Potatoes n mud

[Tithesmeister]

One of the funniest things I’ve seen, is a chihuahua chasing a Texas jackrabbit. It seemed like that jackrabbit would turn around and chase the chihuahua. You could see the ears on the jackrabbit running through the brush, and occasionally you’d see the chihuahua bounce into view.

[KeptByTheWord]

Our planting season doesn't start until June. I've got seeds started in the greenhouse. Because our growing season is so short, I have to start everything in the greenhouse.

Compost is like gold in the garden. Also mulching makes a world of difference. I am going to try using the pine straw for potatoes. I've also used hay straw and that works really well too. My chicken manure has finally sat for two years, and I will be using it this year in the garden.

[Esaias]

I thought too much pine needle turns the soil acidic and inhibits garden production???

[KeptByTheWord]

I use pine straw for my strawberries and raspberries already. But you're right, it may be too acidic for the potatoes.

[Tithesmeister]

Originally Posted by Esaias

I thought too much pine needle turns the soil acidic and inhibits garden production???

It can. Some locales benefit from added lime, to drop the acid content. Others would actually benefit from pine needles, because their soil is naturally low acid. Texas has typically a high content of lime in some areas. The way to know for sure is to check the ph of your soil. If it’s acidic, add lime (and probably forego the pine needles). If the ph is too low, pine needles will benefit your soil ph, and make a great mulch as well.

Ph is very important. Different plants like slightly different ph levels. Usually if you amend your soil to a balance of ph that is kind of in the middle of the range, it will work for a lot of different plants.

If your ph is out of the range of whatever plant you are trying to grow, it will behave as though it needs fertilizer. The soil can be fertile, but if the ph is off, the nutrients will not be available for the plants to take up.

[Originalist]

Originally Posted by Birddog

It was the dark of the moon, the sixth of june, a kenworth hauling logs....

By the dark of the moon - I planted
But there came an early snow

[Pressing-On]

Esaias, What do you use to thwart fireants? Big problem around here. I certainly don't want to use pesticides. Not that I am going to garden, but just curious. LOL! The only thing I would willing grow are jalapenos.

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Esaias, What do you use to thwart fireants? Big problem around here. I certainly don't want to use pesticides. Not that I am going to garden, but just curious. LOL! The only thing I would willing grow are jalapenos.

My dad lives in south Texas, and deals with the horrible fire ants. He had success treating them with Splenda. After he saw the Splenda killing the fire ants, he stopped using Splenda in his food. He said if it kills the ants, its probably killing me, lol

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

My dad lives in south Texas, and deals with the horrible fire ants. He had success treating them with Splenda. After he saw the Splenda killing the fire ants, he stopped using Splenda in his food. He said if it kills the ants, its probably killing me, lol

Oh my goodness! I am going to have to see if that works!!!!

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Esaias, What do you use to thwart fireants? Big problem around here. I certainly don't want to use pesticides. Not that I am going to garden, but just curious. LOL! The only thing I would willing grow are jalapenos.

I leave them alone. Years and years ago back when I was younger I used old gasoline. Or fresh gas, pour it on, let it soak a bit, and light it up.

Now I just ignore them. They ignore us.