if anything else. I have some flowers in containers, but most are in the front butterfly garden. Will have more in the backyard this year now that the huge oak tree is gone. Still researching ideas and best planting times for my zone.

[Shirlv]

Liz, I shop at a small family owned garden center. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. Maybe you have the same in your area. It might be more economical to buy a couple of plants then seed packs. Last year was not great for gardens on the shore. I love zoodles but don’t have room for a zucchini plant. Maybe I can sneak a plant in my daughters garden while she is working.