[Moew]

I’m wondering the same thing. I live near the GA/FL state line, so I’ve joined both groups hoping to connect with locals, especially as a need for bartering increases. Not much luck yet. Good luck to you!

[Moew]

We have just started our journey into homesteading a few years ago and I am starving for all knowledge that I can get my hands on. I would love to have the Foxfire book!

[Moew]

It never ceases to amaze me how critical people are to you and all your colleagues. It is none of our business how you grow your herbs, or what you feed your chickens, etc… I know I don’t want people all up in my business. Humble, constructive criticism is great. Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge of herbs and their uses with us. You put yourself out there, and I appreciate you!

[Moew]

I think the marigolds helped, but I’m not sure because I’ve always had them there. We did lose them this year due to the Christmas freeze. I’m going to plant them this year because, if nothing else, they’re so pretty.

I love to walk outside and cut some herbs and use them for our supper. I have no idea why, but I am thrilled to do this. For this reason, I baby my herb garden and don’t want to change anything. Marigold seeds are growing as we speak!

We have had a pretty strong rain all day today, and I’m hoping that all our root vegetables will survive.

[Moew]

I missed your other question about the white flies. I hate them!! I have only been able to remove the eggs and the leaves if they’re ruined. I have no idea how to fight them. I have even given in and used “Sevens” dust when things get too bad. I know that is not organic gardening, but I had to make a choice between non-organic or no fruit. Thankfully we have only had to do that a couple of times. I’m hoping that planting my peppers and tomatoes near the herb garden will help. Sorry that I don’t have any good answers. If I figure anything out I’ll sure let you know.

[Moew]

My herb garden is in partial shade, and it is happy there. I’m thinking about planting our tomato and pepper starts in the bed that is adjacent to the herb garden. Right now I have carrots, broccoli and cabbage using that bed, but except for the carrots those plants are about finished growing.

I have one issue that could be a game changer in our sun exposure. We have a tree that needs to be removed and it is shading my herb garden. I’ll be interested to see what happens. We have equal parts sun and shade, but our summers are so stinking hot, that the shade is really hot too. I’m planning on doing my ice cube trick if things get too bad.

Is it time for you to start seedlings in your area yet? We just started ours a week ago. I’m never sure whether I’m jumping the gun on starts, or dragging my feet. The weather is so crazy anymore that I have not idea of when our last frost is!

Happy gardening

[Moew]

I’m going to plant my calendula, camomile and marigolds surrounding the beds. You’re right about most plants not looking like food. We love okra, and I can’t think of how to disguise eight foot plants yet! Lol they do have pretty flowers though.

[Moew]

It may sound weird and it’s time consuming, but I go through each plant and search for worms and their eggs. We had the battle of the century with cabbage worms this year, but our diligence seems to have won. I have so much fermenting to do and I don’t want to lose a single one of my beautiful cabbage! After all, they all survived that nasty Christmas freeze.

Last summer we had a long stretch of extreme heat with no rain as I am sure you did too. I got desperate and emptied my ice cube trays in the plants that were suffering the most. They seemed to love it.

I plant basil next to my tomatoes because the creepy crawlies are supposed to be repelled by this herb. I had some success, but not as much as I would like.

One weird thing I have noticed is that all of the plants near my herb garden flourish. I don’t know why this is, but I’ll take it! I am going to do a full rearrangement of my crops this year, but I’m not moving my herbs! I’ll probably plant some more and scatter them into each garden bed.

I hope this helps

[Moew]

Good idea! I’m so thankful ya’ll have taken the time out of your days to give me so many good ideas. I love decorating, and I’m going to find ways to disguise my edibles that way. No pink flamingoes though! I’ll post pics when the spring garden is planted

[Moew]

Thank you Farmall! We already have a privacy fence except for a front gate. We do have two extremely big dogs who like to watch out for us there. I’m going to buy the security lights tomorrow-that’s a great idea and I don’t know why I didn’t think about it. I have always wanted a safe room/ root cellar but our water table is extremely high here in SW GA. I am going to do some research to see if there is a way around this high water table. Thank you so much for your helpful advice.

[Moew]

Thank you! We have raised beds in the back and they are full of our winter crops. I’m going to change my spring garden plans and take your advise and lose the rows. I am preparing my medicinal herb garden in the front because they just look like pretty flowers and will most likely be passed by. I hope your new place is serving you well and you have successful crops. Thanks for the great suggestions.

[Moew]

I’m in zone 8a also, and I planted my potatoes last week. We shall see what happens

[Moew]

If my kitchen wasn’t so small, I would put a bed in there! Lol

[Moew]

This recipe sounds yummy!

[Moew]

Hey! Fellow RN here. I am so happy with the amount of stress relief I experience with planning meals ahead. This year was the first year that I cooked and froze all of my Thanksgiving meal (except the turkey) ahead of time. Wow! It’s the first year that I enjoyed the holiday and wasn’t such a beast to be around! Lol

I am happy to hear that you have taken up pressure canning. It sure opens up a variety of food that can be preserved