Re: Fourth Year SFG in Canada

**trolleydriver** Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:21 pm

The wall of our garage (see photo) gets a lot of summer sun from mid-morning to sunset. In fact, the bricks get quite warm and radiate heat after the sun goes down. I have room for a small SFG box (maybe a 2x4 or 2x5) on the grass next to the sidewalk (behind the Table Top). I'm thinking I could build a trellis that would go up from the box and then across to attach to the wall. If I moved the Table Top I would have room for a larger box alongside the walkway. I think this would be a good place for trellising squash, or beans or tomatoes. I promised myself I would not go crazy this year with expanding the veggie garden but I can't help myself. Feedback welcomed.

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8 - Fourth Year SFG in Canada - Page 3 Img_2071

**trolleydriver** Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:14 pm

Today Feb.13 I started some Leeks and Onions indoors. They are warming up on the new heat mat. I filled the pots with wet potting mix, sowed the seeds, topped them off with fine vermiculite, and sprayed them with water. 8 - Fourth Year SFG in Canada - Page 3 Img_2074

8 - Fourth Year SFG in Canada - Page 3 Img_2074

**sanderson** Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:52 pm

Are your summers gentle enough for a south facing red brick wall? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying it. I already have it designed for you. rofl

**trolleydriver** Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:58 pm

sanderson wrote:Are your summers gentle enough for a south facing red brick wall? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying it. I already have it designed for you.

It does get quite hot at the wall in the few weeks of peak summer that we get here. However, the vertical part of the trellis and the new SFG bed will be 3 to 4 feet away from the wall in about the same position as the legs on the left side of the Table Top. I can't wait to see your design. bounce

**Turan** Tue Feb 13, 2018 6:25 pm

You know a squash arch over that walk way attached to the roof line would be rather pretty and squash would love the warmth.

**trolleydriver** Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:32 pm

Turan wrote:You know a squash arch over that walk way attached to the roof line would be rather pretty and squash would love the warmth.

That was my thinking as well.

**trolleydriver** Wed Feb 21, 2018 5:13 pm

My Leeks and White Spanish Onions that I sowed indoors on February 13 did not germinate. In parallel I did a germination test on damp paper towel and got 0 percent germination. So I bought new Leek seeds that I planted today. I am not going to start more onions but will buy sets to plant outdoors later.

I also sowed Annual Bunching Onions indoors on February 13. Those seeds did germinate and today I moved them under the fluorescent light.

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**trolleydriver** Mon Feb 26, 2018 1:03 pm

The reseeded (new fresh seed) Leeks are germinating.
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Germination test. The new Leek seeds have an 80% germination rate. I also tried two Canada Crookneck seeds from a Canada Crookneck Squash grown in the SFG and eaten just a few days ago. Both seeds are germinating (one only just starting). 8 - Fourth Year SFG in Canada - Page 3 Img_2080

8 - Fourth Year SFG in Canada - Page 3 Img_2080

The Bunching Onions ...
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The AeroGgarden is producing well. I have to keep cutting things back (and eating them of course). I had some of the Kale in a green smoothie. The Lettuce looks like it will soon be ready for a salad. I've noticed that now that the plants are bigger I have to add water more frequently (the AeroGarden reminds me to do so on the little screen at the front).
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**Scorpio Rising** Mon Feb 26, 2018 6:38 pm

I put my melons on the south side of my brick house, TD. In containers. They love it! Squash would, too, or eggplant.

**sanderson** Tue Feb 27, 2018 1:59 am

Cute little seedlings. Very Happy

**AtlantaMarie** Tue Feb 27, 2018 5:16 am

Ohhh.... Don't we just love our babies.... ;-)

+1, Sanderson!

**trolleydriver** Wed Feb 28, 2018 11:44 am

The Leeks are up and have been moved to the shelf under the grow light.
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SQWIB Wed Feb 28, 2018 1:44 pm

Everything is looking great, following along and love the photos.

**trolleydriver** Wed Feb 28, 2018 2:19 pm

SQWIB wrote:Everything is looking great, following along and love the photos.

Thanks SQWIB

**trolleydriver** Fri Mar 02, 2018 1:15 pm

I harvested a few things, including lettuce and kale, from the AeroGarden. Used them, along with some store bought things, for a delicious lunchtime salad.

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yolos Fri Mar 02, 2018 3:24 pm

Wow TD, you really have that Aerogarden going good.

**trolleydriver** Fri Mar 02, 2018 3:45 pm

yolos wrote:Wow TD, you really have that Aerogarden going good.

Thanks yolos.

Now I'm running out of liquid nutrients to put in it. The cost of AeroGarden nutrients is ridiculous here in Canada. Amazon wants $13 for a 3 oz bottle and $39 for a one quart jug. Add sales taxes and shipping and it is insane. In fact, the whole AeroGarden concept is outrageously priced. Amazon USA charges $25 USD ($32 Canadian) for the 1 quart size. Unless I can find a cheaper local alternative I expect my AeroGarden will be retired after this season. Luckily I only paid about $60 Canadian for it.

**Kelejan** Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:00 am

TD, try making tea from worm castings or something similar like some of your compost liquefied.

**sanderson** Sat Mar 03, 2018 1:36 am

I guess I don't understand AeroGardens. Can you use open pots with Mel's Mix and just use its lights?

**trolleydriver** Sat Mar 03, 2018 11:39 am

sanderson wrote:I guess I don't understand AeroGardens. Can you use open pots with Mel's Mix and just use its lights?

Aerogardens are hydroponic and have special growing pods for the plants. There is a reservoir for water/nutrients under the pod tray. Mine has a pump to circulate the water. Last year I used it just as a grow light by sitting my regular seedling pots on a tray under the LED light and not using the built in hydroponic feature.

Guest Sat Mar 03, 2018 11:41 am

What an inspiring thread! Smile

TD - how are your ice cream buckets doing? What a great idea!!

**trolleydriver** Sat Mar 03, 2018 5:10 pm

GreenThumbMomma wrote:What an inspiring thread! TD - how are your ice cream buckets doing? What a great idea!!

GTM ... Not much happening outside with those Winter Sown ice cream containers. Right now I'm making a list of more things I need to Winter Sow. I only had partial success last year with WS so it will be interesting to see what happens this year.

**trolleydriver** Sat Mar 03, 2018 5:18 pm

My saved Canada Crookneck seeds germination test is now at this stage.
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countrynaturals Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:14 pm

trolleydriver wrote:My saved Canada Crookneck seeds germination test is now at this stage.

Nice, TD. I just planted my squash seeds this afternoon. 8 - Fourth Year SFG in Canada - Page 3 3170584802

**sanderson** Sun Mar 04, 2018 3:01 am

TD, What is on the right and what is on the left? Did I miss something?

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