Sallyg, well, that gave me a smile! Last year I planted Tall Telephone peas. I was not expecting the vines to be 6' tall, That went over my 41/2' tall pea fence, LOL! I was lifting heavy ''bangs" of vine just to try and pick underneath. This year we will have a taller fence!
I also was not impressed with the peas and it's duley noted in my garden notes.
Golden Sugar Pod sound good. DH just likes them shelled so I don't plant any other kind. I should, for me, but then I need another fence :o)
Chris, it's good to know someone is minding the store for us,LOL!
Hanging in there Part 6
I just got a Bean Bible from the library and I believe it said- tall telephon are not exactly the same Pea as typical sweet peas, oddly. I should refresh my memory and report back.
Bangs and OMG pea disasters-- too funny
Sally, old timer here told me 30 years ago that the time to plant peas here was Valentines Day.! He said it always worked for him. Too bad I didn't ask him what kind! But 30 years ago it was probably "Lincoln" as there weren't the huge varieties like now. This year would have been a good year to test out his other plant by wisdom of even if there is snow as the melt will settle them right in...
Does the Bean Bible cover peas as well? Or am I just massively confused? No matter as I'm not planting either this year.
Sallyg, I think they were also heirloom peas. They were ok, just not as flavorful as I would have liked.
Bean Bible. That's a new one on me. It must be interesting reading.
Coleup, when the good ''Victory Garden'' show was on, he said they would come up thru the snow. I believe it! I do think that's a bit early for my area. I think it pays to listen to the oldsters. They sure remember a lot about gardens.
Actually my ''Victory Garden'' book by James Crockett is my Bible and the first book I pick up when I need to know what to do, month by month.
It's March it's March it's March!!!
Zone 7, I can see planting on Valentines Day, Zone 5 is Saint Pat's Day. I also read some where that the soil temp needs to be at a certain temp for germination, need to find that. Also read that some folks soak their peas before planting to aid germination. I just plant thickly most germinate and some do not, but I alway have plenty of peas to enjoy.
Yesterday was a good day, I got out to the neighborhood grocery store for some ingredients for a easy dinner and a dump cake. Then a quick drive up to our account's office to drop off our tax info. I spaced things out so I did not get over my head.
Yesterday was a dreary day, even started to spit wet snow, but today the sun is out, but cold. So glad that March is here too.
I spotted my daffodils poking out of the leaves near the porch foundation. Alway a good sign.
I'll try to check in with any pert details for the Bean Bible (which is mainly a cook book) as it does have a great chapter with details about all kinds of beans, including Latin names. THat is my kinda author!
I am going to soak my peas tonight, to plant tomorrow or THurs. But today was so pretty, when I got done with errands, before plopping in the house, I grabbed some jugs of rain water, put MiracleGro in them, and went around splashing anything that is trying to grow already- Daffs, daylilies(some) iris, naked ladies(Lycoris?) sorrel, oops I forgot the crocus and cyclamen. Took a couple refills but am feeling happy I finally fertilized daffs when they are trying to get started.
Chris, Crockett said if you are stingy with your peas they will be stingy with you, LOL! I sow thickly too!
True, soil temps can be too cold and things could rot before germinating. I don't get too excited about being the first to get garden in.
I guess someday I'll be one of those oldsters, LOL!
I took a quick walk around my yard yesterday, but the tulips all seem to be under the snow. I'll have to wait. It's colder today, so I'm happy to still stay in and recuperate. I have a check -up tomorrow and am anxious to see if my lungs are clearing. I still cough yuck up.
Sallyg, a cook book! Cool! I hve one that outlines food, more than giving recipes, and I like that!
It sure sounds good, getting out and doing something! For me it will be picking up the few sticks that came down. I keep up with them all winter :o)
OK- The Bean Bible by Aliza Green
She says Tall Telephone peas are a type of sweet pea known as an olgd english 'marrowfat pea', meaning a tasty starchy dry cooking pea. So that may explain if it isn't as sweet. Shame on them for tempting us with more peas and tall vines.
Hyacinth bean (Lablab) is edible but MUST be boiled to remove toxic compound, AND children are most vulnerable , and lablab take a long time to cook. (almost left out the noun, implying that CHILDREN take a long time to cook-ROFL!)
Lentils cook without soaking, are easy to digest, and have the second highest amount of protein of any bean (after soybeans) lentils having about 25 % protein..
I like Lentils, they are in a lot of the Amish soup mixes I buy and keep on hand. Sallg, looks like a lot of good info in that BB. With the rising cost for food it would be a good book to have on hand for a growing family. And to teach the next generation about good food. ROFl about cooking the children, LOL they can be on the tough side. LOL
As the snow melts more sticks appear, it is one of my R&R activities if the spring when the weather warms and the ground is not too soggy to walk on. Billy, I usually have enough seeds to do a 2nd sowing if some rot. Luckily I have good drainage in the veggie garden.
Sallyg, any sign of your asparagus ? I am looking forward to grilling mine again. I hope the deep freezing we had this winter doesn't effect my plants. Once you eat fresh, you don't want to go back to store bought.
I get a lot of yard sticks too- I do not like that task! It is so far down for me to bend LOL.
I will look for asparagus but this is early yet. and they got a good layer of shredded leaves last fall. But I am hoping for a good season, yum!
Sally--
A woman i work with asked today if I knew anywhere she could get
Asparagus roots--BUT--they have to be of good quality and organic.
Her home and garden is in VA--she gardens there on weekends.
Lives here and works at this HD during the week.
Any help on finding a reputable source (catalogs??) for getting
asparagus starts would be appreciated.
I may also ask here at Richardson's Farms.
Thanks, Gita
Garden watchdog is always a good place to check reputations of mail order places -- even if it's a place you've ordered from in the past, because sometimes things can change and not always for the better! I'd check fruit tree/plant sources like Stark Bros & Miller Nurseries (don't know if they have the best prices, but quality should be good).
I don't know why people get hung up on "organic" starter plants or seeds... as far as I can see, it's how you treat the plant once it's growing that makes your growing practice "organic" or not. Maybe I'm just missing something, since I don't garden organically (I try to use organic methods when I can, but my approach is more "integrated pest management" -- eg, using the least amount of the mildest chemicals when I do use chemical controls -- and I do use inorganic fertilizers).
Just sayin' that she'd probably be ahead to concentrate on getting good quality crowns and not worrying about whether or not they have organic certification.. they won't produce this year, and by the time they do I think they could be considered "organic" in her garden.
I'm hoping I'll have a willing helper for picking up yard sticks... we'll try making a game of it. Joyanna is closer to the ground, so it'll be easier for her!
Thanks, Jill---
Garden Watchdog is the first place I went to for my friend....at work--today.
I even put in that I was searching for Asparagus Starts.
and her zip code (in VA)--and ended up with 3 pages of Nurseries....
However--none of them had a phone # listed. She would have to go and look,
individually, on each name to see what they carry. NOT so easy to do for busy people!
I printed out all the pages--but that is a mind-boggling list of Nurseries with NO
further information on them.
I, personally, think she would get better results asking around the owners of Farm Stands
in this--and her VA- neighborhoods.
We have bags of Asparagus roots for sale right now at HD. I have NO idea what is good--
and what is NOT so good. She is a long-time gardener. She should know......
I will do what I can do--and then step back. Problem is--she DOES NOT have a computer--yet...
That would help a lot......
Gita
Big crowns with fat roots are good (not withered, not slimy)... but smaller/cheaper ones will grow big with a little time & TLC. ]
Miller is offering combos of 'Super Male' and 'Purple Passion' (one of the tastiest varieties I've ever eaten)... they may not be the very best crowns or the very best deal, but I don't think she could go wrong ordering from them http://www.millernurseries.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=25 or from Stark Bros http://www.starkbros.com/products/garden-plants/vegetable-and-root-crops
Thanks, Jill
I c/p the links out and will add to them as others contribute their thoughts.
I will not see her again until next Monday--so I hope there will be more input...
I will, personally, go to Richardson Farms here--a great farm-growing produce--retail place
and ask them,,,,,They are only about 3 miles from my house....
Grow their own chickens--fresh eggs--lots of in-season produce, etc...
Hope you get over your nasties! I have been living with various levels of them since
mid October.....including a 2 month bout with Bronchitis.....still not 100%....
Gita
Sallyg, well, there was more to the story than the catalog told!
Oh I know! Who really has a 9' fence waiting for tall peas, LOL!
ROTFL!! I figure there are enough good things to eat that if I need to change toxic water then I'm not that hungry!
I like lentils too. Progresso soups now have one that is easy to just open or open and add to something.
Chris, LOL over the ''tough'' kids!! It's all that running they do. The witch in Hansel and Gretel knew how to cook!
Sallyg, LOL! By the time I'm done bending for sticks I can touch my toes! That's a good thing!
Jill, my thoughts on the organics too. Most things people think are organic, haven't been grown to the strict guidelines. You really have to know your stuff.
I ordered the Jerseys from Miller Nursry and they are just coming into being picked. MY SIL gave me left- over Purple Passion and I'm anxious to see how it tastes. I'll have to wait two more years to cut tho :o)
Gita, don't tell me that! I am getting over a sinus/bronchaitis mix. I was sick, but didn't know how sick, for two weeks before getting on medicine. I have a check up today. I feel better, but am not 100% either. I sure hope you shake yours!
Jill-- one of my regrets with child rearing was NOT getting them involved in daily tasks or 'responsibilities' from the git go. You rock, Mom! Other than that I am the perfect mom
; ^)
billy, me too, they can just be pretty, same with ''poke sallat"
Gita, Agreed, I'd just tell her to order from Miller or Stark. (tell her we DG Writers said she doesn't have to buy organic LOL) Few nurseries that I visit actually stock asparagus roots. Frankly I have really struggled with asparagus, due to the beetles, so she really needs to take to heart that they need that organic MATTER in the SOIL, not worry the organically grown root crowns.
Thank you all--Jill and sally, etc...
I looked up their contact numbers and e-mails from the links.
Printed it out for her----
Too bad I won't see her until next Monday. Unless I drive to my HD today.
Doable--just 4 1/2 mi.
Gita
You've already done a lot of work for her- let her wait!
Ahhh, a new day and I am better. Still congested, but she said take Mucinex. The stuff really works!
I keep peeking at my columbine pots on the porch, LOL! I think they will do well. The snow that I packed on them melted and they are coldly moist. They re-freeze every night, so I expect to see green! I'm so excited :o)
Columbines! I'd better get cracking. I have a lot of columbine seeds I want to sow. I wasn't planning on getting sidelined by this stupid bug for a week or so. But I've done "winter sowing" clear through May before, LOL. Keeping my columbine & salvia seeds in the fridge seems to help with germination when I'm late in getting them sowed into containers.
Mucinex (aka guifennison) is great stuff. Antibiotics are also wonderful! Decided last night that my bronchitis had gone to a bacterial type, so called the doc this morning and got a z-pack. I'm not exactly cured tonight, but I'm definitely better!
Chris, thinking of you and hoping you're getting along all right this weekend.
Gosh, I kind of figured I better save the columbines for the fall. Well, at this point I think I can see all the tiny curly leaf-bunches where I have them coming up, and will maybe put some seeds in select other spots.
Mild and light rain this morning- like a 'lamb' day! Just right for my baby spinach, and pea seeds.
More crocuses blooming, shot from yesterday
'Herald'
Jill, this has been the worst Spring for every state. I hope we don't see a trend! DD had a flu shot, but thought she was getting a mild case. The Dr. prescribed tamaflu (sp?) She felt better, but we went ahead and kept the boys an extra night so she could rest. I sure hope you get over your's. None of us need anything more now.
Sallyg, I envy your plantings!! I dod stick the fireplace poker into the ground and it went down 8''! I was thrilled! Last time I was out it was frozen solid!
FlowAjen, those are really neat crocus! I've never seen any with a brown outer petal. That is one thing I keep meaning to do. Order some special crocus. I have had nothing but the free gifted ones forever, LOL! I also need a place to put them that they wen't get dug into. That's what has kept me from ordering any.
Chris, I hope you are feeling OK!
I put on my stocking cap, scarf and gloves and had a nice walk around town yesterday. It was so refreshing!
Sorry billyp but I can't help but be tickled my spinach is sprouted ! Seems like the fastest ever and maybe because the soil stays moist better right now than later in spring, or in fall, when I've tried before.
Chris I also send a hug and hope you're quietly and comfortably resting, keeping distracted, and not getting too many side effects. We luv ya!
Man! You are going to be eating spinich before you know it. I gre up with the slimy stuff in the can, but you know what, I liked it. We ate it with vinegar poured on it, even then. Now I make a curry sauce that's pretty good.
Curry Sauce
2 T. balsamic vinegar
2 T. rice vinegar
1 T. and 1 t. honey
1 t. curry powder
1/8th t. turmeric root
2 t. dijon mustard
I have last years spinich in the freezer and I'm going to have a bag for dinner, YUM!
I also took two tubs of rhubarb out and am going to make rhubarb custard pie! BIG YUM!
I better get going on that pie.
Have a great day all!
I will have to try that Curry Sauce receipe,
Ladyg, I have a ton of pic from the Phila Flower Show hopefully they will be good and you can just sit back relax and pretend you were at the show without all the crowd mess.
Holly, I am going to make it so I can use up the processed honey that is crystalizing, LOL! I did have spinich for dinner, but not the sauce. That's on my to-do list. I did get the house re-dusted :o) I actually emptied the can!
I can't wait to see your pictures too!
I think the rain has stopped for the time being. It all soaked in and I am happy about that! I shold see some crocus leaves soon. I'm really suprised they haven't pushed up yet. I looked yesterday.
One pie is gone already too :o)
When we were in Austria we had Curry Wurst, They were so good. I have often thought of them I will try your Curry Sauce on some Wurst soon. Thanks.
Ladyg here is a pic from the show just for you.
I don't think I have ever seen a Begonia with leaves this big. It was called Red Fred.
Hi, everyone, I am still here, just have not felt like socializing much. I have been having vision problems with the chemo and hands burning and itching. Seems like the effects are traveling through the body. Still resting, and getting ready for round 3 in 12 days.
Love you all.
Holly, thanks for the reminder. I now have the curry sauce ingredients on the counter.
Curry wurst. Sounds intriging since I'm not sure I like wurst.
Red fred is nice! Ny neighbor had the snail patter in her pots. They are really interesting!
Chris, I went back to see if I could find the last day of your treatment and didn't, but wondered if you were a bit under.
That must be so annoying. It just isn't an easy cure. Still saying prayers and sure hope this is over and done with, when it's done!
Love you too!! (((((HUGS)))))
I wasn't too sure about it at first myself. As the Wurst was pure white, not use to white sausages our friend that introduced us to the meal had been in Germany for a few years and kept talking about how good they were so we tried them and went back twice that week for more.
Sorry not feeling so great, Chris
Hellebore from yesterday
Holly,
I thought so :o)
I tried real German bratwurst as a teen and bleck! I tried one a few years ago because it smelled wonderful coming off the grill. Still bleck! I was so disappointed I didn't like it, LOL! And I have German in me too! I guess not enough.
FlowAjen,
Hellebores are something I still haven't planted. That's as pretty as a Snowdrop! Something else I intend to have someday :o)
Chris, a special prayer went out for you this morning! Rest and relax! Spring isn't here yet!
It's another chilly windy day here. I'm OK with staying in.
Hi everyone, just a quick check in, spotted my first robin out the front window this morning.
Going to get lunch now and more rest.
Oh man, bratwurst are AMAZING...cook 'em in beer....
Chris,our robins have really moved in, but I hear no nesting fights yet. I have heard a few cheery-ups before daybreak! They seem to like sitting in the apple tree, so I'm hoping for a nest this year. I have a tall ladder and a good zoom on the camera! I'd love to get baby shots.
FlowAjen, we can eat the ''Johnsonville'' brand brats. First we boil them gently to remove a lot of the fat. It gives them a cleaner taste. I have no beer in the house, not even for cooking, LOL!
It's funny, they smell sooo good grilling and usually if it smells good, you will like it. Not with the real one's and me :o( But I want to like them!
The oldest Grandchild was wide awake at 4:30 am. yesterday morning. ''I was awake all night Grandma!'' Well, not at 2:00 am he wasn't, LOL! That's when I checked their covers. I was up at 4:00 am and he was quiet then too, or maybe playing possum, waiting for me to settle in with my coffee :o)
They go home today. We went to West Branch yesterday, (Herbert Hoover's birthplace,) and had a delicious ice cream cone. Well, I had a hot fudge sundae with real fudge! They fell asleep on the way home :o) We'll take them home this morning instead of late afternoon.
Sounds like you're having a "grand" time, Billy!
OK, now I have to post my favorite hot fudge recipe... you won't believe how easy and good it is, way better than glop from a jar.
Old Stock's Fudge Sauce
1 square (1 oz) unsweetened baking chocolate
1/3 cup water
1 cup sugar
tablespoon or so of butter, optional
Put the chocolate and the water into a little pot over medium-high heat, stirring often as the chocolate melts so it doesn't burn. Add the butter, if desired (I often skip it). When it comes to a boil, dump in the sugar and stir to dissolve. Bring it to a boil again. If you like a thinner sauce, take it off the heat after it reaches a full rolling boil. If you want a sauce that thickens and gets a little chewy when it hits the cold ice cream, boil it for about a minute before removing from the heat.
This makes the world's BEST banana splits. :-)
This message was edited Mar 13, 2011 4:36 PM
Yum Jill--but is sugar suppose to be in the ingredient list? LOL
LOL, thanks sally... it should be 1 cup *sugar* guess I was already thinking ahead to the optional butter... sheesh!