I found that peppers growing with flowers that attracted pollinators did better that those that were planted by themselves. I think a splash of calendula flowers would really look nice and bring in those pollinating insects.
Greetings fellow gardeners
It is snowy and blowy and the too-many cats and I are enjoying the warmth of the woodstove. It is a nice way to spend the evening.
I will be planting some sweet peppers in the next few days, as I love them in salads. It is a good time of year to plant peppers as they like to take their time to germinate and grow.
I went straight to my seed-saving container and I have found all of the pepper seeds that are in packages, or that I have collected. There are more than I thought. Thinking over last summer I have been working on an idea of where these peppers will go. I don’t intend to have any tomatoes in the front garden, so the jalapenos can go in a container in that area. I found that peppers growing with flowers that attracted pollinators did better that those that were planted by themselves. I think a splash of calendula flowers would really look nice and bring in those pollinating insects. I won’t start the calendula yet, however, as they are very quick to grow and room on my plant stand is restricted. I won’t be starting my tomatoes yet either. Six weeks before last frost seems to work well for tomatoes.
As I have tried peppers in pots and peppers in the ground, I have decided to grow all of my peppers in pots. I can make sure they are watered regularly and I think this year I will feed them when I feed my tomatoes and roses. I love planning for the growing season.
Terracotta Pot Wreath
I spent some time at the hospital recently and, as I had to wait a while, I spent that time scrolling through gardening sites. That is a fun thing to do. After some deliberation, I decided to try the terra cotta pot wreath that I found. I can pick up some inexpensive pots and a strong cord and start experimenting. I would love to plant them up with herbs or succulents. While I would love to hang it on my front door, I would worry about the pots being jostled and possibly breaking. I think perhaps hanging it on my bird-feeding tree might work, as long as I don’t plant anything that the birds would want to pull out. I have a few other projects on the go, and talks to write, and articles to finish. I miss sitting quietly in my garden.
Judith Cox is a Master Gardener and President of the Stittsville Goulbourn Horticultural Society . The many topics covered in her blogs include starting a garden, planting seeds, selecting the best seeds, identifying specific plants, and growing produce other than what is found at the grocery store. Every issue offers solutions to common issues faced by gardeners, including wildlife, whether to water, pests, snails, and other issues. During the winter, Judith writes for local journals and newspapers, give talks at local horticultural clubs on a range of gardening topics. She also finds time to run a small business selling watercolor and pen and ink cards.
Collect your ripe seed easily and quickly with this simple guide! Learn how to identify ripe seeds, the best time to collect them, and how to protect them from hungry critters. Whether your are collecting dahlia or milkweed seeds, use this guide to ensure successful seed collection and optimal germination rate.
If have a dog, you understand the need to have a dog friendly garden. You don’t want your gorgeous plants destroyed. We give you 10 ideas.
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