Vegetable Garden

[SkyRider]

Had my soil tested before and it seems to be good.

Testing was a smart thing to do. One of the main problem is all the pesticides (some are now banned) dumped on our lawns to grow nice green grass. I'll try to find a link but I think the Health Dept said not to eat stuff grown in home gardens (also don't eat fish caught in our lakes).





I don't mind a big growth spurt once in a while.[/QUOTE]

 

[SkyRider]

"There are three basic steps: establish a level of concern, test the soil, and take action to reduce risk. The first step is to research past and present use of the land. Then you determine which of the three concern levels applies: high, medium, and low. High concern areas are those that are likely to have been exposed to harsh chemicals, such as those from dry cleaners or autobody shops. Soil in high concern areas should be avoided by making raised bed or container gardens, planting only fruit and nut trees, and reducing dust exposure by covering the ground with mulch. Medium concern areas include commercial land or those within 30 metres of a rail line or arterial (high use) road line, and these are the ones that require soil testing."

http://tyfpc.ca/news/review-torontos-guide-for-soil-testing-in-urban-gardens/

 

[GPIDEAL]

Get a dog.






Yes, love growing tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are great because they're so prolific you can just eat them right off the vine every few days.






Thanks!

You should see how big the raccoons are in my mom's neighbourhood.

 

[GPIDEAL]

Do you guys eat what you grow? If yes, are you not concerned about contaminated soil?

The soil to-day is not the same pristine soil of our Irish ancestors who grew cabbage in their gardens (hence, the name "Cabbagetown").

My mom's big garden is on originally, old vacant farmland that my dad built the house on. She doesn't have the adjacent lawn sprayed with pesticides. She grows lettuce, parsley, basil, beans, tomatoes, swiss chard, AFAIK but could include other veggies.

 

[SkyRider]

http://www.rodalenews.com/strawberries-methyl-iodide

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/toxic-pesticide-approved-for-strawberries-in-ca.html

 

[benstt]

I grew up with a large garden. Tomatoes, yellow and green beans, green onions, carrots, peas, radishes, beets, and so on were always appreciated for fresh meals. We had the bigger space stuff too - potatos, cucumbers, pumpkins, strawberries, corn, rhubarb, plus useful stuff like dill, parsley, etc. Fruit trees too. It was a lot of work, but we had great, cheap food.

I buy from farmers markets now.

 

[The Hof]

Favs last year were the blueberries, horseradish and helichrysum angustifolia... aka. curry plant.

Horseradish was smaller than I was hoping, but it was only a first attempt. Sometimes make sushi so it was nice to make my own wasabi to go with it.

The curry plant seemed to be a wild hit when rubbing it into an organic chicken and putting it under the skin to roast.

Hmmmmm, need to start thinking about this year. Rule of thumb is to always do one thing I've never done before.

 

[trm]

Peppers and eggplant are easy to grow.

 

[The Hof]

Raspberries are coming in strong as ever. Stock must be 25 years old, from my grandmothers garden. Last years blueberries didn't seem to make it, which is odd since they're prolific on Georgian Bay which has incredibly harsh winters. Hmmmmmm? I might have to buy my antioxidants!

Just realized lavender is edible, got lots of that. Thinking of something exotic, but just found out I shouldn't be growing these, because I couldn't be sharing the bounty.....

http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/simgad/8101725129467635293

 

[danmand]

I know it's a bit early but am starting to make plans for my garden this summer. I want fairly easy plants to grow without too much maintenance...sometimes I might be out of town for a week or so.


In the past I've been successful with tomatoes, lettuce, zucchini, squash, cilantro, parsley..... Want to try artichokes this summer but have never grown them before. I know there is a lot of info out there but wanted some feedback from some of you! What do you guys (or gals) grow? And any tips....?

I grow a lot of vegetables, and I am busy planting now. Tomatoes are easy to grow, productive, and beats what you buy in he store. Try some heritage beans, they are the easiest to grow, will give results even in lots of weeds. Egg plants need a bit more care, do not like weeds. Leeks and onions are also easy to grow. If you are into multi year gardening, I recommend asparagus and strawberries.

 

[MissCroft]

I grow a lot of vegetables, and I am busy planting now. Tomatoes are easy to grow, productive, and beats what you buy in he store. Try some heritage beans, they are the easiest to grow, will give results even in lots of weeds. Egg plants need a bit more care, do not like weeds. Leeks and onions are also easy to grow. If you are into multi year gardening, I recommend asparagus and strawberries.

I grow tomatoes every year. I planted asparagus seeds two years ago and got nothing - I'm guessing the animals got to them or something. Maybe try planting the crowns?


I'll try the heritage beans.

 

[SchlongConery]

Don't turnip your nose at rutabagas either.

 

[MissCroft]

Don't turnip your nose at rutabagas either.

If you try to turn my garden thread into a pun thread, I'll squash you. And I don't carrot all if you're scared.

 

[SchlongConery]

If you try to turn my garden thread into a pun thread, I'll squash you. And I don't carrot all if you're scared.

Ok, ok....jeeeez! Don't have a Caesar!

 

[MissCroft]

Ok, ok....jeeeez! Don't have a Caesar!

I'll chop you into bits. You'll be bacon me to stop.

 

[SchlongConery]

I'll chop you into bits. You'll be bacon me to stop.

Fine, you want garden puns? Lettuce begin!

 

[MissCroft]

Fine, you want garden puns? Lettuce begin!

I'll slaw-ter you.

 

[SchlongConery]

I'll slaw-ter you.

You think your grate?

I'll tossyour salad!

 

[MissCroft]

I'll tossyour salad!

Hehehe



I'll beet you to a pulp. Speaking of beets, anyone here grow them? Are they easy and low-maintenance? I'm very lazy.

 

[danmand]

I grow tomatoes every year. I planted asparagus seeds two years ago and got nothing - I'm guessing the animals got to them or something. Maybe try planting the crowns?


I'll try the heritage beans.

Better to buy a couple of roots. I am trying asparagus seeds this year, because I have an old asparagus bed, that needs to be redone.

For dry bush beens the 2 best varieties I have grown are "Black Cocoa" and "Irish Creek Annie"

A good place for heritage seeds is "Salt Spring Seeds".