re: 2020 Garden Thread

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"Mel's Mix"

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How much is that running you a yard? Seems like it would cost out the wazoo. Do you have a bulk source for those three ingredients? I have three new beds that will take around 4 yards of soil. Seems like I could hear the sucking sound coming from my wallet trying to use that mix.

Well, looks like all of my beautiful, 2' tall tomato plants have herbicide damage.

I sprayed my yard Saturday. But, I had brought all of the plants inside before spraying. I didn't put them back outside until Sunday. Immediately after spraying, I washed my clothes and took a shower. I even washed my hands several times before I even went near my plants again.

The only thing I can think caused the damage is volatilization. But would that still be an issue after a day? It's either that, or one of my neighbors sprayed herbicide on Sunday.

Next question would be, should I go ahead and replace them? Or is it possible for them to recover and produce normally? I've read multiple articles and opinions on it. The most reliable ones (LSUag) seem to imply that even if they recover, yield will likely be significantly less.

Needless to say, I'm not happy.

I didn’t really notice it until I was bringing them back inside last night because of the cold weather. But the new growth at the top of the plants look exactly like this:


I’ve seen it before and I’m pretty certain it’s herbicide damage.

When do you guys plant to plant out your starts? I was originally planning for March 15 weekend, but I think I might put everything in the ground next weekend instead. I’m in Southeast Louisiana.

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Basil, Parsley, Garlic Chives, and Mint.

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don't put mint in your bed unless you want a bed full of mint

rosemary, thyme, and sage are very tolerant and easy to grow, so I always recommend them to anyone just getting started

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don't put mint in your bed unless you want a bed full of mint

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Noted
I may just use that space for more Basil then. Tempted to just turn it into a bunch of pesto.

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I was originally planning for March 15 weekend, but I think I might put everything in the ground next weekend instead.

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That was my plan as well.

But, I guess now I'll be going to Lastrapes to see what kind of tomato plants they have.

ETA: I seriously doubt we'll get another freeze. But you never know. My plan is to keep an eye on the extended forecast, and if the 10 day outlook when I look at it next weekend doesn't have any lows in the 30's, I'm going to plant.

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Basil, Parsley, Garlic Chives, and Mint.

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Get a couple different kinds of basil. Thai Basil is a really nice addition.

One thing on basil, trim it often to promote a nice bushy appearance with lots of leaves. Snip the flower spikes as they appear. It will prolong the season greatly and some have stated that the leaves have a bitter hint after flowering. Once it gets close to the end of the season, let it bloom and make seeds. Then you will never buy basil again. Just be sure to harvest the seed before they start to detach from the plant. One year I had basil growing in every bed, nook and cranny the next spring. I just cut a couple of seed spikes and put them in a bag for winter. I can't remember the last time I bought basil.

Curly parsley does well in the South and can take a freeze. It is usually a biennial plant that will need to be replaced every other year.

Another word of caution, ANY plant in the mint family will take over a bed. Including catnip. So will oregano.

Yeah, just because I said something. I almost always used to plant mid March. Last year I planted in February because I went out of town for a few weeks and just hoped for the best. Sure enough, late February we got a freeze. But mid March I’ve never had a problem.

ETA:



So, here’s what my plants are looking like. Looks a lot worse than yesterday.

They’ll definitely have to be replaced.

Damn I missed it.

They still have 2.99 shipping going on today.