tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49128278979335157772012-02-13T14:45:32.094-06:00GRANDBOB'S GARDENFrom South Central Kansas - MidWest USA. How-To Cottage Gardening For Beginners and Folks who like Playing with Plants! Please. All Photos and Articles unless otherwise stated - Copyright Robert Mader 2007 thru 2012. All Rights Reserved.GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.comBlogger1311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-53810705351166069862012-02-13T14:45:00.000-06:002012-02-13T14:45:32.109-06:00Time to Start Cool Weather Seedlings Indoors - and Other Vegetables
It may look terrible dreary outside about now ( February 13 ) But here in South Central Kansas, it’s time to start seeds for cool weather plants like Cabbages, Spinach, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Celery, Parsley etc. So start your seedlings indoors right now.Start Tomato and Pepper seedlings indoors from February 15 thru February 29. These can be started even later but will be GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-16091009374208104722011-12-28T11:37:00.006-06:002012-02-13T14:31:22.542-06:00How to Make a Miniature Kitchen Table GreenhouseHow to Make a Miniature Kitchen Table Greenhouse
Here it is, the depth of winter and I'm caught with Stevia plants that I need to keep alive till Spring when I can set them out safely. At the end of last fall, after harvesting the only Stevia plant I had - which is an annual in the Midwest U.S.; all I could do was save some of the more viable stems and try to root them. My success rate was GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-37026925928573534652011-12-25T03:55:00.002-06:002011-12-26T21:55:33.106-06:00Laying on the Hoop-House/Cloche Cover 9 of 9Laying on the CoverAt this point you are ready to lay on the plastic and securing it down. But first detach the upper section of each hinge from the Cloche Frame. Do Not detach the lower section of the Hinges from the Raised Bed. this will allow you to attach the plastic to the Frame. Close the hinges over the plastic. And screw the top of the hinges to the frame again going through the plastic.GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-71156919361738096822011-12-25T03:06:00.002-06:002011-12-26T01:56:04.551-06:00How to Make a Cloche/Hoop-House - Part 7 of 9Setting the HingesThe hinges are actually the fasteners that attach the Cloche Wooden Frame to the Raised Bed Frame. You must first attach the blocks - one on top of the other - but not connected. Use the edge of the Frame to give you a level, straight, line to screw the top 3 blocks to. After attaching these, attach the bottom blocks to the Raised Bed Timbers or Boards directly under the top GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-801115553633418922011-12-25T02:30:00.003-06:002011-12-26T01:54:34.252-06:00How to Make a Cloche/Hoop-House Part 6 of 9More on Installing the Dowel Anchor Pegs into the Frame
Wow! We're almost done with the fabrication of the Choche/Hoop-House. The last step except for setting the frame on the Raised Bed and Covering it is to Set the Dowel Anchors.You first need to cut for evenly space holes in the sides and ends of the Cloche Frame. One hole for each end and two spaced equally along the sides. The hole in this GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-80151451757212708102011-12-25T02:06:00.001-06:002011-12-26T01:53:52.431-06:00How to Build a Cloche/Hoop-House - Part 5 of 8
Making the Dowel Anchors
After Measuring of the pipe side of the dowel, Sand orrasp carefully until it fits into the correct size pipe Butnot too snugly. It should pull out easily but no wobble.
Cut the Dowel anchor off of the stock piece of dowel.
Smooth down the rough edges and round the Frame end
slightly at the edges to help ease it in. This will be glued
into the frame hole GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-50992537640926658132011-12-25T01:09:00.001-06:002011-12-26T01:53:10.676-06:00How to Build a Cloche/Hoop-House - Part 4 of 8
Making Dowel Anchors for Cloche RibsThis part is not as tricky as making the Pipe Ribs for you Cloche/Hoop-House. This is the procedure. Start on one end of the Dowel and shape the 2-1/2 end to just fit the pipe you are using. Usually the Dowel will be slightly to big. It needs to be taken down a fraction to fit. This can be quickly done with a Table Saw. Use this method only if GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-21216043818621682162011-12-24T17:43:00.003-06:002011-12-26T01:51:25.806-06:00Build a Cloche/Hoop-House - Part 3 of 8
Building The Frame for Your Cloche
We begin our project by building a simple wood frame out of our 2 X 2 X 8 Ft. Lumber. These 2 X 2's can be gotten by ripping down the middle of a 2 X 4 or just purchase them outright from your Lumber Store.
Assembling the FrameFind a flat surface like a driveway and using the Screwdriver and 4 large 3 inch deck screws, screw the 4 - 2 X 2 Frame pieces GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-45416973742051206862011-12-24T17:35:00.001-06:002011-12-26T01:48:48.206-06:00Building a Hoop-House/Cloche Part 2 of 8
Material List2 treated 2 X 4 X 8 Ft. to rip into 4 - 2 X 2's To build the Frame. If you don't have experience with a table saw, have an neighbor do it for you. Never use a table saw yourself without first getting some minimal training from an expert! They are always dangerous. You could use untreated 2 X 2 X 8 Lumber but it will not last much past one year.
1- 7/8 Inch Dowel. Usually sold GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-11516245294038433052011-12-24T17:04:00.012-06:002011-12-26T01:42:14.512-06:00Building an Inexpensive Hoophouse/Cloche for Cool Weather Gardening - Part 1 of 9
Building A Hoop-House/Cloche
IntroductionSo you want to grow a month or two longer but the quickly cooling Seasons won't allow for it. Or you'd like to set out your seedlings maybe a month or so Earlier and get a head start on the Spring Season. An expensive Greenhouse is out of the question - especially one of any practical size. And how many of us can afford the Big Power Bills of Electric GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-82531734249677159252011-12-24T13:53:00.012-06:002011-12-26T02:21:41.682-06:00Making Hoop-House/Cloche -Measuring Cover 8 of 9Measuring and Cutting the Cover to SizeYou will probably start out with a roll of plastic that looks something like this:
This roll is 3 Mil plastic purchased through Ace Hardware. It costs about $15 and is heavy enough to last you through one season - maybe two if your very careful and the weather conditions are not two brutal. Greenhouse recommended thickness is 6 mil. The thicker you get the GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-81464453867438769432011-12-17T21:28:00.000-06:002011-12-17T21:28:02.826-06:00The First Day of Winter is Just a Few Days Away!As I sit here, the sky is a brilliant blue here in South-Central Kansas. It's 2:12 in the Afternoon and the temperature is 52 degrees with absolute calm and wonderful sunshine. It doesn't get better than that for a gardener I think. I walked out this morning to my little garden and opened my Hoop-House/Cloche to the open air. It's liable to get up to 90 degrees in there if I don't and the WinterGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-67567015141546722932011-10-30T01:46:00.000-05:002011-10-30T01:46:32.759-05:00My First Fall GardenI hope you like my title picture this time. This is my first real attempt to grow a Fall Garden here in South Central Kansas. After trying to make a small Hoop-House and experimentally grow a few "Cool Weather" crops 2 winters ago and having some encouraging success, I decided to Make an English Cloche - Which is an English hoop-house of sorts except that instead of protecting a few plants, I amGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-41336038528660309442011-10-03T04:09:00.003-05:002011-12-01T17:27:23.656-06:00Growing Sweet Potato Slips for Your GardenGrowing Sweet Potato Slips by Robert Mader
Yes. Sweet Potatoes can be beautiful. You can start growing vines right now. Just pick a nice sized Sweet Potato in the grocery store. Set it in a glass of water. Soon within a week or two, you will have "slips" growing from it. If it was spring (warm enough) you could just take that potato out of the water, cut off a slip (eye with a vine starting from GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0Kansas, USA37.50972603877014 -97.3388675625000136.00396303877014 -101.07055856250001 39.01548903877014 -93.60717656250002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-88695195676153111202011-08-14T14:51:00.000-05:002011-08-14T14:51:54.506-05:00Circle of HerbsCircle of HerbsGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-52838381748209554452011-08-04T15:56:00.003-05:002011-08-10T03:25:03.210-05:00STEVIA - Propagating the Sugar Plant!Last March, I found a small Stevia plant at Dutch's Nursery on South Seneca. I've been wanting to grow this plant for years. I'd heard it was a good substitute for sugar. One teaspoon of Stevia Powdered Leaves or 2 drops of Stevis Oil equals One cup of Sugar! "200 X Sweeter than Sugar", they say. I also notice that 2 oz of Stevia Oil sells for about $12.
Here it is approaching the Ides of GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0United States37.09024 -95.7128910000000110.70899 -156.97250350000002 63.47149 -34.45327850000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-9594821272289289942011-07-11T00:23:00.000-05:002011-07-11T00:23:14.319-05:00Hi Folks! Hope you like my new Masthead Photo. I just finished getting all these Tomato Trellis' planted. I have 18 Tomato plants going now. I designed these trellisis about 10 years ago and most of them are original. I did have to re-stain them with a good outdoor Redwood Oil Stain. I had to replace 5 or 6 legs and a few slats. Not bad for 10 years of use and setting outside in all seasons and GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-55826538050515469992011-06-29T21:59:00.000-05:002011-06-29T21:59:51.500-05:00How to Grow Onions: Organic GardeningHow to Grow Onions: Organic GardeningGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-12449029202728408322011-06-29T21:42:00.000-05:002011-06-29T21:42:28.058-05:00How to Braid Onions and Garlic: Organic GardeningHow to Braid Onions and Garlic: Organic GardeningGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-53065976111752452292011-06-28T12:04:00.000-05:002011-06-28T12:04:13.064-05:00Slideshow of Pacific Junction & VideoSlideshow of Pacific Junction & Video: "TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ Slideshow of Pacific Junction ★ to Pacific Junction. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor"GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-35442772209483915492011-06-14T23:23:00.001-05:002011-06-14T23:25:33.035-05:0010 Easy Soil Tests: Organic Gardening10 Easy Soil Tests: Organic GardeningGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-59004732881606516472011-06-08T10:42:00.000-05:002011-06-08T10:42:15.931-05:00Tomatoes: A Growing Guide: Organic GardeningTomatoes: A Growing Guide: Organic Gardening A fine guide on Growing Tomatoes. You Can't Beat Organic Gardening Magazine. Try out one of it's free Magazines! GrandBobGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-4543941646714522792011-06-08T10:24:00.000-05:002011-06-08T10:24:48.497-05:0010 Tips for Growing Awesome Tomatoes: Organic Gardening10 Tips for Growing Awesome Tomatoes: Organic Gardening You can always learn something new about a Garden Standard - Tomatoes - From Organic Gardening. Check out this article!GrandBobGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-34671890398839576192011-06-08T10:23:00.000-05:002011-06-08T10:23:06.605-05:00How to Grow Corn: Organic GardeningHow to Grow Corn: Organic Gardening I learned a few things from this article I didn't know about growing Sweet Corn. Check out this article from Organic Gardening. GrandBobGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-4804014672075803462011-06-08T10:19:00.000-05:002011-06-08T10:19:47.676-05:00Strawberry: Organic GardeningStrawberry: Organic Gardening Another great article from Organic Gardening Magazine. I would recommend a subscription if you are serious about Gardening. GrandBobGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-57059008062086483142011-06-08T09:14:00.000-05:002011-06-08T09:14:25.080-05:00How to Grow Leeks - Vegetable GardenerHow to Grow Leeks - Vegetable GardenerAnother timely article from Vegetable Gardener that I think you Won't jWant to Miss!I tried them a year or two ago and it really was an amazing experience! Try a few this year!GrandBobGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-19172012191488568422011-06-08T09:11:00.000-05:002011-06-08T09:11:27.604-05:00How to Grow Watermelons - Vegetable GardenerHow to Grow Watermelons - Vegetable GardenerA great article from Vegetable Gardener. Don't miss it if you wonder how to grow and pick Watermelons!GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-37536628254810269262011-05-15T01:14:00.001-05:002011-05-15T01:20:17.126-05:00Build a Nice Sturdy Parson Table that Fits You For Your Garden or PatioComplete Drawn-out Plans Follow Immediately After this Information For those who Want to Dig Right In
I designed this little Parsons Table so I could have something that I could sit down to on my Patio Deck or even in my Garden. And do a little Plant work like potting or seeding heads... or just have some place to set a nice big pitcher of ice tea on those really hot days. Add a few sprigs of GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-54781526321148058662011-04-12T19:43:00.000-05:002011-04-12T19:43:27.420-05:00Good Time to Plant Potatoes and Onions
WHEN TO PLANT POTATOESSo here it is. April 12, the month is almost half over and you were supposed to have planted Potatoes on St. Patricks Day - Traditionally. But St. Patrick was a magnaminous fellow and I'm sure he will let it slide if you couldn't plant Potatoes until now. Actually, according to plant nurseries near here, in Wichita, Kansas, Up until Mid April in South Central Kansas isGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-6785637178040724532011-04-11T23:11:00.000-05:002011-04-11T23:11:43.266-05:00Growing a Bonsai Tree is Easier than You ThinkGrowing a Bonsai Tree is Easier than You ThinkGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-87466793875706967862011-04-07T00:34:00.000-05:002011-04-07T00:34:25.806-05:00Starting Anchovies - ahh - Artichokes under a Light Bulb.Had to show you my baby Anchovies - ahh - Artichokes! Took this about 5 minutes ago. Raising them with a 26watt fluorescent (100 Watts Equivalent Incandesent) light bulb in a goose neck-lamp. There were only 10 seeds in the pack for over $2! 9 come up and are now ready to tranfer into pots and into the Mini-Planter on the Patio - till I can plant them out in the garden or give them away.GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-44121272236232626402011-04-06T22:19:00.000-05:002011-04-06T22:19:44.106-05:00GRANDBOB'S GARDEN: How to Build a Worm Compost BoxGRANDBOB'S GARDEN: How to Build a Worm Compost BoxGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-61153912963670443812011-04-06T22:18:00.000-05:002011-04-06T22:18:09.550-05:00How to Build a Worm Compost BoxI figured this might come in handy for those who know how to do simply carpentry. I have not built this box yet but being an amateur carpenter it looks solid and practical. Since this is not my article, I am providing a link to it.
http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/wormbins.htm
Now if I can just find those dad-burn worms!GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-82019510310229915742011-03-16T11:00:00.007-05:002011-03-18T22:18:00.480-05:00Start Cabbage Seedlings
Addendum - March 18, 2011 - Cabbages like it cool and will stop growing when the weather gets hot. Also Cabbages require 2 inches of rainfall or equivalent watering a week. Using shade cloth could lower the temperatures and also save you on water. If you can't find it locally, there are several gardening catalogs where you may acquire it. Check your local gardening outlets first. If that GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-40058860811099226292011-03-14T22:19:00.000-05:002011-03-14T22:18:22.785-05:00Hurray! Garden Time!This Just Out! 20 feet of Radishes Planted out Today! Talk about the gardening bug. I have it bad! I hope to put out some Onions too in the next few days when I get up enough energy to dig up another raised bed. About 11:00 am this morning my "WeatherBug" program said that it was only 36 degrees out but it was Calm and the sun was shining. I thought, "Well, Burpees planting guide saysGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-50928736517159585442011-01-10T18:26:00.000-06:002011-01-10T18:26:25.319-06:00How to Start Seedling Tomatoes and Peppers Before Spring
Question: "How can I save "found Tomato and Pepper Seeds in the Garden?"
If you found some peppers and tomatoes in last years garden, they are probably pretty dried out all ready. No problem. Just cut them open and scrape the seeds out. If they don't look black and dusty gray, they probably are viable. They probably are stuck together in GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-66302105733361209962010-09-30T10:42:00.002-05:002010-09-30T11:03:49.466-05:00Leek - The Onion that grows Up - not Out
[Attachment(s) from rlmader1 included below]
If you have never grown Leek, they are very unusual plants for someone who
normally plants just the old favorites.
You know, Tomatoes, Cabbages, Radishes, Green Peppers, etc. However, I would
encourage you to give them a try. Not only are they handy in the kitchen,
they actually are beautiful plants when planted in bunches and allowed to
GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-19501014402300572432010-09-15T07:52:00.000-05:002010-09-15T07:52:35.606-05:00Who needs hostas?? - Fine GardeningWho needs hostas?? - Fine GardeningGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-62931977585001916702010-09-12T21:22:00.001-05:002011-12-29T01:27:42.900-06:00How to Get Cheap (but Great) Potted Plant MarkersI tried to find inexpensive plant markers for my potted plants as well as for my raised bed plants. I had nearly a thousand potted plants with various tomato plants, peppers, herbs, etc. this spring and I was racking my brain. If you noticed, the Big Box Stores and Plant Nurseries are peddling these little packages of 8 or 10 plastic strips for around $3.00. They probably got them from China forGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-23629333853681967322010-08-20T23:53:00.000-05:002010-08-20T23:54:02.995-05:00Re: [gardenmessenger] Saving SeedsA Short Course in Storing Seeds From Your Garden and How to Test Their Viability (Germination Rate) Seed Storage Containers Pill Bottles are great. You can usually purchase new ones at any pharmacy. Also, if you can find them, Change Envelopes are good. Your best bet for finding these is an Office Supply Store. Staples, Office Max, Etc. Or use a regular letter envelope - used or new - GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-38945665046051366562010-08-11T09:30:00.003-05:002010-08-12T01:38:41.478-05:00How to Contain Mint and Strawberries
I just received a question from one of my readers about controlling Mint and Strawberry plants. This short article should give you some ideas to get you started.
M I N T
For mint, since we usually don't use more than what can grow in a square foot of space or less; find an old deep cooking pot. Something like you might use to can pickles and tomatoes. A waterbath container. This should beGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-53966594752468053002010-08-02T21:20:00.003-05:002010-08-02T21:53:33.988-05:00How to Clone Tomato Plants!
How to Clone Tomato Plants
Say you have a favorite tomato plant and just before it is supposed to produce fruit - so you can save seeds - a big windstorm tears the tomato plant to pieces the night before. You may never get any new seeds. What can you do? You can take the few sticks left and Clone it! That is, start genetically identical plants from the broken branches of the plant. Here is GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-50703413342900607372010-08-02T13:18:00.001-05:002010-08-02T13:18:19.862-05:00Cloning Tomato Plants How to Clone Tomato Plants Say you have a favorite tomato plant and just before it is supposed to produce fruit - so you can save seeds - a big windstorm tears the tomato plant to pieces the night before. You may never get any new seeds. What can you do? You can take the few sticks left and Clone it! That is start genetically identical plants from the broken branches of the plant. And GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-54961258730195050012010-07-07T06:17:00.000-05:002010-07-07T06:17:24.389-05:00READER PHOTO! A faux borrowed view - Fine GardeningREADER PHOTO! A faux borrowed view - Fine GardeningGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-5645958554896301702010-07-07T06:06:00.000-05:002010-07-07T06:06:37.764-05:00Pruning Tomatoes - Fine Gardening ArticlePruning Tomatoes - Fine Gardening ArticleGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-43836624626672735092010-07-07T06:03:00.000-05:002010-07-07T06:03:38.653-05:00Tomatoes with a Past - Fine Gardening ArticleTomatoes with a Past - Fine Gardening ArticleGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-25556055118343626422010-07-07T05:35:00.000-05:002010-07-07T05:35:06.686-05:00READER PHOTO! A faux borrowed view - Fine GardeningREADER PHOTO! A faux borrowed view - Fine GardeningGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-40982812981595894742010-06-28T22:31:00.001-05:002010-06-28T22:47:41.853-05:00SEED POTATOES FROM THE GROCERY STORE???!Haven't you ever wandered wether you could grow decent potatoes from the grocery store potatoes with sprouts on them-because you forgot about them? I did!This year, after buying several varieties from the garden store at the rate of 6 for $3.00, I got to wandering. Can you actually start potatoes from the ones in the store that are sometimes on sale for less than $3.00 for 5 pounds? Have GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-76450870183406261892010-06-25T09:25:00.000-05:002010-06-25T09:26:01.411-05:00A Potato Plant With "Fruit" on it! What?I am hoping there is someone out there with more knowledge of growing potatoes than me. My potatoes are mature and the plants are dieing down. They are pretty much ready to dig now. However, on one of the dieing down plants, are 3 tomato shaped, ping-pong sized "Fruits" on it. What are they? Some kind of Potato Seed? I understand tomatoes and potatoes are related. Is this a Tomato-Potato? GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-18562941423519259932010-06-21T11:41:00.002-05:002010-06-23T00:34:37.311-05:00Current Radar Peek at our Weather -11:36 - and Potting Phenomena With HeatWave Tomatoes.A peak at our weather. I bet we're going to get some of that stuff up in the Northern part of Central US. Although nothings predicted for today except Hot, Hot, Hot. I was late watering my small potted plants yesterday (Fathers Day). When I got home, it was just in the nick of time too ... I have noticed a curious phenomena just this gardening season. ( I'm a little slow...)In late GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-79513760283961357542010-05-30T13:19:00.023-05:002010-05-30T14:16:01.098-05:00How To Fight Tomato Blight Before it Starts!
Actually, there is no real way to avoid Tomato Blight completely. The spores live in the soil from year to year and when the conditions are right (as they were last year all over the US) nothing can completely stop it.
Last year we had a lot of moisture and cool weather that made conditions perfect for Tomato Blight. We were actually hit with the same blight that hit Ireland in the 1840's andGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-86199567548401172522010-05-23T04:07:00.246-05:002010-05-23T14:41:59.106-05:00Make This Handy Dandy Compost Sifter
Step - by - Step Building Instructions
for your own Compost Sifter
Several years ago when I was still very green behind the ears, I decided to learn how to make my own soil mixes for seed starting, potting soil and raised bed gardening. I soon found out that if I was to use composted leaves, kitchen greens, commercial top soil and bagged manure to make my own mixes; I would need an easy, GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-9576518036476555152010-05-17T00:28:00.000-05:002010-05-17T00:28:32.234-05:00Germination tables from Heirloom Seeds - Know when to plant all your vegetables.Germination tables from Heirloom Seeds - Know when to plantall your vegetables.GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-31377888157158207882010-05-04T03:20:00.000-05:002010-05-04T03:20:29.071-05:00Why Are My Tomato Plants Smaller?
I heard this comment made a few days ago about starting Tomato and Pepper Plants. One of my readers said, "My plants are so small compared to the Nurseries and Big Box Stores. What am I doing wrong?"
My Answer:
My plants are also small compared to the Nurseries! Not to worry.
I think I start my tomatoes at the right time. From the First of March through MidGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-87728162450790878442010-04-10T21:43:00.000-05:002010-04-10T21:43:32.457-05:00Starting a Little Produce Business at Your Local Farmers Market -TipsDear Folks;
First a Note:
I felt that this information was too important to just share with one person who asked me about how to set up as a vendor at a Farmers Market.
So I decided to write this short little article of tips that I have learned in the short time I have been a vendor at the HomeTown Market here. I will also be putting it on my 2 yahoo groups. So. You got it first here...GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-4425059348329032972010-03-12T13:35:00.003-06:002010-03-20T15:42:02.627-05:00Start Potatoes Soon For a Good Crop
Soon it will be time to plant potatoes in the South Central Kansas – and all zone 6 areas. Now is the time to go to your local nursery and pick out some good “Seed Potatoes”. Planting time is only a week or 2 away!
How Many Seed Potatoes Should I Buy?The going rate for seed potatoes here in Wichita, Kansas is about 89 Cents a pound. I would suggest at leastGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-64557723389502562502010-02-25T23:21:00.000-06:002010-02-25T23:21:07.786-06:00How To Grow Strawberries Hi Folks!Thinking about planting strawberries this year? Me too! Jonnsons Garden Center here in Wichita just sent me their monthly newsletter - on real paper (no e-mail for them) and are saying to get ready to Plant Strawberries around the Middle of March in our South Central Kansas Area. We are in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b. That means you have about 2 weeksGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-90321542467559085132010-02-25T23:11:00.000-06:002010-02-25T23:11:12.446-06:00How To Grow StrawberriesHi Folks!Thinking about planting strawberries this year? Me too! Jonnsons Garden Center here in Wichita just sent me their monthly newsletter - on real paper (no e-mail for them) and are saying to get ready to Plant Strawberries around the Middle of March in our South Central Kansas Area. We are in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6b. That means you have about 2 weeks or 3 weeks before planting timeGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-3577218081628400492010-02-12T13:35:00.000-06:002010-02-12T13:35:19.563-06:00Make Your Own Mini-Meadow with Ornamental Grasses - The Home Depot - Garden ClubMake Your Own Mini-Meadow with Ornamental Grasses - The Home Depot - Garden ClubGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-71345989513230768742009-12-23T12:18:00.000-06:002009-12-23T12:18:37.379-06:00How Bad is Monsanto? Mother Earth News ArticleMonsanto is constantly adding new food plants to its ensemble of “Roundup Ready” varieties that resist herbicide damage, and Dow has soybeans that survive being sprayed with 2-4D. That’s my planet, my water we’re talking about. There is so much Bt corn pollen out there that no garden is safe from it, and rotting residue from Bt plants is messing with the life cycles of stream-dwelling insects. GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-66277148850089738632009-12-22T09:26:00.001-06:002010-01-24T13:20:38.727-06:00Revenge of the Chili Pepper!I run across this British Video which graphically illustrates why Chili Peppers are so Hot for people and yet not hot at all for Birds. Watch this fun vidio
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1559540565?bctid=58363266001
I recently had experience with drying Chili Peppers. Unfortunately, while handling a few for the seeds, I failed to use protective gloves on my hands. My hands are GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-14218996456061190712009-10-22T04:51:00.000-05:002009-10-22T04:51:37.318-05:00Old Fashioned RAG RUGLike GrandMa used to make out of old rags. So Cumfy on your feet. Make it big. Make it small. Make it plain or make it colorful. And its fun!
Mother Earth News Link to a short fun article showing you and your kids ( who will want to help ) how to make it in just a few hours.
http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Remodeling-Redecorating/2008-01-01/Try-This-Snug-Rug.aspx?utm_content=10.21.09+DIY&GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-39839250895949322712009-10-05T13:12:00.001-05:002010-02-12T13:30:45.018-06:00Bobs Journal - Transplant Tedium and Little Green OnionsI can just hear people say, "My Gosh!, How tedious!"
And- "Planting pencil lead sized onions into tiny little holes must be boring!"
And, "I wouldn't have the patience for it." (Translates into, 'This sounds like work...and I'm really lazy....!"
So, Yes and No. It's only tedious if you have something more important to do. Or you'r afraid of a tiny bit of work - or you "just don't enjoy that GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-25667570576177927012009-09-26T00:08:00.002-05:002009-09-26T00:17:43.385-05:00Grow Your Best Fall Garden - Mother Earth News LinkFilling garden space vacated by spring crops with summer-sown vegetables will keep your garden productive well into fall, and even winter. Here's expert advice on the second half of the gardening season, including a planting guide.
http://ipost.com/rd/9z1z1tr75hjh7ncknlkhjtqrb28ig4rphgdnct7s97oGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-1399113807165184532009-09-20T06:58:00.000-05:002009-09-20T06:58:41.783-05:00Paula Deens Peach CobblerGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-7491214483316242462009-09-18T01:53:00.003-05:002009-09-18T02:13:02.562-05:00How to Make Candy Apples
Candy apples recipe
GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-55887264500133373722009-09-16T18:19:00.001-05:002009-09-17T17:21:46.528-05:00Spring is Always Late in Western KansasI'm from near Oakley, Kansas where I grew up on a small cattle and wheat farm. The small town of Oakley is where Interstate 70 "dog-legs" Northwards up towards Colby, Levant and Goodland and into the Colorado foothills; as you probably already know. It is truly "flat-land" country all the way to the Colorado line where the land starts to rise and ripple and grow into the foothills and finally atGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-65270190568016757862009-09-14T13:23:00.000-05:002009-09-14T13:23:16.878-05:00H1N1 Flu - Symptoms-Prevention - Direct Link to Mother Earth NewsLearn all about H1N1 (swine flu) and the seasonal flu viruses, including how H1N1 developed, how flu viruses spread, how to prevent the flu, and who's most at risk to get these flu viruses. Plus, read about natural flu prevention and treatment options — from herbal supplements to vitamin D recommendations — and find links to even more useful information. http://ipost.com/rd/GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-52655528126847190092009-09-02T14:54:00.022-05:002009-09-03T11:40:03.810-05:00How To Save Tomato SeedsIt's roundup time for most gardeners. Clean up the garden a bit. Put up the tools. Sit back with a cold beer or glass of ice tea and just rest awhile in the shade. Enjoy the coming fall. The cool. The color. The pollens... Even the butterflies. Yesterday, I was carrying out some fermented juice from a muskmelon which is a by product of extracting seeds from pulp. Anyway, I spilled the tiniest bitGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-89105432449152523842009-08-28T09:28:00.002-05:002009-08-28T09:31:33.213-05:00FRIED GREEN TOMATOES VIDEO - PAULA DEENGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-55554672809310138212009-08-25T01:30:00.005-05:002009-08-26T11:50:59.053-05:00Homemade Dill PicklesAs you probably noticed, the new banner picture at the top is dedicated to Home Canning. It's going on Fast and Furious here. Especially Dill and Bread and Butter Pickles.The Butter Pickles are the ones with the fancy red peppers and spices in the picture.Rather than reinvent the wheel, I found this great article by Bobbi Rightmyer in the Kansas City Examiner. Including an easy to follow recipe. GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-45711047114538658892009-08-24T01:46:00.004-05:002009-08-24T02:07:35.731-05:00What is Bonemeal Good for? - eHow ArticleClick Below:What is Bonemeal Good for? | eHow.comShared via AddThisGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-79276378531553339922009-08-23T22:43:00.003-05:002009-08-24T00:06:17.786-05:00Beautiful 12 Year Old Voice for a Beautiful CauseWonderful 7th Grade girl sings "Keep Holding On!" with her guitar for her 4 year old friend - who is suffering from a form of Neural Cancer. YouTube Video:Check out: http://Taylor.OrgGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-79421926339623601542009-08-22T14:23:00.013-05:002009-08-22T17:55:23.981-05:00How To Dry Hot PeppersWhat do you do when you don't want to Pickle a Peck of Picked Peppers? You String 'em Up!By Pat MaderA close friend planted a really huge Garden, to which they added a variety of Peppers. Bob wanted to add to his growing collection of Hot Pepper Seeds so he dropped a little hint. He brought over several large coffee cans - for putting around their Tomatoes and Bell Peppers, and several 1-inch GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-24633504450076569792009-08-09T01:47:00.001-05:002009-08-09T01:47:44.594-05:00On Tour With the Godfather of Wheat | Daily Yonder | Keep It RuralOn Tour With the Godfather of Wheat | Daily Yonder | Keep It RuralShared via AddThisGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-35696283662731216762009-08-08T14:52:00.003-05:002009-08-08T15:24:20.489-05:00Great Video Link - Make Your Own Potting SoilSave a ton of money on Potting Soil. Make your own Basic Mix. Even add your own organic fertilizer. Video Link:http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid4130888001?bctid=1913290557Small Town Folks and Farmers are the True Heart of the America!Join us at: HaysvilleFarmAndGardenNews@yahoogroups.comTell us whats happening in your small Farm Town. Write about your Gardening news, tips and GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-58044933015543191802009-08-06T11:38:00.016-05:002009-08-06T17:57:42.656-05:00Pork Loin Roast and Fresh Baked VegetablesPrepared by Amber Coffman Amber lives in South Central Kansas near Wichita, Kansas. It's her first Real Garden - and what a lovely one it is!After a few fits and starts, She and her husband Dan soon had a beautifully laid out garden. They tilled, laid out, and planted with every kind of vegetable they could think of. And now it's loaded with Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Okra, GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-50160361678224250282009-07-27T10:15:00.001-05:002009-07-27T10:15:45.663-05:00Pineapple Zucchini Bread Recipe | Recipe4LivingPineapple Zucchini Bread Recipe | Recipe4LivingPosted using ShareThisGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-90355490507088659812009-07-27T10:11:00.001-05:002009-07-27T10:11:58.667-05:00Honey Zucchini Bread Recipe | Recipe4LivingHoney Zucchini Bread Recipe | Recipe4LivingPosted using ShareThisGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-36305366668490392212009-07-27T10:05:00.001-05:002009-07-27T10:05:50.277-05:00Zucchini Bread Recipe | Recipe4LivingZucchini Bread Recipe | Recipe4LivingPosted using ShareThisGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-14476759616496278282009-07-22T19:35:00.004-05:002009-07-22T19:53:46.222-05:00How to Make Stonehenge Pots!Ovea a thousand years ago, the ancients of Europe made pots and planters out of blocks of stone. A few can still be found near the doorways of thached roof cottages in England today - still growing plants! Here is a Wikihow on making look-a-likes that are much lighter. Note: Due to their alkilinity, plants that like alkaline soilwill flourish. Acid loving plants - as in most vegetables and Roses GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-18401004261235596322009-07-01T22:32:00.001-05:002009-07-01T22:34:49.977-05:00How To Make an Apple Pie - VideoFrom Recipe4Living.ComHow to make an apple pieGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-34369264679532530062009-06-26T18:49:00.001-05:002009-06-26T18:55:03.353-05:00Bruce Springstean - Pay Me My Money Down-Songhttp://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Pay_Me_My_Money_Down/944127Copy and paste this link to your Browser to hear this fun song by the Boss!GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-10630026816598293972009-06-26T17:47:00.002-05:002009-06-26T18:18:00.082-05:00To Much Fertilizer and Electronic Soil TestersSometimes we don't think to much about pouring on great amounts of soil amendments like Cow Manure to increase soil fertility - or Pine Needles or Cotton Boll etc. to help the til of the soil. With just a little for sight and study, it could mean the difference between Great Soil and Disastrous Soil. Pine needles for example, are highly acid. They are a great amendment in itself if you need less GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-13883552396345231442009-06-26T12:03:00.003-05:002009-06-26T12:29:42.766-05:00HOW TO PRUNE TOMATO PLANTS - VIDEO LINKA lot of people swear that we should prune tomatoes. The Indeterminate kind that produce through a season rather than over a short 2 or 3 week kind. This video from Fine Gardening Magazine (Sister to Fine Woodworking) by Tuton press gives you the basics of pruning. Even if you do not do pruning and let your Tomato Plants bush all over, you should pinch off all growth along the main stem of a GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-13957855671139345422009-06-19T18:48:00.003-05:002009-06-19T19:00:12.225-05:00SWEET POTATO IN A JAR - 5TH WEEK - STANDING TALL!I intended to catch a shot of our Sweet Potato in a Jar last week which would have been a whole month since we selected it from the grocery store and plunked it in a jar of water. About once a week I changed the water. Eventually, I will have to take it out and pot it. But It can go for months with no problem. I plan on adding very diluted Miracle Grow about one a month. Come back in a few weeks GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-37259075844567040532009-06-18T00:01:00.000-05:002009-06-18T00:02:26.872-05:00How To Make A Worm Tower - Guest VideoGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-33583507733764061192009-06-11T15:25:00.013-05:002009-06-26T03:27:10.076-05:00Gardening for the Health of ItCan Early Retirement Save Your Life?(Don't show this to your kids - they might try it!)This letter was written in response to another in one of the garden groups I frequent. The owner of the group did not publish it because she felt that I was getting a free advertising ride at her groups expense - Since I run my own blog. So I sent it to several other garden groups where the owners didn't feel GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-2516704574460873162009-06-09T23:43:00.003-05:002009-06-10T11:50:10.941-05:00Amazing Look into the throat of a Wyoming Tornado!INTO THE VORTEXOne of the most amazing Tornado videos ever shot of a live tornado turning "Top Towards the tornado chasers! Only 2 miles away!TO VIEW: COPY AND PASTE THIS ADDRESS INTO YOUR BROWSER ADDRESS AREA:http://www.weather.com/multimedia/videoplayer.html?from=email&bcpid=823425597&bclid=877032950&bctid=25680338001GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-65412529422191340632009-06-09T08:18:00.006-05:002009-06-09T10:55:01.463-05:00BREAKING GARDEN NEWS! - Slugs and Snails - Amazing Organic Pesticide Discovered in Your Kitchen! "Slugging It Out With Caffeine" by Janet Raleff"Anyone who has raised tomatoes in a moist environment knows the tell-tale sign:Overnight, a ripe orb sustains a huge oozing wound. If you arrive early, you might catch the dastardly culprit; a slug.Who would have thought that a defense was as close as your coffee cup?"Check out the full article at:http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/2865/GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-63523084696059536282009-06-06T14:45:00.000-05:002009-06-06T14:47:10.384-05:00HOW TO GROW A TOMATO PLANTHow'>http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Tomato-Plant">How to Grow a Tomato Plantfrom wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can EditAre you yearning to grow your own sweet, juicy tomatoes? Luckily for you, tomato plants can grow almost anywhere. But as with most vegetation that produce a fruit, a little "tender, loving care" or TLC goes a long way. With adequate sunlight, water, and patience, you'll be GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-73267886356066375562009-06-06T14:25:00.000-05:002009-06-06T14:25:12.600-05:00How to Grow a Tomato Plant - wikiHowHow to Grow a Tomato Plant - wikiHowGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-89119709647548645352009-06-03T23:44:00.003-05:002009-06-05T13:29:21.479-05:00Why Are My Radishes All Leaves? - Also Lettuce Growing HintsRecently, a young man wrote to a local garden group about the trouble he was having growing radishes. They were always straggly! All leaves. No radish bulbs. Stringy roots. The usual reason, lack of thinning-severely. This is what I wrote:"I've seen it time and time again especially with so many new gardeners. They don't read the package or, worse yet, the seed company failed to clearly tell themGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-78005559796043188492009-05-23T00:27:00.008-05:002009-06-05T13:34:17.464-05:00Invasion of the Monster Onions - And Making a Raised Bed - Easy!Invasion of the Monster Onions!These Volunteer (Second Year) Onions are getting entirely out of hand! Does anyone know if they might be dangerous? They seemed to be pretty tame when I took this picture yesterday. The're certainly outgrowing the onion patch! I'm afraid they may get too confident and leave the onion patch. And get out of the garden gate! Then What?Does anyone know how to collect GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-91262594339960258142009-05-20T14:29:00.004-05:002009-05-20T16:13:48.252-05:00How To Start A Weeping Willow From a Twig!How to start your own forest of weeping willows! This is how I did it last year: I cut about 20 - 12 inch or so long new branches in early spring. Cut the ends as a diagonal cut about 1/2 inches or so. Be Careful.Do not use a dull knife. It's true, a dull knife is more likely to get you than a sharp one. Dull knives slip and tear. Keep children (and grown-up kids) at a safe distance away from GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-48022149272618003732009-05-15T18:57:00.010-05:002009-06-05T14:22:11.528-05:00How to Grow A Beautiful Sweet Potato Vine in Your KitchenHere's the Basics:Find one nice Sweet Potato at the grocery store -preferably long and skinny , anywhere from 4 to 6 inches long with a lot of eyes, - indentions where potatoes make roots and leaves. (They do look kinda like eyes indentions.)At about 1/3 to 1/2 of the potatoe length down, stick 4 toothpicks firmly into the potato - like spokes opposite each other - all at the same level, ( they GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-79386760310965007412009-04-30T23:08:00.023-05:002009-05-01T23:05:12.759-05:00Transplanting Tomato Seedlings Into Pots
So you have a couple hundred seedlings in a tray and it's definitely time to put them into pots.
I found myself in that situation when several hundred seeds that I was "fermenting" in water suddenly sprouted. The fermentation process is used for loosening the jell around seeds fresh out of the mother tomato so that they can be rinsed clean and dried without sticking together and put into GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-69807843560825524562009-04-14T15:17:00.000-05:002009-04-14T15:19:18.171-05:00Build a Garden Shed
How to Build a Shed
from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
A shed solves a lot of storage needs for outdoor tools and equipment. It is also a great place for work projects that won't clutter up the garage. A shed like the one in this article is very basic and simple to construct. If you are looking for a more stylized shed, you should go through some of the "Handyman" type GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-72980611399909423212009-04-05T21:52:00.010-05:002009-04-15T09:10:46.366-05:00The Great Yoder Kansas Chicken Auction!Have you ever heard of the "Yoder Chicken Auction"?My daughter who raises some of those Fancy Fuzzy Legged chickens that lay Red and Blue and Green Easter Eggs, took me to the Yoder Chicken Auction awhile back. The first time she mentioned it I busted out laughing. Land Auctions. Cattle Auctions, Yes. Who ever heard of a Chicken Auction? It took me a minute to realize that she was serious! It wasGrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4912827897933515777.post-56515656849574273992009-04-03T08:31:00.008-05:002009-04-03T11:09:10.766-05:00Planting Potatoes- It's Not to Late!WHEN TO PLANT POTATOESSo here it is. The first of April and you were supposed to have planted Potatoes on St. Patricks Day - Traditionally. But St. Patrick was a magnaminous fellow and I'm sure he will let it slide if you couldn't plant Potatoes until now. Actually, according to Dutch's Greenhouse on South Seneca, in Wichita,Kansas; because of the recent cold weather, Jerry says up until Mid GrandBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03595328865646472211noreply@blogger.com2