Nostr notes by Richard Rollinson

While out at 5AM putting the corn upright, I found this guy up to ...

2026-07-05T10:36:51Z

While out at 5AM putting the corn upright, I found this guy up to no good around the cucumbers and squash. He didn't seem to be worried about me at all.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Rabbit

Make it stop! Thermometer now reads 102F / 39C with heat index at ...

2026-07-02T19:11:16Z

In reply to nevent1q…yvux
_________________________

Make it stop! Thermometer now reads 102F / 39C with heat index at 118F / 48C. This does not bode well for the veggies ripening in the garden. 😬

I'm not going to get into the ...

2026-07-02T17:07:30Z

I'm not going to get into the "my-heat-is-hotter-than-your-heat" rut, but it's flippin' HOT here. Thermometer just went over 100F / 38C and the heat index is at 114F / 45C. DO NOT GO OUT GARDENING IN THIS!!!
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland

I DID get the squash bug boards in place this morning, too. ...

2026-06-22T20:16:28Z

I DID get the squash bug boards in place this morning, too.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Squash
#SquashBug
#CucumberBeetles

Haven't heard from @broadfork in a while and the account ...

2026-06-13T20:07:25Z

Haven't heard from @broadfork in a while and the account seems to be gone. Hope everything is ok. I miss his input and his presence here. Wishing you well, my friend. 😀 ❤️
#gardening
#Allotment

Well, after the WIND and overnight cold, everything in the veg. ...

2026-05-31T20:14:31Z

Well, after the WIND and overnight cold, everything in the veg. garden is sulking today. I must say, the peonies faired pretty well and are looking good today. It's got more blooms than usual. The tomatoes got shredded and droopy but my hope is for recovery as the weather improves. Gardening by trowel and error! Beware the blue moon!
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling
#BlueMoon

No, no thinning needed. Look at my post from 14 April, 2026 for ...

2026-05-27T20:36:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…j5ly
_________________________

No, no thinning needed. Look at my post from 14 April, 2026 for details. Here is a picture from last October showing results. I only pick what I need and keep the rest in the pot until I need more. Much better results than in-the-ground with my soil...

Also, those with a keen eye will notice the big batch of rhubarb ...

2026-05-19T23:03:12Z

In reply to nevent1q…n55v
_________________________

Also, those with a keen eye will notice the big batch of rhubarb in the background has gone to flower. Don't judge me. Have had other things to do.

Got out just as the sun was coming up so I could get the eggplant ...

2026-05-19T22:59:23Z

Got out just as the sun was coming up so I could get the eggplant (Aubergine) set out at last. Temp. topped out at 93F / 34C today, so I'm glad we got it done early. I DID remember to include some of the "cripples" from the problem I had earlier with the first planting having a "withering" of the growing tip in the seed trays. They now look just as healthy as the replacement plantings so we will see how things develop. Rest of garden looks ok.
#Gardening
#allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

Took the day off yesterday to observe our 41st anniversary. (Sue, ...

2026-05-17T15:22:27Z

Took the day off yesterday to observe our 41st anniversary. (Sue, you're still the one!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdfW_2frXnE )

Today I finished moving last year's compost up to be mulch between the two rows of tomato plants. Now the rest will get mulched if and when material becomes available over the next few weeks. While I did that, BeetBear tended to his beloved beet root crop, which looks pretty good so far!
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#BeetBear
#Compost
#Tomatoes
#Zone6b

Looking at all the factors & taking the good with the bad, ...

2026-05-12T19:48:07Z

Looking at all the factors & taking the good with the bad, BeetBear has declared that today is tomato liberation day. We spent a busy morning planting out 12 Jet Star, 12 Moreton, and 2 Supersweet 100 tomato plants & getting the wire supports in place. We also delivered a cartload of tomato, green bell pepper, jalapeño, and eggplant plants to our neighbor. Our own peppers and eggplant will have to wait for another day to be planted out. We're "beet"
#Gardening
#BeetBear
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

Looks fine to me. Just add a wrapping at the bottom and secure.

2026-05-10T17:18:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…vsv6
_________________________

Looks fine to me. Just add a wrapping at the bottom and secure.

Checking back through my archives (such as they are) I find ...

2026-05-10T15:27:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…220p
_________________________

Checking back through my archives (such as they are) I find evidence of tomato planting out days as follows: 11 May 2018, 10 May 2019, 5 May 2022 (bad move), 17 May 2024, and 12 May 2025.
Picture shows the fleece wrapping in progress in 2022 because SOMEBODY decided to plant out too early!
#Tomatoes
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

EXACTLY!

2026-05-10T15:18:17Z

In reply to nevent1q…wfl0
_________________________

EXACTLY!

In the past, I have wrapped the tomato support cages with ...

2026-05-10T15:17:22Z

In reply to nevent1q…tlaq
_________________________

In the past, I have wrapped the tomato support cages with agricultural fleece if needed. I DO have a huge roll of the stuff.

It looks increasingly probable that we will be able to plant out ...

2026-05-10T14:59:35Z

It looks increasingly probable that we will be able to plant out the tomatoes, peppers, etc. On or about May 13th. It depends if we want to get them in before or after the predicted rainfall on 13th - 14th. BeetBear is getting desperate to make room in the greenhouse to start the cucurbits and the first planting of sweetcorn! Watching the weather closely!
#BeetBear
#Tomatoes
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

I never have much luck starting Asclepias (milkweed) from seed. ...

2026-05-08T15:21:18Z

I never have much luck starting Asclepias (milkweed) from seed. I've tried stratification in the refrigerator, winter sowing in pots outside, direct in-the-ground sowing. I've used newly bought seed, saved seed & seed given to me by others. It's a wonder I have any growing at all... My best results are from what sprouts from the root stock left in the ground all winter. Pictures show results of winter sowing (5 plants out of 36 pots.) see alt-txt
#gardening
#allotment
#Zone6b
#NewEngland

Happy Birthday Sir David Attenborough. Image by Eleanor ...

2026-05-08T11:57:33Z

Happy Birthday Sir David Attenborough. Image by Eleanor Tomlinson.
https://www.eleanortomlinsonart.co.uk/

#davidattenborough
#sirdavidattenborough
#happybirthday

RE: https://toot.wales/@richrollgardener/114462734610259237 We ...

2026-05-07T19:42:56Z

RE: https://toot.wales/@richrollgardener/114462734610259237

We spent some time this afternoon setting out some of the Apple Maggot Fly traps, in the hopes that we will actually have some apples this year. Trees are done blossoming and it LOOKS like some fruit is setting. Hoping for better weather during the June drop this year. Fingers crossed. Anyway here's my report from last year at this time.
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#Orchard
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Apples

quoting
note1wz4…xl3v

Now that the apple blossoms have mostly dropped (or got beaten down by the incessant rain) #BeetBear insisted that it was time to start deploying the sticky traps to help fight the Apple Maggot Fly that likes to cripple my apples. I made him help me get them ready as I wasn't keen of going out in the pouring rain by myself. Each tree will get 4 or 5 spheres and we'll hope for the best. 😀
#gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
gardening group (npub1v5a…ny6w)
#apples
#Orchard

😀

2026-05-07T19:30:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…5f5j
_________________________

😀

BeetBear and I decided that today was "get out there and ...

2026-05-07T15:20:35Z

BeetBear and I decided that today was "get out there and plant the beans! Day" Soil is up to 60F (~15C) and sun is shining. This is about an 8ft. (2.5meter) row with a jute trellis. Beans are Kentucky Blue which is a cross between Blue Lake and Kentucky Wonder. We like them and they are quite prolific.
#gardening
#allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BeetBear
#Spring
#Beans

Lots of people will say "Ooo, I like rhubarb!" and ...

2026-05-06T20:07:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…7pv6
_________________________

Lots of people will say "Ooo, I like rhubarb!" and I'll say " Please come and help yourself!" but no one ever bothers to show up and at my age I'm not pulling it for them.

Some gets eaten, but not the quantities available. Give a lot ...

2026-05-06T19:32:45Z

In reply to nevent1q…7pv6
_________________________

Some gets eaten, but not the quantities available. Give a lot away.

In my area, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is an ...

2026-05-06T19:21:30Z

In my area, Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is an invasive and it pops up everywhere on the property. I chop it back as needed and keep it out of the garden beds. Otherwise I ignore it. ANYWAY this is what no-mow looks like under the apple trees. Not bad.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Spring

These seem to be indestructible and require almost no maintenance ...

2026-05-06T19:13:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…6hrs
_________________________

These seem to be indestructible and require almost no maintenance other than fresh mulch in the spring as they emerge. No idea what variety they might be.

I have an area at the bottom of the garden lot that is my rhubarb ...

2026-05-06T19:01:17Z

I have an area at the bottom of the garden lot that is my rhubarb bed. The area is about 50ft.² (4.6 meter²) and contains about 8 plants. It was planted well over 50 years ago by an older generation. This was enough to supply the needs of at least 4 large households in the neighborhood and was by no means the only garden with rhubarb. The old folks are all gone now, and these days the demand is almost nil, but the plants still carry on. I let them flower now for the bees, etc.
#gardening

I planted this Blenheim Orange apple tree in the fall of 2017. ...

2026-05-04T14:56:00Z

I planted this Blenheim Orange apple tree in the fall of 2017. Here we are in 2026 and it has yet to produce any blossoms. The little Baldwin I planted at the same time has been bearing fruit for 3 years now. I've heard that the Blenheim Orange is slow to get started but I am wondering if anyone else has any experience/tips/suggestions. Pictures show same tree then and now.
#Orchard
#Apples
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

We had a colder than expected (by me, anyway) night last night ...

2026-05-04T14:38:24Z

We had a colder than expected (by me, anyway) night last night (35F/2C) & ended up with a light frost. Plants outside are ok, but, because I did not have any supplemental heating on in the greenhouse, the eggplant seedlings were NOT happy. They recovered as it warmed up, (pix are 1 hr. apart) but I fear long-term productivity consequences. We shall see. It's still going to be a while before the tomatoes, etc. can go out to play!
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Spring
#Eggplant

Cover the tomatoes, and if you can, put something like a milk jug ...

2026-05-02T20:30:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…9hqv
_________________________

Cover the tomatoes, and if you can, put something like a milk jug or similar of warm water next to each tomato plant before you cover it. Everything else should be fine. Tomatoes really do not like anything below 50F.

Back in my youth ( let's say pre-1960 & leave it at that) ...

2026-04-30T20:13:20Z

Back in my youth ( let's say pre-1960 & leave it at that) the flowering of the lilacs was the signal to plant out the tomatoes, etc. This usually happened near the end of May. Now here we are on April 30, looking at the lilacs in bloom. We are looking for nighttime low temps to be NO LOWER than 50F(10C) & will be watching the extended forecasts closely. Last year this was 12 May and I expect similar results this year. Don't trust lilacs!
#gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BeetBear

On April 9th, when we planted out the cabbage, lettuce, & ...

2026-04-30T19:56:11Z

On April 9th, when we planted out the cabbage, lettuce, & beets, the soil temp was 54°F (12C). Here we are now at the end of April & our soil temp is now...
54°F! We are looking for at least 60F if not more to plant the bean seeds. Have to wait some more. At least the "Pot-O-Carrots" planted on the 14th is showing signs of life now!. May 1st brings on the "WAITING SEASON" How long can we hold off planting out the tomatoes, etc..?
#gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Spring
#BeetBear

I should probably explain that there are 12 of these cages, each ...

2026-04-29T00:38:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…0urp
_________________________

I should probably explain that there are 12 of these cages, each having about 10 openings cut into them and each opening has 6 spots that needed grinding making a total of 720 sharp edges to grind. At least it's a "sit-down-job" 😀

Job for today: Clean up the sharp edges on the tomato cages so I ...

2026-04-28T20:14:41Z

Job for today: Clean up the sharp edges on the tomato cages so I don't look like I have been in a fight with a bobcat every time I pick .These cages were made from fencing wire & are 60 in. high and 18 in. in dia. with 4 x 2 mesh. (Metric conversions in alt text) Larger openings were created by cutting away some of the mesh at regular intervals but sharp edges were left by the cutters I originally used, so today I cleaned it all up with a grinder.
#Gardening
#allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

I don't save many seeds myself but I agree with ...

2026-04-28T19:47:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…ffl2
_________________________

I don't save many seeds myself but I agree with Broadfork (npub1rgf…7ecj) on giving away and/or guerilla sowing. As for putting in the compost, I think that would depend on what you use the compost for, due to the germination possibilities. 😀

Spring has stalled a bit around here. Still frosts at night & ...

2026-04-26T15:17:46Z

Spring has stalled a bit around here. Still frosts at night & only barely adequate daytime temperatures. Ground still too cold to try and plant beans, etc. & Way too chilly to set out the tomatoes. At least the carrots have started to germinate although only barely visible at the moment. Got to try & hold back all this stuff for a while more yet. BeetBear has been trying to tidy the greenhouse & has planted up some basil seed in pots.
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#NewEngland
#Allotment
#Zone6b

😬

2026-04-24T20:16:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…lnkj
_________________________

😬

If you look at one of the images, there is a closeup of the label ...

2026-04-23T19:41:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…g24x
_________________________

If you look at one of the images, there is a closeup of the label on the package with company info on it.
https://consciousgardeners.com/

We got the new trellis materials in place today. We're using ...

2026-04-23T15:33:36Z

We got the new trellis materials in place today. We're using a jute netting with 4 inch square openings tied to the old metal frame with garden twine. Now we'll be ready to plant the beans when the soil warms up some more. BeetBear says "Don't talk to me about jute netting ever again..."
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Beans
#RunnerBeans
#BeetBear

The old plastic netting on the bean trellis has finally gotten ...

2026-04-23T15:16:16Z

The old plastic netting on the bean trellis has finally gotten too damaged to be of use anymore so we are making plans to replace the netting this year. Got about 7 or 8 years out of the old netting.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Beans
#RunnerBeans

I post this every year and it's still relevant. My ...

2026-04-22T08:39:24Z

I post this every year and it's still relevant.
My contribution to #earthday comments #today comes as a poster done by cartoonist Walt Kelly for Earth Day 1970. The #AltText says it all. For years now I have had this poster framed and hanging on the wall of my dining room. Here we are 56 years later...
#climate
#pollution
#gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland

🤣 BeetBear's got a special deal for you! ...

2026-04-19T21:32:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…x4z0
_________________________

🤣 BeetBear's got a special deal for you!

Our Trilliums have returned. They're hard to photograph ...

2026-04-19T15:08:07Z

Our Trilliums have returned. They're hard to photograph because they're deep under the base of a large Azalea. They've been happily living here for years and we are happy to see them each spring.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling

The Peonies are really starting to shoot up and fill out now, so ...

2026-04-18T20:06:40Z

The Peonies are really starting to shoot up and fill out now, so I got the support hoops put in place before they get too big.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#BloomScrolling
#NewEngland
#zone6b

Sorry, can't be of much help with this one. I grow bush-style ...

2026-04-18T19:53:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…kq75
_________________________

Sorry, can't be of much help with this one. I grow bush-style squashes and have never had to prune anything on them. I also never do any sort of pruning on my tomato plants, They are all indeterminate types and I just let them grow any way they want.

I love the sound of the Red-Winged Blackbird going twill-a-ree ...

2026-04-18T14:52:53Z

In reply to nevent1q…5872
_________________________

I love the sound of the Red-Winged Blackbird going twill-a-ree overhead. One of my top 10 sounds of summer.❤️

The River Birch (Betula nigra) that shades the front of the ...

2026-04-17T20:15:30Z

The River Birch (Betula nigra) that shades the front of the property is flowering. The tree is monoecious; separate male & female flowers are on the same plants & this one is quite prolific. Clouds of pollen will soon be engulfing everything & later on, this tree will be dropping MILLIONS of seeds. I've lost track of how many I've propagated & given away over the years. The Gold Finches love to snack on these seeds.
#Gardening
#allotment
#Botany
#BloomScrolling
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

This was the result caused by overwatering making the original ...

2026-04-17T09:03:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…ec8h
_________________________

This was the result caused by overwatering making the original growing tip wither away. My negligence. This was all indoors under the grow lights.

Yes, I hope to do that. Just have to keep track of which is which ...

2026-04-16T20:43:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…hxxn
_________________________

Yes, I hope to do that. Just have to keep track of which is which very carefully...

Here's a look at the crippled ones from earlier. I potted ...

2026-04-16T20:07:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…w9z9
_________________________

Here's a look at the crippled ones from earlier. I potted most of them on just in case, but the growth on them is not normal...

The replacement eggplant (aubergine) seedlings are looking pretty ...

2026-04-16T20:02:35Z

The replacement eggplant (aubergine) seedlings are looking pretty good after two weeks. No sign of any withering on the tips and the leaves seem to be forming ok. These are on the greenhouse bench in natural light and have not been overwatered.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

🎵 I'll be with you in apple blossom time...🎵 My thanks ...

2026-04-16T19:42:16Z

🎵 I'll be with you in apple blossom time...🎵 My thanks to The Andrews Sisters
A view of my grandaddy Baldwin apple tree on a warm spring afternoon. Now if we could just get this damned wind to let up for a while...
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling
#apples

I may have overdone the seeding for this year's Verbena ...

2026-04-15T15:16:42Z

I may have overdone the seeding for this year's Verbena bonariensis. Going to be quite the challenge to thin out this lot. I can never get the hang of this. I only really need about 2 dozen plants. 😀
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling

Yep! Just hope we don't overshoot on the temperature like we ...

2026-04-14T15:11:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…2qf3
_________________________

Yep! Just hope we don't overshoot on the temperature like we did last year.

OK, back to work. Since it's nearly apple-blossom time AND a ...

2026-04-14T15:08:48Z

OK, back to work. Since it's nearly apple-blossom time AND a nice day, we got busy and seeded up the "Pot-O-Carrots" for the season. It's a large planter, about 19 inches in diameter and 15 inches deep, holding about 12 gallons (43 liters) of potting mix. We use pelleted seed and plant in concentric circles with about ½ inch spacing. Pictures are an attempt to show what we do and what the scale is.
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#carrots
#Spring

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Won't you be my ...

2026-04-14T14:50:57Z

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Won't you be my neighbor? It's 75F / 24C degrees this morning with a clear, blue sky. BeetBear is luxuriating on the "lawn" with our friends, the dandelions and violets. Also to be seen are the peonies and lillies. Back to work later, but for now... BLISS!
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling
#Spring

It's the luck of the draw. Some years they are just thready ...

2026-04-13T20:48:57Z

In reply to nevent1q…3hj0
_________________________

It's the luck of the draw. Some years they are just thready whips. This year mostly chunky. Got lucky, I think.

This is what the planting looked like when we finished. Managed ...

2026-04-13T20:07:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…n4pd
_________________________

This is what the planting looked like when we finished. Managed about ¾ of one of our 40-foot (12meter) rows.

Hurray! The mailman just delivered our onion plants (Ailsa Craig) ...

2026-04-13T20:02:19Z

Hurray! The mailman just delivered our onion plants (Ailsa Craig) so BeetBear and I got busy & planted them out. I didn't buy any extras this year due to costs, but we still managed 140 plants in the ground with about 18 spares in pots in the greenhouse. Picture shows how a board is used to mark the plant spacing. Board is 4 in. (10cm) wide and the black lines are 6 in. (15cm). Now if it will just stay warm & rain a little bit.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#BeetBear
#Zone6b
#Onions

RE: https://toot.wales/@richrollgardener/112271322252473153 Here ...

2026-04-11T19:39:03Z

RE: https://toot.wales/@richrollgardener/112271322252473153

Here we are again! Almost to the day from this post 2 years ago. The Lilly beetles are back. Time to start picking bugs.
#gardening
#allotment
#zone6b
#NewEngland
nostr:note1x30dx6a6uqmu62sn9z742tdx55kvyv8wng6zskx2fvf0dx4wpk5sxc20r0

@npub1rgf…7ecj put me on to this a while back and it got my ...

2026-04-10T14:46:05Z

Broadfork (npub1rgf…7ecj) put me on to this a while back and it got my attention. The idea is to provide "Hoverfly Lagoons" to help support those Hoverfly species that have aquatic larvae. I did a little checking and one of our most common species HERE, the Common Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax) DOES have aquatic larvae so I followed this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFprOsoHowE&t=72s
and made a couple to try. Will be watching for mosquitoes too. We'll see...
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#Pollinators

BeetBear inspected the lettuce planting, as well. When we were ...

2026-04-09T20:53:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…uh92
_________________________

BeetBear inspected the lettuce planting, as well. When we were done, the whole row got covered with fleece to protect from (you name it) cold, wind, critters, the neighbor's drones, etc.
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

A couple of warmish days and bright sun have warmed things up ...

2026-04-09T20:44:58Z

A couple of warmish days and bright sun have warmed things up considerably. Soil temp is good, 10-day forecast looks "acceptable" and I have been notified that my onion plants have shipped. BeetBear and I prepped a small section of the garden today and got the lettuce (3 types), beets (Boro), and cabbage (2 types of mini pointed) set out. We have officially started gardening! Now if it wasn't always so damned windy...
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

I am in zone 6b and I wait for the lilacs to bloom in my area ...

2026-04-09T12:18:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…9yla
_________________________

I am in zone 6b and I wait for the lilacs to bloom in my area before planting out tomatoes, which is usually mid-May. BUT 10-day forecast also has to show no temps below 50F coming. I plant in the ground in open garden.

Have blocked "Tim" for the same reason. Very creepy.

2026-04-08T20:13:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…ffec
_________________________

Have blocked "Tim" for the same reason. Very creepy.

Same activity here.

2026-04-08T08:58:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…gp0j
_________________________

Same activity here.

I only grow them because the neighbors seem to like them.

2026-04-07T21:44:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…q4n0
_________________________

I only grow them because the neighbors seem to like them.

I actually prefer picking the fruit while it's still rather ...

2026-04-07T21:34:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…vt8d
_________________________

I actually prefer picking the fruit while it's still rather small. Those who cook with it say it's better small. The only trouble I have is they attract flea beetles that I have to knock off every once-in-a-while with a blast from a garden hose. Otherwise, just mulch and keep watered.

I agree. I don't think the first batch will ever produce ...

2026-04-07T21:29:36Z

In reply to nevent1q…twga
_________________________

I agree. I don't think the first batch will ever produce much, but we'll find out. Overwatering is my best guess as to what happened. It was on the top shelf of the grow light setup & I'm not tall enough to look in there properly. New batch is down where I can see it and will go out to the greenhouse much sooner than the first batch dd. I've had trouble with eggplant before. Let them get pot-bound one year & had almost no produce from them. Good thing I don't really like eggplant!

YES! I don't plant mine out in the garden until almost June, ...

2026-04-07T20:53:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…n7gr
_________________________

YES! I don't plant mine out in the garden until almost June, so there's still time. They like the heat, anyway.

Last week, I commented on how the eggplant seedlings looked like ...

2026-04-07T20:44:08Z

Last week, I commented on how the eggplant seedlings looked like they had a problem and were dying back. At that point I replanted another batch of seeds. Seven days later I can report that the new plantings have begun to germinate AND there is new growth coming on the damaged seedlings in the greenhouse. Now we've got a race going on and a chance to do some side-by-side comparisons as the season goes on. It's early days yet.
#gardening
#allotment
#zone6b
#NewEngland

This time of year I check soil temps to decide when to put in the ...

2026-04-07T01:14:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…07f8
_________________________

This time of year I check soil temps to decide when to put in the transplants of stuff that was started from seed back at the beginning of March. Things like cabbage, lettuce, beets, onions. The direct seeding stuff like carrots, beans, corn will come much later. It will be nearly June before the warm weather stuff goes in (cukes, squash, okra)

Yes, the cabbage, lettuce, and beets will be going in the ground ...

2026-04-07T00:45:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…qzed
_________________________

Yes, the cabbage, lettuce, and beets will be going in the ground the next day it isn't raining and I don't have to run errands. I have row covers with fleece to use. My onion plants will be arriving in the next few days and that will force my hand anyway...Picture is from last year first week of April showing fleece covered first planting. In 2024 it was 31st of March.

Soil temperature status: March 28th -- 42F / 5.5C March 31st -- ...

2026-04-06T14:23:01Z

Soil temperature status:
March 28th -- 42F / 5.5C
March 31st -- 48F / 8.9C
April 3rd -- 46F / 7.7C
April 6th -- 43F/ 6.1C
No progress. Spring is still dawdling. Not even any dandelions yet. 😧

Yes, not my favorite job. Digging's not so bad, but the ...

2026-04-03T15:24:19Z

In reply to nevent1q…ngf8
_________________________

Yes, not my favorite job. Digging's not so bad, but the pulling and screening to recover the soil is work. I used to just pile it up, but it will keep growing and gets worse. Better to break it all up while I'm motivated.

Last soil temp I took was 3 days ago & we have not progressed ...

2026-04-03T14:46:55Z

Last soil temp I took was 3 days ago & we have not progressed one bit. Still stuck at 46F / 7.7C. The apple trees are being cautious and are waiting at the "green tip" stage before committing. Between showers we've cut back the encroaching sod on the neighbor's side and now have half a ton of sod to deal with. Only so many "bare spots" need filling in. Most of it will be screened to recover the soil. (When it's dry and warm enough) Where is spring?
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

The current pH of the potting mix they are in is 6.5. I am ...

2026-04-02T13:30:46Z

In reply to nevent1q…atej
_________________________

The current pH of the potting mix they are in is 6.5. I am leaning toward inadvertent overwatering as a possible cause. I bottom water everything in the seed-starting room and these were on the top shelf and hard to see properly so I think the soil was over-saturated.

I will check that and let you know. Thanks.

2026-04-01T22:27:38Z

In reply to nevent1q…d5fl
_________________________

I will check that and let you know. Thanks.

That is my hope, too. Replacements planted anyway...

2026-04-01T21:51:41Z

In reply to nevent1q…x3x5
_________________________

That is my hope, too. Replacements planted anyway...

Yes, fan was running. Perhaps it dried them out too much.

2026-04-01T21:50:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…yf5l
_________________________

Yes, fan was running. Perhaps it dried them out too much.

No, not frosted. Never left the plant room in basement until just ...

2026-04-01T21:34:07Z

In reply to nevent1q…86je
_________________________

No, not frosted. Never left the plant room in basement until just before I took the picture. However, I DO think it's temperature related, either too warm under the lamps or perhaps not warm enough. I've had temperamental eggplant before. I'm going to let them grow on (if they will) and see what happens. Replacement seeds are already planted. Gardening by trowel and error...

Yesterday, I brought the rest of the seedlings up to the ...

2026-04-01T19:49:59Z

Yesterday, I brought the rest of the seedlings up to the greenhouse so I could shut down all the heat/light in plant room & save $$. Got my first good look at the eggplant (Aubergine) seedlings and I think I've probably lost most of them. After 3 weeks they have no true leaves showing and the growing tip on many of them looks withered. Not sure what happened but I'm starting another batch right now just in case these really don't make it. Some ok?
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

A couple of warm days now and I'm seeing some signs of hope ...

2026-04-01T15:07:01Z

A couple of warm days now and I'm seeing some signs of hope that the growing season will be here soon. My ancient rhubarb is stretching out and the neighbor's Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is in full flower. (I will have a runny nose for the next few weeks, but ok)
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling

Well, the soil temp has slipped backward by 2 degrees overnight ...

2026-03-31T17:26:34Z

Well, the soil temp has slipped backward by 2 degrees overnight but at least the daffodils and hyacinths have decided to show up at last. Broadfork (npub1rgf…7ecj)
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b
#BloomScrolling

Here is a very poor video of a Red-Shouldered Hawk policing the ...

2026-03-31T14:58:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…jslw
_________________________

Here is a very poor video of a Red-Shouldered Hawk policing the bird feeding area. If you look at the concrete block structure in the center of the image you will see he is sitting on top of the sloping roof.
#Birds
#ProjectFeederWatch
#NewEngland

Here's the Project Feeder Watch data for week number 22 for ...

2026-03-31T14:51:13Z

Here's the Project Feeder Watch data for week number 22 for this season. We had 21 species and 83 individuals this week. Numbers are dropping as the birds spread out to start families. Weather's improving but the Juncos are still around but we're missing the Carolina Wren and the Northern Mockingbird. Robins are coming to get crumbs off the ground under the suet feeders. Chipmunks are chipping and the Hawk is still looming.
#ProjectFeederWatch
#Birds
#NewEngland
#Gardening

Yes, the wind is not our friend.

2026-03-30T20:27:39Z

In reply to nevent1q…3cgr
_________________________

Yes, the wind is not our friend.

Finally! A decent day outside with some more coming (although ...

2026-03-30T20:03:32Z

Finally! A decent day outside with some more coming (although rainy) Got the cabbage, lettuce and snapdragons out of the greenhouse and in to the fresh air. Now we just need the soil to warm up a little more (I'm shooting for 50F / 10C or above) it's currently stuck at 48F / 8.8C. With some bench space cleared I could start potting-on more stuff. Today it was the Jalapeño plants (Everman).
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

Claxton sounds about right...

2026-03-30T12:33:40Z

In reply to nevent1q…3qr8
_________________________

Claxton sounds about right...

#BeetBear suggests that you all stop what you are doing and check ...

2026-03-30T09:24:50Z

#BeetBear suggests that you all stop what you are doing and check out the doings of this guy. We are big fans.
https://horacethealresfordbear.com/2025/04/29/a-visit-to-llanerchaeron-estate-history-and-fun/

#HoraceThe AlresfordBear
#BearsofMastodon
#RescuedBears

They taste vaguely of mild disappointment. No sweetness. 😃

2026-03-29T14:58:48Z

In reply to nevent1q…vra2
_________________________

They taste vaguely of mild disappointment. No sweetness. 😃

It's hard to see, but if you zoom in on the center of this ...

2026-03-29T14:41:20Z

It's hard to see, but if you zoom in on the center of this image you can see something interesting. This exemplifies the kind of spring we're having. In this River Birch, the high winds have snapped some branches and with all the moisture in the ground the heavily running sap is dripping profusely from the break. HOWEVER, it's so cold that it's all freezing and forming icicles which the wind then breaks off to fall on passers-by. Words fail me...
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

Thanks. I think we made it, but it's going to cost...

2026-03-29T12:07:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…mz2t
_________________________

Thanks. I think we made it, but it's going to cost...

It's now 8AM and the sun has finally cleared the cloud cover. ...

2026-03-29T12:06:26Z

In reply to nevent1q…e269
_________________________

It's now 8AM and the sun has finally cleared the cloud cover. Outside temp is now 27F / -3C and climbing. Inside greenhouse never got below 40F / 4.5C and is now over 60F / 15C so I think we're going to be ok. Can't wait to see my electric bill this month...

It's 5:30AM and the temp is down to 22F / -6C and dropping. ...

2026-03-29T09:38:06Z

It's 5:30AM and the temp is down to 22F / -6C and dropping. It's still 90 minutes to sunrise and prediction was for temp to go no lower than 28F. I REALLY hope my little greenhouse heater can keep the tomatoes from freezing. We'll know when it gets light out...😬
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

He says ~50F/10C and we're good to go for onions, cabbage, ...

2026-03-28T21:22:35Z

In reply to nevent1q…fvfx
_________________________

He says ~50F/10C and we're good to go for onions, cabbage, etc.

Finished potting-on the tomatoes and everything in green house is ...

2026-03-28T19:52:51Z

Finished potting-on the tomatoes and everything in green house is ok. Just need the weather to cooperate so I can get the cabbage and lettuce outside to make room to pot on the peppers and eggplant. We're making some progress. The rhubard is starting to wake up and the soil temp. has now reached 42F. Small steps, but in the right direction.
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

I had to rely heavily on my heated (battery powered) gloves this ...

2026-03-28T13:14:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…50fd
_________________________

I had to rely heavily on my heated (battery powered) gloves this year. Luckily my pruning is all done.

Had 28F/-2C again this morning with frozen water (I'm never ...

2026-03-28T12:57:57Z

Had 28F/-2C again this morning with frozen water (I'm never going to refer to it as ice ever again) in rain barrels. Will check on plants in greenhouse soon. Heater was on in there all night so we should be good. BeetBear is looking at the long-range forecast & has good news (it's warming up) & bad news (it's going to rain for a week). BeetBear's question is: "What do April Showers bring?" He suggests:"Muddy Feet" Anyone else have ideas?
#BeetBear
#Gardening
#Allotment
#NewEngland
#Zone6b

How wonderful! That's a sound from my childhood that I have ...

2026-03-27T00:46:21Z

In reply to nevent1q…jv30
_________________________

How wonderful! That's a sound from my childhood that I have not heard around here for at least 20 years. I miss hearing them. Silent Spring indeed.

Thanks. Soon, we hope. Even the daffs are saying "nope, not ...

2026-03-27T00:01:27Z

In reply to nevent1q…5gcc
_________________________

Thanks. Soon, we hope. Even the daffs are saying "nope, not yet."