1st of February in the North & Central Midwest

I liked the idea in the PNW subforum so much, I decided to expand it.

How bout we keep a log of what we did, or are doing, this week? I'll go first...

Nothing....lol. That was easy.

However, I have two boxes made and waiting for dirt and accessories. I have five peat pellets under lights started.....a broccoli, celery, two lettuce, and a cauliflower. The lettuces are experimental and are intended to be grown in windows. The rest is awaiting transplantation prefrost on their dates.....once the dirt and hoop house are in.

We are under 3-4 inches of sleet...that has turned to ice....and another 2 inches of snow. Temps are ridiculously cold with nights falling close to zero again tonight. Days are not expected to get above freezing for the forecastable future. And, although I trust the calendars and climatology, I am beginning to think I jumped the gun a bit....but realize that will happen some years when I am this aggressive.

Now, you go...

BackyardBirdGardner wrote:I liked the idea in the PNW subforum so much, I decided to expand it....

Have I got a job for you! Kidding, that's mm's job. What you read in the PNW forum is what we call the 'First of the Month Update'. It's a good place for everyone to check in with others in their region. The thread is generally initiated by the Regional Host of that region on the first of the month. The routine has gotten pretty slack over the winter because there hasn't been much to talk about. If you look at posts over the past three days, you'll see several first of month threads that have been posted, participation is still a little slow. Not all Regional Hosts made their posts on schedule.

I'm not sure what region you're in, do you know? The map is here.

Harvesting snow?

BBG

Judging from the map, it looks like you're in the Northern and Central Midwest Region. If that's where you think you fit in also*, maybe a mod can change your topic title to something like 'First of the month in the Midwest'. You currently don't have a Regional Host, and last year the Midwest region was the most active.



* Some folks are located geographically in one region, but participate in an adjoining region because the climate is more similar.

Yup...I'm a midwest guy both in heart and on your map (but plan to closely follow Upper and Middle South, too). Most active sounds shocking...especially given there's no current host. I knew the activity would be low this time of year and would pick up as frost dates get closer. I've already seen it pick up in the General forum. I suppose only you hardcore guys are year-round residents.

Either way, I saw an idea and ran with it. It's sort of what I do. I had no idea it was a regular thing. That's awesome. If I stepped on toes, I'm sure someone will say something. I am certainly not trying to take over.

New to this forum but loving the discussions. I currently have broccoli seeds started but I started the wrong variety ( 90 day harvest, it'll be march when they are ready to harvest. LOL). I really just wanted to get a "feel" for starting seeds. I'm currently waiting on my Burpee order to arrive, with the correct variety to start. The new Menards store opened on Tuesday.The seeds are 40% off. Hubby and I are going over tomorrow to check it out and price some needed items. I have a $10 off $50 coupon for Lowe's so I may have to get my wood for the other raised beds I need with that.

My location is north of Cincy - we had 0.5 - 0.75 inch of ice on Tues/Wed,then 0.25 inch dusting of snow on top of it. The temps are slowly creeping upwards now but not enough to melt it. I fell the other morning walking the dog.

I hope no one in your area lost power. That much ice tends to bring down limbs.

I have tomato, pepper, basil, cilantro, chives, and sunflowers started.
Tomatoes and basil have sprouted.

As for the weather. I had to dig my way IN to my garage.
Had to water some shrubs and trees.

Sully, "central kansas" is? I grew up in Independence....down around Chanute, Parsons, Coffeyville.

When you say central, I think points north of Wichita like McPherson, Pratt, Great Bend, etc.

BYBG,

I am in Herington, Ks. Just south of Junction City. About 11/2 hrs north of Wichita. Anyone else in this area?

I'm in Illinois near Peoria. I thought it would be a good idea to start some herbs. So a few days ago I did just that!
I have Basil that just sprouted and then was murdered by one of my 4 year old twins. I also have Oregano and Sage that are just poking through the soil. I have a few things in moist paper towels right now that I will put in tonight or tomorrow.

sully wrote:BYBG,

I am in Herington, Ks. Just south of Junction City. About 11/2 hrs north of Wichita. Anyone else in this area?

Thanks. I pretty much can visualize you on a map now. Several years back, I had a buddy move to Hutch to photograph for their paper. I hate to say it, but I am not fond of that part of the world....even though I will always love Kansas and call it home. My town and yours are two different worlds. You get more wind for sure, more storms, and more heat in the summer coupled with that blast-furnace wind.

Aub wrote:I'm in Illinois near Peoria. I thought it would be a good idea to start some herbs. So a few days ago I did just that!
I have Basil that just sprouted and then was murdered by one of my 4 year old twins. I also have Oregano and Sage that are just poking through the soil. I have a few things in moist paper towels right now that I will put in tonight or tomorrow.

Awesome...keep us posted.

Aub wrote:I'm in Illinois near Peoria. I thought it would be a good idea to start some herbs. So a few days ago I did just that!
I have Basil that just sprouted and then was murdered by one of my 4 year old twins. I also have Oregano and Sage that are just poking through the soil. I have a few things in moist paper towels right now that I will put in tonight or tomorrow.

My dad is a twin, I feel for you!!! My dad & uncle still act like 4 year olds when they get together!

Not a darn thing going on!
Another couple of inches of snow on top of the storm.
I got the trusty planner out. I get to start broccoli and onions this week! Will start parsley too, I have most of the herbs growing in my perennial beds already.
I am going to have hoop covers on the early beds this spring so I am starting my seeds just a little early. I figure I can plant about 2 weeks before last frost date.
Iowa can be funny for growing!

Aub- I feel your pain. My 3yr old has murdered 4 brocolli plants.

BYBG, nobody in my area lost power but ppl south of me did.

Those of you south of me got whopped again. Sorry to see that white stuff come through yet again. However, we are supposed to get warmer temps starting tomorrow around my neck of the woods. It appears the weather pattern will temporarily shift for several days to a couple weeks. Hopefully, by then, winter will only have a last gasp left over.

It's really sad when I think 50F is the coming of summer.

Hey all - new to the forums but not new to SFG. I'm on my third year and learning a bit every time I plant. I'm just planning right now as I haven't gotten brave enough to do my own transplants. This year, I WILL win the war against the cabbage worms.

SmartChick

Great to have another SFG with some experience. Where have you been the last three years? We are so glad you have joined us.

I row gardened when I lived in Omaha from 1994 to 1998. One thing really I miss since moving to Oregon is the ability to grow Lots and Lots of Tomatoes. We just don't have enough heat most years.

Hope you find the trick to beating down those nasty Cabbage Worms. Lightweight row covers can be helpful to keep those pretty butterfiles off your brassiccas and prevent Cabbage Worms. BT is sometimes helpful if the Cabbage Worms are already there.

Please feel free to ask questions, and if you have comments on someone else's questions, jump right in.
Just so you know, we LOVE pictures.

Again, Welcome!

Welcome, Smartchick!!

We are getting ready for planting over here in STL....well, I am. I am pushing envelopes this year with a hoop house and some water jugs....hoping to get broccoli, lettuce, and spinach in next weekend. With our winter being far from over, I'm afraid, I am really pushing the edges here. But, I feel it's worth it if all works out....and, if not, I'm out $5 in seed.

Boy, how seed starting cuts costs!

When can you plant over there? And, when do YOU plant over there?

Welcome to the forum, Smartchick. It's always good to have a veteran SFG'er join the group.

I know what you mean about cabbage worms. I controlled them years ago in my old row garden with Bt (Dipel, Thuricide) but I didn't buy it soon enough last summer and I couldn't find it when I needed it in the fall. I did a daily handpicking of worms, which helped enough to get a crop. I thought cold weather would get 'em, but they lasted as long as the broccoli.

Someone posted last summer (sorry, I've forgotten who it was - please remind me if you know) that they cut out small white butterflies and paint a single black dot on the wing to resemble cabbage moths. They put small sticks in the corners of their box and tie strings diagonally across the tops from which to dangle a few of the fake moths over the plants. Apparently the moths are territorial and new ones will not lay eggs where another is already in business. I got as far as cutting out my moths from cottage cheese container lids but then had to leave home for a couple of weeks and never got back to getting them put up. I plan to put them out this year as soon as I set the plants. It won't cost much to give it a shot.

Remember that we love to see photos of your garden.

Well, I obviously missed the 1st of February since I just joined this week, but I am definitely in N&C Midwest! I have collected much of the needed supplies to make my boxes, grids, and trellises, but since we are in a Winter Storm Warning for 6-12 inches of snow starting tonight (just updated to add a few more inches on the forecast!) there is not much to do outside. I have my garden designed and my calendar set with when to plant what indoors and outdoors. Never been this organized for starting the garden, but All New SGF really inspired me! Now I wait...with 3 trellises built and adorning my dining room.

Goosegirl wrote:Well, I obviously missed the 1st of February since I just joined this week, but I am definitely in N&C Midwest! I have collected much of the needed supplies to make my boxes, grids, and trellises, but since we are in a Winter Storm Warning for 6-12 inches of snow starting tonight (just updated to add a few more inches on the forecast!) there is not much to do outside. I have my garden designed and my calendar set with when to plant what indoors and outdoors. Never been this organized for starting the garden, but All New SGF really inspired me! Now I wait...with 3 trellises built and adorning my dining room.

Ain't it fun?!!

I have never planned out my stuff with a calendar, either, but am this year.

I will tell you this about the weathermen, when they start adjusting their forecast by adding inches, they are secretly telling you that you may get even more than that. When they say 4-6 inches, but start dropping it to 1-3, you hardly get squat. Same goes for temperatures....although, you live in one of the toughest places in the world to forecast temps. That chinook wind can really mess up a forecast.

Hope to see pictures soon of your garden....snow covered or not.

Ain't that the truth about the Weatherman! We are now upgraded to a Blizzard Warning . Come on MAY! Give me HEAT!

Goosegirl wrote:Ain't that the truth about the Weatherman! We are now upgraded to a Blizzard Warning . Come on MAY! Give me HEAT!

I'm tellin' ya, you can take that "trend" to the bank. I have an entire Facebook following on my local forecasting.....they swear I'm more accurate.....and, I'm starting to believe them. But, I have a secret weapon....(an Autistic son that gets really hyper 24-48 hrs before it rains without fail.).