That's weird Mike because we don't have them at home but I'm in Richmond this week for training and they have them here this year.
What's Growing in the Garden
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For those interested, here is a map of the periodical cicada broods and the year that each emerges.
Also, nearly every state also has "annual" cicadas which emerge every year. They aren't really annual though, their life cycle is 2-5 years, but overlaps, so some emerge every year.
Also, nearly every state also has "annual" cicadas which emerge every year. They aren't really annual though, their life cycle is 2-5 years, but overlaps, so some emerge every year.
We see them every 50 years. Have to drive south if you want to see them more often.
OK, I first want to say my memory is not what it used to be. So, I apologize for asking you all again. I've had trouble in the past getting my pea/bean/squash seeds to germinate when planted directly in the grown. I'm getting my Pole Beans and Alderman Peas in late this year and I want to get it done the first time.
Anyone ever soak seeds before planting. These are untreated seeds. I did a search and found a reference to Tim just watering at time of planting and not everyday. Sprucegum soaked some seeds overnight. I think I did that and the skins sluffed off. I'm planting later today so I'll soak them a maximum of 6 hours while I wait for anyone's help.
Thanks
Anyone ever soak seeds before planting. These are untreated seeds. I did a search and found a reference to Tim just watering at time of planting and not everyday. Sprucegum soaked some seeds overnight. I think I did that and the skins sluffed off. I'm planting later today so I'll soak them a maximum of 6 hours while I wait for anyone's help.
Thanks
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I planted on rainy days so not needed. But 6 hours in warm water is good. Then wet your soil well to maintain you momentum
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I've never tried soaking seeds before planting, and recommendations are all over the place on wether to do it or not.
I'd suggest soaking half your seed for a few hours, and plant half a row of pre-soaked and half a row of dry seed. This way, you'll have data of your own with your conditions.
With beans, having warm soil is most important to get quick germination. I just planted my pole beans and Lima beans on Sunday. The peas are about a foot tall.
Most bean germination problems that I see are from soil borne pathogens, and getting fast germination is one way to fight that. Recommendations often say plant 1-2 inches deep, but unless you are planting into a dry sandy soil, don't plant more than an inch deep. Also, if you've got good soil moisture, don't water them in, just let nature take its course.
I'd suggest soaking half your seed for a few hours, and plant half a row of pre-soaked and half a row of dry seed. This way, you'll have data of your own with your conditions.
With beans, having warm soil is most important to get quick germination. I just planted my pole beans and Lima beans on Sunday. The peas are about a foot tall.
Most bean germination problems that I see are from soil borne pathogens, and getting fast germination is one way to fight that. Recommendations often say plant 1-2 inches deep, but unless you are planting into a dry sandy soil, don't plant more than an inch deep. Also, if you've got good soil moisture, don't water them in, just let nature take its course.
I gave them a 3 hour soak and noticed they had swollen. Then I planted them and gave them a good soaking. Suppose to get rain tonight. Yes, I should have done the half/half test. But it was the end of the day and I was tired. Spent the last two days cleaning up the garden. Best it will ever look this year, sh I don't mind showing it off. 
Got the majority of the weed whipping done yesterday. Tilled, hilled the Yukon Gold (need more) and planted the peas/beans. In the first shot at the far end, I have to put up a 16' trellis for the Zuchetta/Butternut squash and plant my last 2-4 tomato plants.
Tried to start my own Romas this again year but I was late in doing so. Went and bought a couple of plants (trying to cut back this year) and stuck them in the ground. Played in the garden today and was surprised to find a dozen foot high tomato plants in my compost bin. Guess I'll be planting a couple of those, too.
Got the majority of the weed whipping done yesterday. Tilled, hilled the Yukon Gold (need more) and planted the peas/beans. In the first shot at the far end, I have to put up a 16' trellis for the Zuchetta/Butternut squash and plant my last 2-4 tomato plants.
Tried to start my own Romas this again year but I was late in doing so. Went and bought a couple of plants (trying to cut back this year) and stuck them in the ground. Played in the garden today and was surprised to find a dozen foot high tomato plants in my compost bin. Guess I'll be planting a couple of those, too.
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Your garden is looking nice!
In spite of the 30 mph winds all day, decided I needed to get some stuff going in the garden as well. Got a couple rows tilled for transplanting Cole crops and got a second planting of sweet corn.
This pic is looking back at the house and the electric fence posts in the foreground are the end of the sweet corn I just planted.
In spite of the 30 mph winds all day, decided I needed to get some stuff going in the garden as well. Got a couple rows tilled for transplanting Cole crops and got a second planting of sweet corn.
This pic is looking back at the house and the electric fence posts in the foreground are the end of the sweet corn I just planted.
As I've said, I'm late getting into the garden. Would I be crazy to start my squash indoors in 4" pots and then transplant when big enough? Or just direct plant in the ground? That way I could be assured germination.
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I germ all my vine crops in pots. I use 2.5" square x 4" high pots for cukes, squash, melons, and pumpkins. Seed is getting too expensive for some of those to put extra in the ground. Works very well for me. Put the pots someplace warm for germination, I have them on heat mats set at 78°.
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First quantity of berries. Only had time tonight to pick one side of the plot. Will get the rest tomorrow.
The wife bought a triple plant in a pot and we have gotten maybe a dozen or so berries from it. I have a feeling this will escalate though...
I mean her berry patch not the harvest from 3 plants.
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Frank, all you've got to tell her is most online sources will sell 25 plants for $25. And by the end of the first year, those 25 plants can easily be divided into 100 plants. Put a hoop house over the top of a few hundred ft of beds and you can capture the early market and make a killing!
I like spiderwort! One of few blue wildflowers we have around here.
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Is that what you call it? I thought it was trillium or something like that. It's one sign of Spring around here.
Well, you could call it Tradescantia, but don't know if it is virginiana or ohiensis or others.
A few of what is out now.
First coneflower tangled in weeds.
Not my tall, svelt, ambrosial fragranced sexy sirens of lily-hood, but good nonetheless
Have had this bed of Lambs ear for 10 years or more - first time it has bloomed. Looks like a little weeding is necessary!
This used to be 4' x 4' x 4' - but that tough winter, year before, took care of that!
First coneflower tangled in weeds.
Not my tall, svelt, ambrosial fragranced sexy sirens of lily-hood, but good nonetheless
Have had this bed of Lambs ear for 10 years or more - first time it has bloomed. Looks like a little weeding is necessary!
This used to be 4' x 4' x 4' - but that tough winter, year before, took care of that!
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not yet in the garden but awaiting my shovel. Beauty berry in the little pots on the left and rose or swamp.mallow on the right.