Maria asks…
What can I grow in my greenhouse?
Hi there, we have recently moved into a new house that has a greenhouse in the garden. I’ve always fancied growing my own vegetables / herbs / chilles etc and now is the perfect opportunity.
What realistically can I grow in my greenhouse. I love red chillies, jalapenos and all herbs, rosemary, basil etc.
Also me being a newbie to this, what are the easiest to grow?
Thanks in advance!
Thank you very much for the advice. I’ll grab myself a book I think.
GardenersCardiff answers:
I find my greenhouse is at its most useful in spring, when I’ve got lots of little seedling plants and cuttings growing on which can’t be planted out until the danger of frost has passed, in June. When they all get planted out, there’s a lot more room, and I can then give more room to my tomatoes. I also grow early strawberries (Mae, from Marshalls) in pots because in the warmth they fruit in May, as their name suggests. I grow most veg outside when possible, less trouble to water etc, but you could grow any semi-tropical plants that might not like the unreliable British summer, such as cucumbers, aubergines peppers and your favourite chillies etc. Most herbs would grow best outside as it would be too hot in a greenhouse and they need the fresh air, but you could certainly start off the tender ones, like basil, from seed early on and then move them out in June. In a greenhouse you’ll probably avoid some of the problems like tomato blight which affect outdoor plants, but in its place you’ll get pests such as red spider mites and aphids, which like the warm sheltered conditions.
There are lots of books on greenhouse growing – try the public library for ideas, or browse online.
William asks…
does anyone have tips on starting a vegetable patch in a small back yard?
i would like to start growing my own vegetables, however i have a small concrete back yard and would like advice on what containers to use and fast growing veg etc.
thanks.
GardenersCardiff answers:
A GROW-BAG is great to get you started on Tomatoes.
And if you stack a few tyres up and fill with compost it is a good way to grow potatoes
Ken asks…
Where do you buy fruit and vegetable seeds in Texas?
I am wanting to start growing my own vegetables and possibly fruit this year. I live is north Texas and I was wondering where you can buy the seeds/best place to buy seeds.
Also, if any of you have a suggestion for a good book or source of information about growing vegetables and fruits in north Texas. Thank you!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Wal Marts, Lowes. Home Depot, garden centers and some hardware stores like Ace Hardware. They will have books too. Fruit trees can be found in garden centers. Tractor supply stores.
Http://www.gardening.about.com
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John asks…
What is the significance of garden gnomes to folklore?
Why do people use garden gnomes? Myths?
GardenersCardiff answers:
There are several legends about gnomes or fairies or suchlike performing tasks around the house and garden at night, when the owners were asleep. This thought has persisted in the use of garden gnomes.
Robert asks…
What is the name of the beard a grow from the makers of fictional potions and exploding garden gnomes?
Help!
you know that beard a grow crap from the makers of fictional potions and exploding garden gnomes? I can;t figure out the real name of the beard a grow or the company that makes it. Please help!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Vigoro! Grows garden gnome beards thick and fast!
Carol asks…
How to get the garden gnomes and faeries to stop fighting?
In my backyard, the garden gnomes and faeries, the live in the flowers in my garden, can never get along. They’re always fighting, and I can never stop them! I don’t know what to do! What should I do? Does anyone know any methods to stop the gnomes and faeries from fighting? I tried telling them, but they won’t listen…
Thanks in advance:D (btw please no spam!)
they* live in the flowers in my garden, sorry typo!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Gnomes and Faeries will never get along. You might try encouraging both sides to establish and respect territorial boundaries, but don’t expect either side to honor any treaties.
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Michael asks…
Is is worth growing my own tobacco?
Hi, i was just wondering about growing my own tobacco,
I would like to know wether it would turn out cheaper?
if its not to hard, and how many other people do too?
is it worth my time, or will it just be a wast of time and money?
and nobody tell me not to smoke because i do, and its not guna change, wether you answer the question with hate or not its int guna change ahah,
if your not guna answer my question seriously just dont answer!
thanks in advance to any one with a dece answer!! <3
GardenersCardiff answers:
Okay, you won’t listen when I tell you not to smoke. Will you listen when I tell you to learn to spell?
Seriously, the addictive ingredient in tobacco is just flat-out bad for you. It’s a highly effective ingredient in some insecticides. Why would you cling to that?
As to how much work is involved, you’d first have to grow the crop, which takes up some space. There might also be an allotment system in your state that you could run afoul of, a system that monitors and dictates how much tobacco an individual is permitted to grow. As a small-batch hobby grower, you’d probably be able to skirt around that with little difficulty.
What you might not be able to skirt, however, would be the taxes. Tobacco products are very heavily taxed as you are already well aware, getting into this in an effort to reduce your costs. People running their diesel-engined cars on biodiesel fuel have discovered to their dismay that the government can be pretty tough on people who try to have the privileges without paying the taxes: imagine driving perfectly happily in your old Benz on fuel made from old fryer grease, and the government hits you with a bill for several thousand dollars PLUS a fine for tax evasion? It has happened, and could happen to you. Your plants will be out there for all to see, and rest assured that quite a lot of people know what tobacco looks like when it’s growing. You only need ONE busybody sticking his/her nose in to report you to someone, and you’ve got a nasty tax evasion problem to sort out.
It probably won’t happen, but it isn’t beyond the realm of possibility.
Once you’ve grown the crop you have to dry it out. That takes up space too, completely different space that’s warm and dry, out of the sun and off the ground.
After all that is done, all that’s left is chopping and grinding and rolling your own. But be warned, you probably won’t be satisfied with the results. The nicotine content of commercial cigarettes is much higher than what you’ll be able to generate, so your usual level of smoking won’t give you the psychoactive effects you’re used to.
So you’ll just have to smoke more.
Maybe it’s not such a great idea.
Richard asks…
Is growing tobacco Legal in South Carolina?
I have been reading cigar books, magazines and researching on how to make your own cigars from your home grown tobacco plants. I am curious to try this. I know it takes practice to make a great cigar, but I’d like to try and extend my hobby past the point of just smoking them. I DO NOT plan to sell any tobacco or cigars that I grow then make, I only plan to use them for private use. Pleas explain in full and leave your source. Not simply “Yes” and “No” answers. Please list atleast a source or where you got your info.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Tobacco is a legal crop in every state, and SC is the fourth largest tobacco producer in the US. The US food and drug administration doesn’t have any restrictions on home grown tobacco. However, fungus and mold is a major concern in home grown so do your research before you order your seed. You can find information on the net just as easily as I did.
Betty asks…
growing tobacco harder than other plants?
I know a descent bit from past experiences with.. herbs…
anyway it’ll be an outdoor organic grow to avoid costly lights, exhaust etc.
my main question is how different is it from the roll your own natural tobacco i find in the specialty smoke shops? I’m not referring to american spirts or tops brand, but things like Turkish, Stockholm, Amsterdam blends.
Also I live in TN so what would be the best choice for the climate? which ones prefer dry roots? what pH should i strive for? I’m sure most stuff from my past will transfer over, but I’m just curious, thanks in advance
GardenersCardiff answers:
Http://coffinails.com/
Good forum for discussing how to grow.
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Sharon asks…
Rate my poem 1-10? Poem included! Easy 10 points?
If love was a Rose,
Then you’d own every Rose garden i planted.
If Love was a Leaf,
You’d own every tree i’ve sat in.
If love was Paper,
You’d own every copy i’ve made.
If love was Every Minute,
You’d own my every day.
If love was a Kiss,
You’d forever own my lips.
If love was making every Hoop,
I would never miss.
If love was something Amazing,
I’d give you all of Heaven.
If love was a Wish,
I’d wish for you at every 11:11.
If love was a Lie,
I’d never tell the truth.
If love was a Choice,
Then I’d choose you.
If love was Words,
I’d write you a never ending book.
If love was in Eyes,
I’d give you my every look.
If love was Money,
You’d own my every cent.
If love was time,
You’d own every moment i’ve spent.
If love was a Brain,
I’d be so very smart.
And if love was Love,
You would own my heart.
~ Rate 1-10, if you rate anything below 5 please give me a reason why and how i can improve it? Originally written in January of this year for my boyfriend. ~
I want HONEST advice and ratings just saying “love it 10!!!” won’t give you 10 points. Thanks in advance!
Well the name of the poem IS “If Love was…” and my boyfriend asked me “what do you compare our love to?” so it motivated me to write this. I’m not asking for you to change the theme, was asking more about the lines that come after. You also didn’t give a rating.
It’s If love was not were.. Thanks to all the answers though!
GardenersCardiff answers:
9 . I really liked it i thought it was cute, but in my opinion i think you should take out: “if love was making every hoop” to “if love was a lie” (keep love was a lie). Your really good btw 
you should post this online. I dont know if they have poetry, but look at deviantart.com
Sandra asks…
Is Lilith a Goddess, suppressed by patriarchal society, or the ultimate bad influence?
If you don’t know who or what I’m talking about get your two points elsewhere please–serious replies only.
The Sumerian/Hebrew daemoness, Lilith has a captivating mythos surrounding her. Most agree that she was cast out of the garden of eden for standing up to Adam, and perhaps even for fighting him off when he tried to rape her, and this makes me think she got royally screwed. It is easy for this look at her beginnings to see her as an antiheroic, victim gone mad, who made the best she could out of really bad circumstances. However if you look at what she became, it’s hardly anything to be proud of. She wandered the Earth in the guise of a whore, seducing any male creature she could, dropping litters of children in every corner of the globe with no intention or desire of caring for them in any way. She became the most powerful daemon in the world, but all she cared to use that power for was to feed her hungry crotch. Is this a goddess? Or someone we’re better off forgetting?
Bible bangers with no brains , who idiotically spout “demonz be evil, duh!” and “god dint like her so neither do i” are doubtless going to waste their time and limit on questions by saying retarded things here–lets all ignore them and hope they go away………
actually kithcy, he sent three angels name sanvoy, sansevoy, and smengelhoff to bring her back or kill her, she made a deal with them and now their names can be used to banish her–I would have loved to have included everything I know about her in my question, but I ran out of characters.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Ok, it depends on which religion you look at I guess. In my opinion she is a goddess, albeit, one I know little about. She was royally screwed, and I think that can screw anyone up a little bit.
In some branches of Paganism, and part of my beliefs, nothing is wholly good or evil. We all have a little demon in us, and the test is to find the balance. My guess with Lilith is that she got screwed and then her balance was upset, so she became the dark creature of legend that we know her as today. I revere her and respect her, even with all that. Why? She demanded equality from Adam, since in the “story”, they were joined at birth as twins, and then refused to submit to man. Enter the Christian doctrine, and she is then turned into a primarily evil creature, whether it was by her own means or by circumstances around her. I might be a little ticked off if that stuff happened to me.
Maria asks…
What do you think of my short story?
What do you think of my short story? This is just the beginning, and I haven’t edited it completely, so I apologize for any grammatical errors. Comments? Questions? Concerns?(lol)
The rush of the crowds around me is so much different than I am used to. A waft of sweet smelling candies exits the door when I enter it, lost in the wonder of mortal food. Eli runs to catch up with me as I crisscross around the store, wishing I could by something. Too bad I do not have any coins with me.
“We really should get going,” Eli warns, tugging on my hand. I pull away, turning to a different shop when we exit. The salty sea air fills me, and in the west waves crash on the shore where children play in the sand and splash in the water.
Pressing my hands against the window and peering into the dim lighting inside, I realize it is a restaurant. “Can we go in there?” I ask him.
“We are not allowed. Your father is probably-”
“Papa can wait,” I reassure him, leaping up onto the stone wall surrounding the small gardens on the side of the boardwalk. Mortals have it easy; at least that is what I think. Eli is always saying how we have it made, not them. Of course I beg to differ. Having legs is probably the highlight of my time here on land.
“But Scarlet-”
“Do not ‘but Scarlet’ me, mister. Who’s the older one here?” I indicate to myself as I dig my toes into the sweltering sand, which has been under the intense gaze of the sun since morn.
“Let us not forget who is the more mature one in this group,” he mocks my gesture and points to himself. I scowl at him, furrowing my eyebrows.
“Let us not forget the stronger one!” I tackle him in a headlock, pulling us both to the ground.
I am so concentrated on taking Eli down that I do not realize how close to the water we have gotten. Before I know it, I am nearly knee deep in water with Eli safely on shore. He looks absolutely horrified as I exit the water. I push the urge to scratch away, but it is too tempting. “We must go now,” he snatches my hand away from my legs.
“Good idea,” I agree, running after him down the shore toward the border of trees separating the public beach from the private shores.
While crossing the paths over there, the twigs and leaves scrape the bottom of my feet, which are already starting to grow numb. Branches tangle in my hair, and my arms are grazed by the thorns whenever I try to unsnarl my hair.
By the time I reach the filthy, rocky coast, I am nearly crawling to get to the water. Eli helps me in, along with himself as the mortal flesh begins to shed, leaving scales in its place.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Ohhhhhhh sounds very interesting. A sort of little mermaid things – well not the actual little mermaid, but using mermaids Lol. Sounds very interesting. Like the relationship between the two characters. I also like how the transformation happens.
Wonder what happens next.
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Mark asks…
what is the law in regards to gardening and growing your own food? is it against the law?
looking for information
GardenersCardiff answers:
Yep. Every year the millions of people in this country who plant a garden are breaking the law. All the stores that sell seeds and plants (like Wal Mart and Lowe’s) they are breaking the law too.
Did you even think before you posted your question? WHY would it be against the law to grow your own food? I honestly do not think there is anywhere in the world that would be illegal.
James asks…
Living in a tent and grow your own food. Back to basics?
Would it be possible to have a small plot of land, live in a tent and grow your own food. Water you could get and purify it if need be.
I think you could maybe live quite comfortable like that. Maybe a bit of hard work but then you done it for yourself.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Here is a complete home 96 sq feet. Forget the tent. Eco friendly and cheapo too
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/256293
Now answer mine about peanut butter sandwiches
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgOJJTOEvjxEkeQQVRLxVdnty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100819132104AALv8oh
You are going to get hungry you know, gotta eat.
George asks…
Question about growing your own food?
I’m a college student and although I would love to buy organic as much as possible, it’s really starting to take a toll. I live in an apartment and I saw someone on here give advice to someone else about this, saying they could grow plants (food) in the window. Is this possible and, if so, which plants? I also have a balcony so I could grow stuff out there as well. What would be easy to grow on my own and if you have any experience with this, how well does it work? Also how often to water and best ways to take care of them, etc. Thanks in advance for all answers!
GardenersCardiff answers:
I would grow tomatoes, carrots, lettuce. Just get some pots, put about an inch or so of rocks in bottom for drainage, place on pot plates, add proper soil (ask when you buy your seeds or “starter tomato”, say, and when the soil feels dry (stick finger about first join down in soil), water but do not overwater. Done deal! Just grow what you like to eat. I would put them on the balcony to get the sunlight but do check every day for dryness. Water in morning or early evening is best.
There is also a great book which you can probably get at the library called “Square Foot Gardening”. Excellent for small area.
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Thomas asks…
Gardening 101: How do I start a garden? What type of garden tools do you suggest? Serious replies only.?
Right now the area is partially covered with mulch.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Start small…identify a small area or existing bed and focus on good soil first. Then try to use native or local plants…they’ll be easier to grow and best for a beginner. Don’t forget to mulch afterwards to keep down the weeds and help the garden retain moisture.
As for tools, I need a rake, a shovel, and a pitch fork.
Good luck!
Charles asks…
Must have gardening tools?
I am going to be moving soon to an area with some small flower beds. I have never had a garden before and know nothing about it. I would like to know what tools I am going to need to be able to keep up small flower beds. Thanks in advance.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Pruners! Must have good “scissor” type pruners, anvil pruners can crush rather than cut. Get a good trowel or shovel…drop forged not riveted (blade and handle are one piece, safer for you) Shovel, gloves, pistol grip for your garden hose, ummmm, kneeling pad??? Have fun shopping!!
Richard asks…
Why are gardening tools on your genitalia?
Is it, perhaps, because you bear a strong physical resemblance to J.K. Rowling?
I spelled bare bear. It’s clearly night night time.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Party Rock is in the hoooooussssse toooooonight!
I hoe my pubes to form that Hairy Potter bowl cut look.
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Paul asks…
What are some recommended books for newbies to gardening?
Especially helpful if they’re about small spaces, herbs, and organic gardening. I have an apartment and I’d like to have a small organic herb and flower garden on my deck, but I’m not sure where to start. Thanks!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Mel Bartholomew’s “square foot gardening” method is really inspiring, and can teach you to fit a lot of plants into a small space. (Here’s the site; there’s also a book: http://www.squarefootgardening.com/)
For nuts and bolts kind of gardening, I like Barbara Damrosch’s Garden Primer (from amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Primer-Barbara-Damrosch/dp/0894803166).
If you are into preserving foods at all, I really like Mike and Nancy Bubel’s books; the root cellar book has a lot of info about planning your garden, too. They also have one on seed-starting. (From amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Root-Cellaring-Natural-Storage-Vegetables/dp/0882667033/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231314436&sr=1-1 also http://www.amazon.com/New-Seed-Starters-Handbook/dp/0878577521/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231314436&sr=1-7)
Good luck, and have fun!
Mandy asks…
What is the best online gardening forum?
I live in the New England area and am relatively new to gardening, if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance!
GardenersCardiff answers:
Http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/neweng/
Daniel asks…
What is the type of gardening/farming when you put different plants near each other to help protect from pests?
I am trying to find more information about the type of gardening or farming where you maybe plant a blueberry bush underneath an apple tree. This is supposed to allow natural type pesticides as well as keep soil rich.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Its called companion planting.
It can be used for various purposes. Some plants help to deter pests from other plants, such as garlic. Some help by attracting pests away from other plants, like planting aphid attracting Calendula next to roses. Some enrich the soil, like Dandelion that draws up nutrients from deep in the soil. Some contribute to the health of sickly plants, like chamomile (which also protects seedlings against damping off disease). Some attract beneficial insects that feed on insect that are infesting your garden, like Queen Anne’s Lace that attracts parasitic wasps.
There are a number of excellent books out there that cover companion planting in depth, such as Carrots Love Tomatoes, Roses Love Garlic by Louise Riotte
Here are a few sites that might interest you
http://www.sheridannurseries.com/gardensite/subGARDENTIP25mainframe.htm
http://www.mi.ca/compendium/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants
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Maria asks…
what are the most renowned magazines in LED lighting and gardening in Europe?
I am curious about the LED (or gardening) magazines in Deutschland and Britain. Can anybody let me know? Many thanks in advance XD
GardenersCardiff answers:
At the moment I do not think there are any.
In the US there are some online sites devoted to LED lighting,
http://www.ledcity.org/
http://www.leduniversity.org/index.asp
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/
http://www.creeledrevolution.com/
If Europe conducts a seminar such as the one here http://www.arrownac.com/offers/cree/cree_event/ it might help spur the development of such a magazine.
However, if you can find enough sponsors, who says that you cannot create that magazine yourself? You have the criteria of what you want to see already. Http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/ has probably the single best assortment of useful links for the concept you have in mind. You might also contact the lighting manufacturers themselves, Cree (supplies Philips Osram and others), Vishay, Lite-on, and others. Digikey in the US, sells worldwide and has a fairly complete listing of vendors, and quite a few LED component parts. Http://www.digikey.com
Sandy asks…
How many gardening magazines are featured in the Capital One® Prime +1 Garden Makeover Dream Box?
GardenersCardiff answers:
23 for radio trivia works
Lizzie asks…
Best Gardening and Landscaping Magazines in UK?
What are the best magazines (as in the printed type) in the UK? Preferably those that have a large proportion of professional readers.
GardenersCardiff answers:
Homes & Gardens is the magazine with the highest circulation, with 135,004 copies for Jan – Jun 2009. For more info visit http://classic.mediatel.co.uk/abcroundup/2009/08/article06.cfm
for magazine subscriptions visit http://www.homeandgardenpricecheck.co.uk/?page_id=222
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