Highalt's 2013 Grow - End of Season Wrap Up

highalt · Apr 11, 2013

stc3248 said:
Damn...I only liked that first post due to the fatalii update. The rest SUCKED! They sure can wreak havoc on the grow shelves. Looks to me most of those still stand a chance. Hope so...

Yeah, I'm taking a wait and see approach. Not going to throw any of them out just yet.

Chaosbites said:
Bonnie, I am not sure my heart can handle the path of destruction of punk cat Melvin! Doesn't he know we have coyotes for cats like him? Lol

Hopefully, what he left behind will continue to grow strong.

All the non-melvined babies are looking great. You have quite a selection!

Michelle

I really can't complain too much. Out of 105 plants, he only got to a half dozen or so.

Melvin, is a spoiled indoor cat, He wouldn't last a day out in the "wild".

stickman said:
Hi Bonnie
Cat damage sucks, but the rest look AOK. Will you be planting out in about 35 days?

Usually the safe date for planting out here is Memorial Day, so it's probably closer to 45 days.

DocNrock said:
Sorry to hear, and see, the cat damage. But as was said, they still look like they have a chance. Everything else looks awesome! The Beni Highlands is a great looking plant. I too have one of those growing.

The good news is that most of the ones he got to were backups, so I should still have another plant in case those don't make it.

RocketMan said:
Bonnie you just need to get a seet of Cat Handcuffs, check with Steve Martin where he got his,

Glad to see they're coming back. You should be close to getting them some outside time now arn't ya?

Take care

Cat handcuffs? Which movie was that?

Devv said:
I'm in agreement with everyone on the comeback of the kitty damaged plants. Those peppers are tough! Damage is handled better than disease.

As mentioned the rest look great!

Maybe kitty sleeps outside tonight...LOL

Believe me, I was tempted, except that the low that night was 16 degrees!

annie57 said:
Bonnie, you sure we're not kin? + 1 on zuke/squash relish or as we call it, "chow-chow." Everything around here that gets mixed with some vinegar, spices, hot peppers--I even mine out with some sweet for the really hot stuff--others I make for wimps, but all relish is called "chow-chow." Good stuff! I'm also wondering who I can "share" some mater plants with. Did Lucky Cross rather than VA Sweets this year. AND, actually, I was watching my cat--have a mylar covered refrigerator box opened--box frig came in, they gave it to me at Home "Depote"--in front of shelves, and back is similar to a certain height, but back is also backed up to a surface they can't get to . . . I have one cat who had no sense until I let him eat the top of a Trini Scorp that was good size, it's growing back. Had five more, eh, teach him lesson because those leaves are hot. I let the little jerk do it. I was watering/feeding, he got in there and when I saw which one he was getting ready to chomp, I let him! He shook his head, ran a little, ran to water bowl, ran some more, cried like a kitten (he weighs 22 lbs.); I just laughed mao! His step-sister looked at him like, "You IDiot!" I was de-seeding some nagas for smoking, dehydrating for powders, last fall, and yeah, I let him stick his face in that seed bowl, given that he just HAD to. He acted choked for a second (went through above sequence of behaviors) and again his sister looked at him, like "IDiot!" You notice he only ate tops off milder peppers. Baby rabbit found me couple springs ago, I hand feed that guy carrots, leaves lettuces alone, surprising, walks with me through garden. Harvey, the rabbit, was looking longingly at a paste tomato. I called him to me and walked him to the fatalii. He took a bite of a pod. Hmm. Sorta acted like Buddy, the IDiot.

Nice looking grow, hon! How long until you plant out? Peace, Annie

I haven't gotten any germination out of the Virginia Sweets yet. I'm a bit disappointed since this was my first time to try it. May try one more sowing of it.

Melvin is such a stealthy little punk, I knew he'd find an opportunity to sneak in there. The only plants I've found so far that he won't touch are aloe, jade, and rosemary. Nothing else is safe around him. :mad:

annie57 · Apr 12, 2013

highalt said:
Yeah, I'm taking a wait and see approach. Not going to throw any of them out just yet.

I really can't complain too much. Out of 105 plants, he only got to a half dozen or so.

Melvin, is a spoiled indoor cat, He wouldn't last a day out in the "wild".

Usually the safe date for planting out here is Memorial Day, so it's probably closer to 45 days.

The good news is that most of the ones he got to were backups, so I should still have another plant in case those don't make it.

Cat handcuffs? Which movie was that?

Believe me, I was tempted, except that the low that night was 16 degrees!

I haven't gotten any germination out of the Virginia Sweets yet. I'm a bit disappointed since this was my first time to try it. May try one more sowing of it.

Melvin is such a stealthy little punk, I knew he'd find an opportunity to sneak in there. The only plants I've found so far that he won't touch are aloe, jade, and rosemary. Nothing else is safe around him.

No go on rosemary here. Got healthy bush r-mary. Getting ready to stuff cavity of beer-can, pineapple j., scotch bonnet chickens with couple sprigs; they were gone from table. IDiot was off in corner chewing them . . . dingbat. I don't even look it up any longer to see what could kill a cat if he eats it. He chomped down on garlic, took him to vet, cost me 100 bucks, just for him to have some horrible gas! Really?! :rofl:

Glad you have back-ups and think those he chowed down on will probably come back. Hanging tough with "adorable pets." 45 days, wow. Of course, we go 87F high then lows in 40's? :rolleyes:

Annie

highalt · Apr 12, 2013

If it makes you feel any better Annie, I usually manage to kill the rosemary without the punk cat's help! I kept the first one alive for a couple of winters, but they have to be brought indoors here, and usually they are dead by spring. :mope:

highalt · Apr 12, 2013

Gave the pepper and tomato babies some much needed attention this morning.

Here's some of the annuums after a nice big drink. BTW, the one plant that looks yellow is just directly under the light, so no worries there.

... and the chinenses and baccatums. The tall, dark and handsome one on the right is the Pimenta de Neyde.

Here's the backup for the Wenk's Yellow Hot that got eaten by the "punk cat".

... and a Fresno backup.

This pic is for Rick. One of my Ochsenhorn sprouts finally sporting a second set of leaves!

Another slow grower is my one and only True Jamaican Scotch Bonnet.

The hitchhiking Cheiro Roxa sprouts are starting to take off now.

Here are my extra Gold Currant Tomatoes.

... and finally some other various tomato sprouts. These are the ones I thought wouldn't make it because I damaged their roots separating them. They are growing faster than the ones I thought were the stronger sprouts. The difference I think is in the size of their shoes. I gave the stronger ones a larger home, so they are probably busy stretching their legs right now. Think they will take off soon.

Oh, and I also separated the Aunt Molly's Ground Cherry sprouts today. Thought I sprinkled half a dozen seeds in the plug. Counted 13 sprouts this morning! :rofl:

I think it's a good thing my sister isn't still here. The growroom/guestroom is smelling very tomatoey now! I'm not offended by their earthiness, but I could see how it might be a bit much for those less enamored by tomatoes.

DesertChris · Apr 12, 2013

That is so funny, you gals and the rosemary.....

Around here, they plant that stuff for erosion control in people's backyards, and it grows like weeds!

I have a couple rosemary plants that lived outside in pots all winter, and even the 7 degree temps didn't take them out!

Devv · Apr 12, 2013

Plants are looking very nice!

So kitty survived? hah!

Here we plant Rosemary in the ground and they grow like crazy in the sandy part of the garden and require zero water. If I could find a way to market them I would loose the cattle idea and go with that.

You will definitely be ready for dirt day!

stickman · Apr 12, 2013

Hi Bonnie
No surprise that everything is looking the best you can make it... "punk" cats notwithstanding... My Ochsenhorns aren't any further along than yours... I suspect they'll take off when they get enough light and warmth outside. D(irt)-day minus 45 and counting...

highalt · Apr 12, 2013

DesertChris said:
That is so funny, you gals and the rosemary.....

Around here, they plant that stuff for erosion control in people's backyards, and it grows like weeds!

I have a couple rosemary plants that lived outside in pots all winter, and even the 7 degree temps didn't take them out!

Yeah, well, let's just say it doesn't care for - 15 degrees. :rolleyes:

Devv said:
Plants are looking very nice!

So kitty survived? hah!

Here we plant Rosemary in the ground and they grow like crazy in the sandy part of the garden and require zero water. If I could find a way to market them I would loose the cattle idea and go with that.

You will definitely be ready for dirt day!

I'm good at killing anything that "grows like a weed" or is considered invasive! I've killed more mint plants than I can count!

stickman said:
Hi Bonnie
No surprise that everything is looking the best you can make it... "punk" cats notwithstanding... My Ochsenhorns aren't any further along than yours... I suspect they'll take off when they get enough light and warmth outside. D(irt)-day minus 45 and counting...

It can't come soon enough if you ask me! Actually, I never even got around to planting any cold season crops. I have packets of lettuce, carrots, and peas still sitting on the counter. Kept waiting for the right weather, and a few free minutes to coincide, but it just never happened. So I'm focusing on a salsa garden at this point ...

stickman · Apr 12, 2013

highalt said:
(spring)
It can't come soon enough if you ask me! Actually, I never even got around to planting any cold season crops. I have packets of lettuce, carrots, and peas still sitting on the counter. Kept waiting for the right weather, and a few free minutes to coincide, but it just never happened. So I'm focusing on a salsa garden at this point ...

As many irons as you have in the fire at any given moment I'd say you had a valid excuse! The amazing part for me is that with all of that your garden still comes out looking great. You go Bonnie!

gnslngr · Apr 13, 2013

Our cats "lurk" in my pepper patch, and I did catch one sleeping IN the seedling tray....that required stealth to extricate without much damage. The arch guardian of all things my Jack Russell (Uno-she's the boss of EVERYTHING)promplty chased her up a tree.Funny as hell now.I was not so amused at the time , oh well, not even a speed bump.

My first round starts were all the chinenses- in the back of the FJ, and in Houston hotel rooms.....the maids all giggling and snickering" Mr Dave, ...so what are growing under the sink ???Heeheeheeeheeee.......".
Hey-hotel bath room counters , with battery powered drill (and some evil laughter, and side long glances each way...)and a few hooks for handy lighting aids are just the right height off the ground for seedlings/lights and watering.Easy as pie, microwave pie...not the kind you make

. Then it was off to Ghana, leaving the babies,
in 20 oz cups with 6-8 leaves.
The second grow will have all those wonderful yellows

, as they are annums, they'll have pods inside of 2 mos in Louisiana.Guess I need to get that glog going!!!

Looks like you're set for a full grow again

.

highalt · Apr 13, 2013

Hi Dave! Wondered where you've been. Yes, I believe it is time for your to get your glog on!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Pulpiteer · Apr 13, 2013

I am getting some of my ground cherries to sprout. They seem a little tricky, but I think they're coming. The seeds are so tiny... I'm excited to see how they do here. Then I'll have to check your glog to see what wonderfulness you have made with them - like pies or something. Ummmm...

Glad the cat damage was limited. Warmth will be nice when it comes. We just got some snow here earlier today. Just a little depressing.

highalt · Apr 13, 2013

Hi Andy! Always nice to have you drop by!

I hear ya' on the tininess of the ground cherry seeds! That's how I ended up with so many sprouts. I don't really mind though, as I've had some losses at plant out time with them. I've found they need more time than tomatoes or peppers to adjust to their new environment.

UPDATE:

Noticed some new growth on at least half of the Melvinized sprouts. :dance:

So the weather was overcast but calm when I got up this morning, so I put some peas in water to soak. Usually they are planted in mid-March, but I thought I'd give them a go anyway. Well, this afternoon , the winds are back up in the 30 - 40 mph range, and I didn't want to waste all those pea seeds, so I got out there to plant them. Dirt was blowing everywhere, moving the seeds around while I was trying to carefully space them out, and covering them up, so that I couldn't tell where I had put them. Planting depth?!? Plant spacing?!? Who knows! I threw some water on them and ran back inside. Chances are, if any of them sprout, they'll be in one big giant cluster.

In other news, the bindweed is already up in the veggie bed, and there's a chance of snow in the forecast for the next 4 days ... :mad:

AZJ · Apr 13, 2013

Hey there Bonnie. In my experience, a punk-cat-damaged plant usually becomes a stronger, bushier, and more productive mature plant with a better yield. Hope good things happen for you!

Everything of yours is looking really good.

DocNrock · Apr 14, 2013

Love the update, Bonnie! The Cherio Roxa looks like a great variety. I might have to include that in next years' grow. Your annuums are growing fast! I won't say "like weeds."

When I read the post above about not putting the cat outside because it was 16 degrees, I thought, "well, that'll teach it!" Hahaha!

Seriously though, looking great. Any growth from the Golden Cayenne seeds? I sent some to Jamison also. He has three seedlings from them. Hoping they do well for you!

annie57 · Apr 14, 2013

Tolt ya the "Melvinization" would be good for them, not for cats, but I consider it, after I realized Scorp would live, a kind of "topping off" . . . :rofl:

Pay no mind to Chris and Scott :rolleyes:

. My rosemary bush lives all year, but I think they might be talking about juniper bushes anyhow :cool:

. (Love you guys, have a nice mild summer! :rofl:

) Beautiful grow, Bonnie! (And braving high winds for soaked peas is HONORABLE, damnit!)

highalt · Apr 14, 2013

AZJ said:
Hey there Bonnie. In my experience, a punk-cat-damaged plant usually becomes a stronger, bushier, and more productive mature plant with a better yield. Hope good things happen for you! Everything of yours is looking really good.

Thank you!

I hope that is the case with these peppers. The only ones I am not sure will pull through, are the ones that had no leaves, and hardly any cotyledons left, but will just have to wait and see what happens.

DocNrock said:
Love the update, Bonnie! The Cherio Roxa looks like a great variety. I might have to include that in next years' grow. Your annuums are growing fast! I won't say "like weeds."

When I read the post above about not putting the cat outside because it was 16 degrees, I thought, "well, that'll teach it!" Hahaha!

Seriously though, looking great. Any growth from the Golden Cayenne seeds? I sent some to Jamison also. He has three seedlings from them. Hoping they do well for you!

He wouldn't last a day outside! Acts all tough when he's bullying around our 20 yr. old cat, but if he had to compete with the neighborhood feral population, he would be tucking he tail between his fat, lazy butt and running for cover!!! :rofl:

annie57 said:
Tolt ya the "Melvinization" would be good for them, not for cats, but I consider it, after I realized Scorp would live, a kind of "topping off" . . . Pay no mind to Chris and Scott . My rosemary bush lives all year, but I think they might be talking about juniper bushes anyhow . (Love you guys, have a nice mild summer! ) Beautiful grow, Bonnie! (And braving high winds for soaked peas is HONORABLE, damnit!)

Should have waited until today, Annie. We had some rain last night, so the dirt is staying put, even though the winds are still in the 20 - 35 mph range today.

You know it's funny, last night the rain was hitting the window really hard for what seemed like an hour or more, but when I looked at the NOAA website this morning, they say our area only received 1/4" of precipitation. Guess it was more wind than rain, huh? In Memphis, where I grew up, if you had a hard rain for an hour or more, it would be more like a couple of inches.

HillBilly Jeff · Apr 14, 2013

Everything is coming along great....are you snowless yet?

highalt · Apr 14, 2013

Thanks, Jeff! There is rain & snow in the forecast for Monday through Wednesday, but they're not calling for any accumulation. The low is supposed to drop back to the low 20's mid-week though, so guess we are not in the clear yet.

So my husband fusses a little about my pepper obsession. Well, my gardening hobby in general, but then he turns around and enables me. This afternoon he says "I can just swap one of your T8 fixtures for this T5 I have sitting in the garage." Uh... what!? The bulbs are mismatched, but he says he'll bring me two 54 Watt T5 HO 5000 lumens bulbs tomorrow.

This fixture is a lot wider than what I had, so more of the germination trays are covered, and since it was designed for indirect lighting on a ceiling, it has a serious reflective panel built in to the top! I think the plants are happy, happy today.

Score!!!

Oh, and Doc, after I reread your earlier post, I went to check on the Golden Cayenne, and looky what I found.

Sawyer · Apr 14, 2013

That new light looks like it's a perfect fit for that space. Good score.