George asks…
Can I plant any kind of potato eyes to get those kind of potatoes?
I want to grow my own potatoes. I love Yukon Gold and red potatoes. I need to know if I can plant the eyes from these and grow them in Ohio. I don’t know if some potatoes only grow in different climates. Also, is it possible to grow Vidalia onions myself in Ohio? And if so, how do I do it? Thanks to all who answer!
GardenersCardiff answers:
If you grow potatoes from cut up pieces here’s a few things to consider:
1. Some potatoes from grocery stores have “anti-sprout” chemicals put on them so they will keep longer in storage, this chemical usually wears off in time
2. Make sure to let the cut potato pieces dry out for a couple of days so the cut sides have a dried out “skin” on them, otherwise they will attract bugs to munch them before they will sprout.
I live in Michigan and my Yukon Gold potatoes are growing like Crazy.
The best way to grow any type of onions is to start from Sets-these are tiny little onions that have been saved from the previous year, they are about the size of a nickel, more or less. Take these little guys and poke them into the ground every 4 inches or so, after you’ve de-weeded and worked up the ground. Make sure the pointy end of the onion is up, that’s where it will sprout from. Cover them over and water them so the soil settles. Water them every couple of days if it doesn’t rain. Onions are easy to grow in containers too. If you want, you can harvest and use the green pieces (when they get more than 8 inches tall) to use as green onions or scallions, like in cream cheese.
Happy onioning!
Maria asks…
What veg can I simply plant into the ground in the UK and leave it to grow?
I have started to become interested in growing my own veg, I am growing tomato plants and other plants in pots with compost in, transferring them into bigger pots as they grow larger etc. Now if my job changes I may not have the time to babysit all these plants, so I wanted to go back to basics and know what seeds I can put into my allotment and leave them to grow with minimal maintenance except watering during a drought and weeding.
Thanks again for your advice
GardenersCardiff answers:
You can plant pretty well anything you like, most things only need watering – if you have an allotment then the world is your oyster. Most allotments have a clubshouse where you can meet other allotment holders and share hints and tips, I would seek out the old timers with the best patches for their advice. If there are several other young people with busy jobs why not see if they would be happy to do a watering rota so that you only have to make one week night visit to water each week but you water each others allotments as well as your own.
Jenny asks…
Why are so many people growing cannabis?
In the last 10 years there has been a massive increase in homegrown weed in the U.K
Not much of the cannabis in the U.K is imported in from abroad anymore.
Whats caused the increase in people growing there own in recent years, Is it due to the fact more people are turning away from the drug Alcohol and are now using cannabis?
GardenersCardiff answers:
Maybe because its been proven to be a drug with little damage compared to other drugs, its hard to overdose from it and its been kept illegal due to rumors.
And some people with MS grow it to treat themselves, some woman with MS said it made her life worth living on this documentary
i think it was called something like “the truth about cannabis”. I found it on youtube but i can’t find it anymore
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Sandra asks…
Do you grow your own fruit or vegetables?
GardenersCardiff answers:
My six year old daughter wanted a garden 2 yrs ago and we planted corn, green beans, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, water melons, green onions, cucumbers,and banana peppers. The deer around here ate all the corn and the rabbits had a field day in the garden too, we have moved across the street since then and all we have planted so far is flowers, but the veggies and fruits are not far off, possibly this spring.
Mandy asks…
Should everyone start growing their own fruit and vegetables?
If enough people did this, prices would come down and governments and greedy bankers would realise they don’t have such a hold on us. At the moment too many people are reliant on buying food from supermarkets-who’s prices are fixed by the city and walk street. Growing your own produce, all or just some of it. This can be grown in your garden, in an allotment if you have one, a roof garden. Even if you live in a flat this can be done inside and in window boxes. We the people need to start influencing politicians and bankers with our actions as they are meant to be our loyal servants, not the other way round.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Great question, yes everybody should as its better for you and tastes better. The supermarkets stuff is garbage, i get the kids involved growing healthy little gem lettuce and potatoes, they actually get excited at cropping time.
Everybody should do this and there should be more allotments available to the ordinary joe public.
Great question and happy growing to all posters
Linda asks…
Ii it better to buy vegetable seeds in a packet, than to harvest seeds from your own vegetables for later use?
I grew some okra from seed I took from last years crop. They are very stunted.
GardenersCardiff answers:
I don’t think that it’s a “racket” by the seed companies to get you to buy seed in packets. It’s the knowledgeable advancement that botanists use in plant genetics that makes you have to by hybridized seed. Seed in the F2 generation, will not grow true to form. In other words, it will not be just like the plant that it came from and will most likely take the growing and production habits from one of the parent plants, which in the long run may have an undesirable trait. In order to get a healthy maximum producing plant, you will need to buy seed in packets which have been bred for maximum yield and perfect plant growth. Hope this answers your question.
**Billy Ray**
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Sharon asks…
if you own an allotment or have a veg patch, why? and what do you get out of it besides food hopefully!?
Basically I am doing a project at Uni all about ‘grow your own‘ where I am growing my own herbs and veg as a beginner, seeing how far I get and documenting/photographing the whole process and I wondered for people whom own allotments or have veg patches in their gardens ect, why do you do it and what do you get out of It?
I would really appreciate your answers to help me gain more Insight on the topic as It seems such a popular thing to have/do at the moment!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Watching somthing grow from the seed you plans,protect,feed.
Then being patient,watch it grow to its full potential and even talk to it.then eat it. You just cant beat it.
Mark asks…
If you own an allotment or have a veg patch, why? and what do you get out of it besides food hopefully!?
Basically I am doing a project at Uni all about ‘grow your own‘ where I am growing my own herbs and veg as a beginner, seeing how far I get and documenting/photographing the whole process and I wondered for people whom own allotments or have veg patches in their gardens ect, why do you do it and what do you get out of It?
I would really appreciate your answers to help me gain more Insight on the topic as It seems such a popular thing to have/do at the moment!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Fresh air and exercise without expensive gym fees for one and at the same time delicious fresh produce that I grow organically at a fraction of the cost it takes to buy. There is something immensely satisfying about appearing from the vegetable plot with arms of vegetables you grew yourself.
I also feel a sense of continuity going back over the centuries and affinity with previous generations in my family who grew their own. There is a certain sense of oneness with creation as well. As I dig I think of my two grandma’s and dad who were avid gardeners. My dad was still growing his own fruit and vegetables until he died at the grand old age of 96 – it gave him an interest in life, healthy exercise and a healthy diet. He used to say with everything he grew that he lived like a lord. I now understand what he meant.
Chris asks…
Anyone grow their own herbs?
Please reply so i can catalogue your comm details and email you regarding planting and soiling and such.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Yes I grow parsley, thyme,oregano,basil,green onions,and garlic…
They grow in well drained soil and has to be watered when the soil is dry..if you putting it in a pot,stick your finger in the soil and if it is dry then water…if it is in the ground you water once a day..
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