Flowers: The Lasagna Garden Brigade #2 (Continued)

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cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) September 12, 2009 08:23 PM	To keep the peace, this thread has been moved from its original forum we came from here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1030412/ Hello all! Welcome to the Lasagna Bed Brigade! A few of us on the Seed Trading Forum have gotten together and are attempting to build Lasagna Garden beds this fall. They can be used to grow anything from Annuals to Bulbs to veggies.. is all up to you, but its a simple till free, less weeding way to start a garden bed. newbies feel free to garden along with us and we'll do our best to answer any questions you may have! here is a simple list of things you will need to get started on your Lasagna bed. You can go as fast or slow as you wish. You can accomplish this all in one day and plant immediately, or you can build it over time and plant in Spring.. it's entirely up to you! be sure to check out the links I have provided as all are good resources of information on Lasagna gardening! List of items: Cardboard or several layers of Sheet newspaper Layers of 'Greens" (see list below) Layers of 'Browns' (see list below) GREENS Grass clippings Tea bags Vegetable and fruit Scraps (No Onion) Coffee grounds and Paper Filters Old bedding annuals manure from herbivores (no meat eaters poo in the lasagna bed) Pond Algae Pine needles (sprinkle lime on this layer) Seaweed Peat moss Fresh leaves and fresh hedge trimmings BROWNS Finely crushed eggshells Cereal Boxes - shredded Composted manure Corrugated cardboard packaging - shredded Toilet tissue and paper towel roll tubes - shredded Dried leaves and hedge clippings Straw and hay Ashes from wood, paper, lumpwood charcoal Cotton threads Cotton string Dryer lint (from natural fibers only like cotton or wool) Shredded Newsprint ( no shiny inserts) What NOT To Put In Your Lasagna Bed Meat or meat by-products ( cheese, eggs, etc) Grease Salty Cooked Food Pet Waste Citrus or citrus peels Onion (this seems to be a matter of preference, use your own judgment) Any grass or hedge clippings that have recently been treated with insecticides or fungicides (if using bed to grow veggies) Once you have gathered some or all of your materials you can begin building your beds. here is what to do: Decide the location and area of your lasagna bed. Lay your cardboard or several layers of newspaper down in the shape and size you want your bed to be, yup, right on top of the grass!. be sure to overlap edges. This is your initial weed barrier. Now, wet your cardboard or newspaper with water to hold it in place. if its breezy, place rocks at edges to keep it from blowing away. Now start layering your 'greens' and 'browns' in thick 1-3 inch layers. Alternate your greens and browns until your bed is 12 - 18 inches high. Top off your bed with a nice 3 - 4 inch layer of Topsoil mixed with composted manure. be sure to wet your bed in between each layer. Dont saturate it, but it should be moist like a wet sponge. You may choose to edge your garden bed, but i left mine as is and it is holding up nicely. You can plant right away. as the materials break down, they feed your plants, this makes closer plantings possible as your plants wont be competing for nutrients. This close planting makes for less weeding as well. if you chose to wait until spring, then keep your beds covered and moist. this aides in the breakdown of the materials and by Spring, you will have a nice rich planting bed to start with! here are a few links to help you get started! Websites: How To Build A Lasagna Garden - About.com http://organicgardening.about.com/od/startinganorganicgarden... Lasagna Gardening 101 http://ourgardengang.tripod.com/lasagna_gardening.htm An Introduction To Lasagna Gardening - thriftyfun.com http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf582744.tip.html Videos: Lasagna Gardening; Part 1 - Youtube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpfB6lkbSwc Sheet Mulch Garden (lasagna gardening) - Youtube.com http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfYmazZ2L_Q Happy Gardening! *** once a the thread is closed, please refrain from continuing to post in it, just carry your convo over to the new thread.. This ensures that our fellow gardeners with dial up will not miss posts due to long threads and wait times. :) This message was edited Sep 12, 2009 4:24 PM
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 09:18 PM	Thank You Seray.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 09:24 PM	Cue did this one Arejay! Fusing ain't it. LOL
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 09:25 PM	Oh sorry of course she did its Lasagna gardening Duh!!!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 09:38 PM	Ok now where are we having Mojitos! LOL Here and there. Sounds like a block party to me. Just think now we can have mojitos (margaritas for some) on this forum. What ever this forum is. And the Brug forum. Then the Beginner forum. Before you know it Newbies will be everywhere with Newbie mojitos. Wonder which forum Gilda will call home? It's a newbie take over I tell ya! Back to stripping leaves from brush. My place is sure looking better. :)
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 09:39 PM	Hi Seray , I think I will break my own habit and have a mojito with you tonight!!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 09:40 PM	A double don't ya think? LOL
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 09:41 PM	Ok !!!
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 12, 2009 09:49 PM	Maybe even 2 doubles! Apparentlly we as newbies have offended some of the old timers. That's the only thing I can figure. It almost sounds like they (whoever "they" are) do not want to have anything to do with "newbies" and we are in their way. But I could be reading it all wrong.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 09:55 PM	Hi Skellogg When I first came on there was only Robin's thread. Then we got to know each other a little by chatting on the free seed for newbies, then we went for the lasagna bed, then we did the Brug sprout, then we did the junkie chit chat. All in about 4 months or so. Kind took over the trading thread with our enthusiasm. No harm really. I've talked with many of the girls and they are awesome resources. They like us. We're kinda like puppies. You can only take so much. LOL
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 09:58 PM	I think Skell, The problem is we have grown as a group by leaps and bounds. If you look back at the newbie thread prior to us inhabiting it. It was not as it is now. We have more than doubles in size I would say. What happens is with all of our extra threads.Which are great and we love them. The trade threads get overcome with our stuff. We get going sometimes we can run a thread up in less than a day. I have to go ask someone where we are sometimes and I started as the thread monitor....so when all of that happens. Serious seed searchers and savers cant find the threads to swap their seed. Look at it this way. The "old timers" swapping their seed must be done to keep getting seed for the newbies!! There seed fills our envies...so it is great to help them wade through the lasagna beds we make by the truckload....Buy the way ( I don't think I can be a newbie anymore it is almost a year:(
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 09:59 PM	OHHH Seray ...Puppies...Lol that was a good one have you already had two Mojos?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 10:00 PM	Arejay! You're the Newbie momma. Perpetual Newbie. Sorry. Youth forever for you. :)
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 10:02 PM	Not yet waiting for the party. Where's the chit chat? Cue says she'll close the old one. Open her up and let's get these boxes moved.
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 12, 2009 10:10 PM	I guess I won't put in my 2 cents worth cause it would make somebody mad and I don't want that again. Happy Days Girls. It's got to get better. LOL
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 10:12 PM	How do you feel about Garden Talk?
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 10:13 PM	We jsut wont be able to change the post every 200 we will have to let it go just a bit longer so as not to take the top thread all the time? How is that?
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 10:14 PM	This is what it looks like http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/f/gardentalk/all/
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 10:14 PM	Smart woman Flower! I've dug up the crepe myrtle and it'll be in the mail to you tomorrow. Do you want wisteria?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 10:16 PM	Perfecto Arejay! We had a home and didn't know it. LOL
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 10:16 PM	Yeay!!! ok Ill go post.
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 12, 2009 10:18 PM	I understand all that. I just don't get why it's a problem reading the titles, I guess. Don't mind moving where ever, just don't get why they are so upset. When I first joined, (way back in April LOL!) I posted a thread on something, don't even remember what, and Dave sent me an email telling me they moved my thread to the correct place. Guess I just assumed that if we were in the wrong place, we would have been informed of that and been moved to the right place. I just hope that I haven't offended anyone or made anyone mad, just the way I was looking at it, right or wrong. ;-)
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 12, 2009 10:21 PM	I like moving this way! No boxes to pack, no furniture to move, no pickups and trailers to load! LOL!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 10:23 PM	Nope no one mad! Just some reorganization. Arejay is posting a new thread for the Seed Junkie Chit Chat. In (of all places) garden talk forum. LOL She'll post the link here and we'll have a mojito to celebrate our ritzy new home.
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 12, 2009 10:26 PM	I am looking for the link to the latest Auction anyone have it?
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 12, 2009 10:49 PM	I think I have lost out on some of it and will have to sort thru and find every one again. OH it happens.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 12, 2009 10:51 PM	The new Seed Junkie Chit Chat thread is here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1037667/ Bring your drinks. LOL
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 13, 2009 01:47 AM	What's the difference between using straw or hay in the lasagna beds? Is one preferable to another? I see ads on Craigslist for straw, hay, timothy grass, wheat hay, etc. for about $2.50 bale. I have no clue what the differences are or which I should use.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 13, 2009 01:51 AM	I think straw and hay are both brown and acceptable LollyJ. Pine straw here is $3 a bale. Any would work for a brown layer. I don't think it matters if you just keep adding brown and green brown and green.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 13, 2009 03:13 AM	can someone please pass the Parmesan cheese and White Zin to go with our lasagna?? Or maybe a Mojitooooo
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 13, 2009 04:16 AM	I used old straw because that is what is available for me for free. I could have used hay, but with animals we need all the hay we can get for feed. Straw for me is more expendable for such things as gardening, and hay is just to valuable here, LOL! Besides the deer won't bother the straw, and I don't want to encourage them hanging around picking hay out of my lasagna beds!
Dogs_N_Petunias Cleburne, TX (Zone 8a) September 13, 2009 11:57 AM	re: straw - I think one big benefit is that straw won't sprout roots like some of the hay does. I'm having a terrible time in my lasagna bed with bermuda grass coming through or sprouting up. That stuff is THE WORST. But with all the rain we're getting here this weekend, my lasagna bed may just wash off down the hill before it is over. LOL. Been raining since Friday afternoon and still pouring down. But we need it and whatever damage it does will be so worth it.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 13, 2009 02:14 PM	I used pine straw on mine DNP. I have tomato sprouts coming through from some of the old potting soil I used. LOL I think straw would've kept them buried. What's a few tomatoes in your iris bed huh! Just kidding. They've started my next layer of green. Glad you're getting some rain.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 13, 2009 03:19 PM	For the last couple of days I have been cleaning up hay soaked from rain and horsey doo and putting it in my beds. The horses waste a bunch when they pull from the roll and the mares dirty it up. I pick it up because 1) I don't want them eating it, and 2) it attracts all the bad bugs. It's common Bermuda which isn't as hardy and invasive as regular Bermuda. It had rained so it was completely soaked.. took us about 25 wheelbarrows full to pick it all up. I'm feeling it today, but it's good exercise. With a constant supply of everything I need, I might have lasagna beds everywhere! I have enough room to start my own nursery.. lol
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 13, 2009 09:49 PM	We'll expect pics of course! :) If that aged it would make good top dressing next spring wouldn't it? Aren't we supposed to keep adding to the beds once they're planted?
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 14, 2009 01:08 AM	I keep adding!! I cant wait to see Mechelle grow into a full blown nursery how about all of you?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 14, 2009 01:09 AM	Worth a trip to TN. LOL
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 14, 2009 01:13 AM	Wouldn't be to much of a drive for me. LOL
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 14, 2009 01:16 AM	There has to be a Moose Lodge nearby we could all pile up there and visit Mechelle's nursery. LOL Ride her horses. Swim in the lake. You know make ourselves at home. LOL
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 14, 2009 01:24 AM	Oh yes!! Dont go without me!! I wanna go!! Spring how about spring? You ready for us Mechelle?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 14, 2009 01:28 AM	Beautiful up there (being in GA an all) in spring. Sounds like a plan. Gilda can go too.
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 14, 2009 01:34 AM	If she isnt there when we leave!! Where did Mechelle go?? She must have gotten nervous running to hide in case we ask for directions and head for her house!!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 14, 2009 01:40 AM	The bees will show up where she lives with all those beds of flowers.
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 14, 2009 01:41 AM	Yes how could she not be happy right? New Bees and Mojitos...what else could anyone need....
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 14, 2009 08:05 PM	OMG I just saw this, you guys are so funny!! We really should plan that for sure. I'm crazy enough to do it! next spring sounds awesome to me! We could have a bbq, drink some real mojitos, have a campfire by the pond.. Totally do-able. I'm not kidding, lol
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 14, 2009 08:43 PM	That sound fabulous to me. I know I would enjoy meeting everyone, but you young whipper snappers just don't expect me to keep up with you all. LOL
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 14, 2009 08:52 PM	It's the oldies that party Flower. Fess up. Raised in the 60's!!!! ROTFL We probably could find a cabin on a lake somewhere halfway. Would be fun!
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 14, 2009 09:03 PM	Hey I'm 37, so I'm no spring chicken! Wouldn't that be fun though? We could turn this into something really cool and fun you guys!!
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 14, 2009 09:07 PM	We could start doing an annual get together.. I am really good at this kinda stuff.. I was a cub scout mom, lol lol We could call it something like "DG Annual Flower Fest" hmmm hmmm Need Feedback
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 14, 2009 09:09 PM	Let's all agree to a date and time to meet somewhere and talk about this..
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 14, 2009 11:22 PM	Well if I am not disabled by that time it really sounds nice. chelle I am 62 yrs young and have alot of physical things going on so I know I wouldn't be able to keep up.,But that doesn't stop me from enjoying things.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 15, 2009 12:30 AM	Shoot flower, thats okay.. we'll make sure you have a good time
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 15, 2009 02:21 AM	LOL I am sure I would anyway.
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 15, 2009 09:01 PM	My first lasagna bed is ready to go! I've going to cover it with plastic and let it bake for a few weeks then start planting. View Larger
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 15, 2009 09:27 PM	Ohhhhh! Very nice Lollyjean!!! What are you going to plant?
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 16, 2009 12:18 AM	I'm going to plant the Allium bulbs that skellogg sent me and I haven't decided on what else yet. I'm going to go through my newbie seeds and make my selections. Definitely something to climb the fence and maybe the wildflower mix.
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 16, 2009 01:43 AM	That is going to look super, Lolly! Can't wait to see the pics next spring when everything is blooming and growing! Yippee! Another finished bed. We rock, ladies! It looks wonderful, Lolly!
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 16, 2009 03:05 AM	ooh Lolly, nice lasagna bed! Some pretty Morning Glories would look amazing there ;-)
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 16, 2009 09:31 AM	this is my first time with this group . i want to tell you my experience with my 2 new lasagna bed this spring. It took 7 months to finish a big one measuring perhaps 30 x 10.We compost everything including stuff from the freezer.I had to hire someone to finish 2 new beds late spring because I just can not do everything and improve my golf game too. LOL!!! He used all my compost and had attracted or made earthworm galore that the birds congregate for food. I get 100's of them for my kois. DH told me not to compost meats but i did not listen and i still do it.I am on vacation right now but i will pix of this 2 new beds when i get home. Belle
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 16, 2009 10:03 AM	Come back Belle...show us the pictures!!
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 16, 2009 12:27 PM	arejay are you here?
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 16, 2009 12:56 PM	Welcome Belle! And yes, do show us pix, as we love seeing how e1 does things. This is the first year for alot of us with lasagna beds, so we are learning tons!
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 17, 2009 10:48 AM	Im here right now Flower.....
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 12:26 PM	Yeah up bright and early I see. LOL Wish I could get up like that LOL I am to lazy to even try that early.
hanseycollie Cynthia (N. Kansas City), MO (Zone 5b) September 17, 2009 01:48 PM	4:48 a.m. - I agree with you Flower - I wonder if even God is up at that hour, LOL!!!! Cynthia
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 17, 2009 01:56 PM	I hope so!! 4 am does come early.
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 02:33 PM	Hi there Gals. Got plants to put in the ground today so I guess I have to work HUH?
hanseycollie Cynthia (N. Kansas City), MO (Zone 5b) September 17, 2009 02:41 PM	Me too - this is what makes for a good day! Cyn
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 03:12 PM	Ok, I have what may seem like the stupidest question ever but here goes....A lot of the seeds I'm gathering for planting in the Spring say "sow 6 weeks before the last frost". How am I supposed to know when that's going to be?
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 03:15 PM	well you can pretty well say your last frost will be the last of april or the 1st of may. I know ours is normally in the 1st to middle of May and yoou are farther south so yours woould be earlier than ours.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 17, 2009 03:22 PM	Lollyjean the farmers almanac predicts the date for each location. It's a guessing game really. In coastal GA I've learned not to plant until the middle of April unless I want to spend lots of time covering up the babies and keeping my fingers crossed. In this case practice will give you a good idea but is not perfect. :)
hanseycollie Cynthia (N. Kansas City), MO (Zone 5b) September 17, 2009 03:32 PM	How's this for another stupid question... once your garden is "lasagnaed", how do you keep adding to it if it has plants in it, or do you not?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 17, 2009 03:35 PM	Robin says she does and I've read you just kinda add around the plants. Grass clippings, then leaves etc. I guess it would be like any type of top dressing. Composted manure or compost in the spring.
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 17, 2009 03:58 PM	Once it is ready for planting which means you have enough depth to grow plants then you can landscape but take your time. this is talking through experience, i consider color height perennial or annuals, shade loving, sun loving etc etc.After you had planted add the bagged mulch so you will have a no weed bed.again this is what I do in my beds. We have a no weed in our gardens and I am not kidding. Aside from the mulch that we have DH puts 75 bags of bag mulch.We save all clippings, leaves from the fall and even the neighbors clippings during trash days as long as no one is watching!! LOL!!! I employ help, teenagers from church or teen neighbors and at one time mentally challenged so they can have extra money. i do not have problem getting help because i pay over minimum!! LOL!!! and feed them too!!! The lady with big heart. !!! Belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 17, 2009 05:15 PM	Great advice Belle! NO WEEDS!!! is my goal for next year. I'm saving everything and my friends are giving me their leaves. We have mostly pines. I will add a thicker mulch to my next bed. My first had irises and I was afraid to put it on too thick. I feel encouraged about the weed thing. That was my biggest challenge this year. Just don't have the time it takes to weed large areas. Sherri
flowerfantasy Washington, IN (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 05:27 PM	Hey that's a problem for me too . I just don't have the back and legs to get down and weed much. I am going to mulch my iris bed and hope it dont grow to many weeds next year like it did this year. couldn't hardly see the flowers for the weeds and the irises are in there really thick so you can imagine what the weeds looked like.
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 17, 2009 05:35 PM	Start you lasagna garden now and keep adding and by spring everything is decomposed and ready to go. i use several thickness of corrugated boxes. One thing that adds to more rapid decomposition is water often. i wish i have more room but area in our .45 acre lot is landscaped. I will post pix when i get home. We are having a baby boy tomorrow!!!Belle
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 06:09 PM	I've covered the lasagna bed that is ready to go with plastic. Do I need to uncover it and water it periodically or just let it cook as is?
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 17, 2009 06:19 PM	lolly jean, Do you have the thickness that you want for planting next spring or are you planting fall bulbs? If the answer is yes then a plastic cover is good and add water as needed to aid in the decomposition. If not keep it open and keep adding clippings and compost. Dh shreds fall leaves before adding to our compost. Is this your first lasagna garden? Belle
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 07:00 PM	Belle, I have all the thickness I need and plan to plant some bulbs in the next month. This is my first lasagna bed.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 17, 2009 07:18 PM	A Baby Boy is exciting!!!! We'll wait for pics!
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 17, 2009 07:48 PM	Frost dates http://www.farmersalmanac.com/weather/a/average_frost_dates
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 17, 2009 07:50 PM	LOLLY, Then you are ready!!!Plan well so you will not be ripping every year. One caution, do not plant anything that spreads like ferns and irises. what I do is plant ferns and iris in pots and bury the whole pot. Am i making sense? We are out of town now waiting for our grandson to be born in aM and so I am in the computer updating my ebay store!! Belle
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 17, 2009 07:54 PM	I'm planning on planting Alliums and a mixture of perennials. My irises have their own bed.
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 18, 2009 03:36 AM	Woo Hoo! A baby boy! How wonderful for all of you. Our 3 grandsons are just the greatest, but then, I may be a little prejudiced! LOL! I keep adding to my beds because they keep shrinking. As they decompose, they aren't deep enough, so just keep adding. Hope by spring I will have good planting soil. Manure and compost will settle some, and as bad as our so-called dirt is, it will all help!
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 18, 2009 11:25 AM	New new bee thread http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1039530/
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 18, 2009 05:29 PM	Good link arejay.. Lolly good job on your beds.. I have 8 now and thinking of adding 4 more. I have the room, so why not, lol. The manure river floweth along with everything else. Lots of rain this week, so haven't been outside :-( But I did go dig Iris, Reed Grass, and Maiden grass yesterday. Belle, I agree with you on the mulch. I plan to load up on the mulch as to have no weeds. Low maintenance works for me!
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 18, 2009 05:55 PM	Thanks Mechelle, I plan to do lasagna beds all around the perimeter of my yard due to the rocks and other stuff in the way. I've got about 10' of a second one started and am just adding materials as I get them. Hoping to have the whole yard ready to go by the spring.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 18, 2009 09:52 PM	Your bed looked so neat Lollyjean I think your yard will be really pretty. My stuff is always a little wild and hard to manage. I usually bite off more than any human being with any sense can chew. LOL
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 19, 2009 11:01 AM	Okay i am a Mimi again our 4th boy!! No girls!!!. We have 2 children and both have 2 boys each and both said that's it!!! Here is his picture at 45 minute after delivery.I was in the delivery room at the University of Alabama hospital where our Son in law teaches and is very different from when I had our children. they do not even do episiotomy now, they just let the perineum tear and then repair because studies shows that healing is faster and less painful. It was still a second degree tear. I hope no one minds me posting because some of you are more friendly than some of the threads that i very seldom posts. The birthing area is huge and it is 1:1 ratio meaning one patient and one nurse. I am the lady on vacation who will posts pix of my lasagna garden when I get back home. i have my lap top with me but my pix are not accessible.Belle
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 19, 2009 11:03 AM	My picture did not post!!! still did not post, i must be doing something wrong. This message was edited Sep 19, 2009 7:04 AM
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 19, 2009 11:09 AM	Keep trying bellie you will get it!! Come post at the chat thread too so none of us miss it.... Here is the link http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1039530/ Lets see if that works sometimes I goof just ask they will tell you!!
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 19, 2009 01:15 PM	Look http://www.tempotwo.com.au/New_Introductions.html#0
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 22, 2009 12:58 AM	Did everyone see this? http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/17/
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 22, 2009 01:01 AM	Hi Arejay Thanks for the link. This message was edited Sep 22, 2009 10:21 AM
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 22, 2009 10:59 AM	Excellent article and that's what i do. i have a plastic container with tight lid on my counter top where i put everything that can be composted like peels, lints from dryer etc etc and when it is full i have a covered composter that we bought from the city where thousands of worms do their thing.Beside it is my pile of clippings, leaves etc which is used in spring. We put tarp on top of this pile. These is behind the storage shed.I get upset if I find compostable stuff in the trash so DH is good about it. We are still in Alabama and had been raining a lot so DH had not played golf but had painted the nursery and put all the baby furniture together and it is so nice with primary colors. they bought it in atlanta at the ikea store. Have a good day!! belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 24, 2009 02:56 AM	I know it's late and everybody's in bed but.... I finished my second lasagna bed today!!! Mulch and all. Been holding these hostas all summer waiting to finish the bed. Here's a pic. :) View Larger
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 24, 2009 10:11 AM	That looks great seray. I hope to get my shady spot lasagna bed finished this weekend.
ge1836 Pittsford, NY (Zone 6a) September 24, 2009 10:23 AM	Hi all. This thread has been helpful.This method is one I hadnt heard about. Sorry I didnt read every last word from the first post butI have had some success with a Lazagna I started this April. Here is what NOT to do.Try to plant right away in clay soil underneath layers of mulch and newspaper. It was horrible going thru sod too. I wish I had waited until next spring. I will take your advise and put down compost again and Leaves, we have them this time of year. I have been putting in perennials( because I had them ordered and needed to put them somewhere) here is the bed in March View Larger
ge1836 Pittsford, NY (Zone 6a) September 24, 2009 10:28 AM	a few months later. I call it the Garden from Hell because digging is so diffacult at least until September. View Larger
ge1836 Pittsford, NY (Zone 6a) September 24, 2009 10:29 AM	longer view same as March Pic taken in July This message was edited Sep 24, 2009 6:29 AM View Larger
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) September 24, 2009 11:49 AM	Thanks for the tip on the clay GE I'm glad I'm only planning on seeds when I get mine finished and ready to plant. Your bed looks good in spite of the clay. Congratulations Seray that bed is going to be beautiful when those hostas get bigger.
Dogs_N_Petunias Cleburne, TX (Zone 8a) September 24, 2009 12:18 PM	My lasagna bed got washed out three nights ago. We had reports of up to 70 MPH wind and here at our house 2 1/4 inches of rain fell in less than an hour ! We live on a downhill slope, so our barn yard now has a lasagna bed spread all over it. I would add a caution about bermuda grass. As I have learned, cardboard or newspaper and any amount of layers will NOT stop the bermuda grass from coming through. I've been using RU and pulling it out of my completed lasagna bed for 3 weeks now and every day there's more. The other evening as I was walking my dogs on our circle driveway, I happened to notice all the bermuda grass that's coming through the asphalt. A month ago this driveway was re-surfaced with thick layer of tar heated to several hundred degrees and then pea gravel and rolled with 1000+ lb. roller. All the bermuda grass was treated with RU a week before and then removed after it appeared to die. All of a sudden the thought hit me, "Duh, if it can come through asphalt and hot tar, ain't no way cardboard is ever going to stop it!" All those yummy nutrients just make it grow faster. LOL. Maybe some bermuda grass varieties in other places aren't as resilient as what we have in Texas, but it is an exercise in futility to cover live BG and build a lasagna bed here. From now on I will double RU treat for a couple weeks beforehand to give me at least a fighting chance. No problem with St. Augustine. Not one runner has survived.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 24, 2009 12:51 PM	Good info on the BG, D-N-P. So far I just have a bunch of mushroms popping up. Is that ok? I guess it's better than grass, (shh, it's probably listening, don't want it to hear) I hope it doesn't start popping through. I guess if you keep putting mulch and smothering it that may help. Go away bad grass! Seray, your Hosta bed looks wonderful! I kind of like the idea of having beds for only certain types of plants. I have an Iris bed going, and the DL bed started. It makes it nice when there are many cultivars. I have the container lasagna bed and decided to make that one a succulent bed. I rcvd a lot of nice little guys to go in it. I just need to get more soil. GE, I like the look of your lasagna bed. It looks so nice and refined there next to the green grass. Good job you guys. Keep up the good work! Mechelle
ge1836 Pittsford, NY (Zone 6a) September 24, 2009 12:56 PM	I need advise on casting seeds. In the past I have pulled aside the mulch and dropped Hollyhock,Foxglove and annual poppies and left it at that. Does anyone just drop seeds on mulch?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 24, 2009 02:52 PM	HI GE I like your bed! I think the only problem was not enough layers. My hostas were in one gallon pots and I just moved the layers out of the way and they tucked right in there. No digging. I took all summer to get enough stuff to layer that high though. Thanks Mindy for the compliment. This is my first with Hostas really. I had just planted a small bed when we moved from FL. They're probably too crowded and I'll have to divide them next year. LOL Bermuda grass DNP!!! Will use weeds killer round up for my next big bed. Thanks for the warning. I'm so sorry your bed was washed out!!! That's too much work to see it all disappear before your eyes. Hurricanes were always like that in FL. The rain would drown everything you planted raised bed or not. Glad to live in GA because of that alone. Can you salvage any part of it? I love succulents Mechelle. Show us some pics when you get it planted!
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 24, 2009 03:49 PM	Seray, that looks wonderful! Can't wait to see pics next spring. Hostas and ferns are 2 of the things on my wish list for spring. Don't have any of either yet, so am looking forward to adding those next year. I have a shade garden that was here when we bought the house, but the only thing they planted in it was snow on the mountain, which I am trying to move to a hillside at my DMIL yard. Did you buy your hosta plants, or start from seed?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 24, 2009 05:15 PM	I bought them but have seeds pods from Royal Standard. I'll send you a few if you want to try to germinate them. I plan to try tissue culture this winter (I'm an old lab tech) and will start with hostas. I have a long shaded driveway and want to run them all the way down on both sides. Need bunches and bunches. They're so pretty I need a few more varieties to have a good mix.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 24, 2009 06:53 PM	Hey seray, I think I could help with that. I have several Hostas.. The only one I know the name of is Patriot. There are so many different ones that it's hard to ID them in the plant files.. Will send you pics of the ones I have and let you see and add to your box this weekend. I need to go get some more potting soil so I can get my daylilies in the ground before it starts to rain again.
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 24, 2009 07:29 PM	Seray, that would be awesome! Never tried them from seed, but I'll try anything twice. Or maybe even 3 times. LOL You'll have to keep us posted on how your tissue cultures turn out. I'd love to know how they grow compared to alternate germinations. Take good notes for us! Please!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 24, 2009 07:47 PM	I'll get them out to ya Skellogg. I'll be curious to see how they germinate for you. I also have a packet of mixed I'll send you. I don't think I'll try them as I have puyas, black bat, amorphs and the like for the winter. LOL I'm going to send you my seeds (I've been hording them for awhile) for the Giant Himalayan Lilies. You have the climate for them. Cold!!!! Sure would like to see pictures when they come up. They bloom as their last gasp like agaves but will have pups at the base. Don't know if they'll come up but thought you might like to try. I'm working up to all the lights etc. you need for tissue culture. Space is the challenge. It's a kitchen tissue culture kit that I've been looking at. When I'm couped up for the winter. If I blow up the house we'll have a good laugh. LOL And a mojito!!!
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 24, 2009 08:16 PM	Oh geez, don't blow up the house! LOL That would definately be mojito time! I'll be happy to send pics when they come up. I am trying to keep good notes and journals on everything and where it all came from so I can get the info to e1 who has helped me. Thanks! Someday we will all have the room for all our little projects, I hope! I would love to see pics when you get it all set up and operating! Gotta have something to occupy us when we can't get outside in the winter. LOL! I'm not sure that blowing up our houses is the answer tho. LMAO
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 24, 2009 08:37 PM	I think the stuff is harmless in a NORMAL persons hands! LOL
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 09:53 AM	Good morning, I am home now and will attempt to post our new baby's pix I can not still post it however here is my 3 new garden this year and it is a lasagna. I hope I can post it. Lasagan is the best and most green way to garden. This message was edited Sep 27, 2009 5:56 AM
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 10:01 AM	Keep trying Bellie. Let us know if you need help. Can you email pictures?
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:08 AM	i hope this is the right picture. i have so many beds and not enough land !! View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:16 AM	Better still email me privately and I will email you smug mug link then perhaps you can post the hour picture and his bedroom. they waited 10 years for him and so they went overboard with the furnishings. it was very different for us when our daughter was born. Going back to my new bed the background is the neighbors and they do not take care of their yard the way we do. I also have drift wood from our children. You see They give me stuff for the garden and the 2 japanese maples were gifts when they were growing up. i can post it if you want to see them. Here is the garden # 2 and I want you to take note of our grass which is zoysia. I press the wrong button. LOL!!!Belle
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:18 AM	here it is I hope View Larger
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 10:22 AM	Beautiful Belle!!
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:23 AM	I have to post the back garden but I have to warn you that is is like a forest but it is my haven. Picture taken from the back and I have 10 umbrellas to protect the hostas which i have over 600 cultivar, plumeria which I have 30+ cultivar and etc etc. It is crazy but not overwhelming up keep anymore. you want to know the secret??? This message was edited Sep 27, 2009 6:35 AM View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:23 AM	and another!! View Larger
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 10:24 AM	I want to know!!
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:25 AM	I have lots of pix if there is interests because frankly speaking there are threads that does not show much interests.Belle
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 10:36 AM	I will come back sometime today. Belle
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 10:45 AM	Are U still here Belle
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 11:26 AM	I am back for few minutes. Go ahead and post the right picture. Thank you for your help. Belle
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 11:38 AM	Here is Seaver everyone ....He is so beautiful. Thank You for sharing Belle View Larger
Dogs_N_Petunias Cleburne, TX (Zone 8a) September 27, 2009 11:46 AM	Beautiful baby.
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 12:07 PM	This is on of Belles Favorite. View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 12:21 PM	Seaver is only 1 hour old on this picture.
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) September 27, 2009 01:24 PM	belle, those are some awesome pics of your garden. i am jealous of your grass...LOL. gorgeous baby there!
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 27, 2009 02:58 PM	i will be posting more pix of the gardens soon. Yes we are very happy of the low maintenance lawn. We are in a point of our lives where we have to enjoy and not a slave of the garden and yard!!! LOL!!! We are doubly blessed of our new addition, our daughter first child is 21 years old, did in vitro but lost the fetus and then here is Seaver. Later Belle
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 27, 2009 03:23 PM	My compost bin got totally soaked by the continuous rain that we've had and is now just a big pile of slop. Can I still use it in my lasagna bed by spreading it out and letting it dry (if the sun ever comes back) or should I just dispose of it?
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) September 27, 2009 03:33 PM	let it dry out... keep turning it... airing it out. If you know its about to rain, then I suggest covering it with a tarp to keep anymore water from getting in. you will be ok. Try adding more 'dry' stuff while keeping water out.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 27, 2009 06:04 PM	Belle Beautiful baby. I know you are one happy grandma! Beautiful gardens!!! The Japanese maples are to die for! What kind are they? I'm like Cue jealous of your grass. Keep em coming!!! We love pictures.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 27, 2009 08:25 PM	Here is the succulent container lasagna bed guys. View Larger
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 27, 2009 08:26 PM	Here's an update on the daylily bed.. View Larger
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 27, 2009 08:28 PM	And the Iris lasagna bed.. not quite finished yet... View Larger
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 27, 2009 08:31 PM	And the unplanted "Goth Garden" lol .. will start on this one today with some Red Spider Lilies.. View Larger
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 27, 2009 08:37 PM	Very nice Mechelle! I like the goth garden fence. I'm working up my design as well. Who's gonna do Goth with us? LOL
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 27, 2009 08:40 PM	I think Cue was.. I need to add more brown leaves on the one side and one more green layer and I will start planting in it. After Top Soil that is. I have some nice ones to start it with that Mekos sent me from that auction I won.
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 08:59 PM	What are you doing ? Did I miss a contest? Goth Gardens ? Everyone? Do we have a thread? I would have to plant mine in the house!!
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) September 27, 2009 09:13 PM	LOL.. CUE has BEEN done a Goth Garden... as a matter of fact.. the Goth Garden was a CUE original idea ;)
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) September 27, 2009 09:34 PM	I know you have one.But it looks like Mechelle has the fence and I have seen Seray talking about Goth Gardens, and Jan I think talking about Bat Flowers have you taken over their minds one a t a time? Fess up Missy!!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 27, 2009 10:20 PM	She most certainly has!!!! Read her journal. She's IS Goth didn't you know? LOL I have my spot all picked out working on my plan. Who's in? It takes all winter to germinate bat flowers doesn't it Mekos? Ridesredmule has a spot for one. Who else? Flower has a black flower Collection. Out of the closets Goth Queens! LOL Cue can trade her HP status on the Brug Sprout when that's over for what Top Goth Queen? Queen of the Goth? High Priestess of Gothdom? What?
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) September 27, 2009 10:45 PM	I'll settle for the Title 'Queen of Darkness' with positions of 'Ladies in Waiting' open...ROTFL...
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 27, 2009 11:01 PM	Queen of Darkness! Has a nice ring to it. We might have some gents who want to play. LOL
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 28, 2009 12:19 AM	I saw some black tulip bulbs at the store the other day and almost bought them. I've not gone goth yet. But maybe someday.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 28, 2009 01:15 AM	Well LollyJean might as well join the "Ladies in Waiting" or the "Gents on Hold". We'll all plan our Goth gardens this winter, sprout our seeds, build our lasagna beds and July next year we'll show our stuff to the reigning "Queen of Darkness" and her chosen set of judges. They can decide who amongst the goth wannabe's will be the "Queen of Darkness" for 2010. Doesn't have to be a big spot. Just imagination and creativity. Doesn't have to be all black. And to add education to it for all us old and new seed junkies we must start a Goth journal with pictures. Since Cue's the only one so far (that I'm aware of) that has taken advantage of this feature of DG. That will give her something to see and read to help her judge. She's not gonna want to give up THIS title without some dues being paid. So our journals have to reflect our Gothness. LOL What say you Queen of Darkness?
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 28, 2009 01:39 AM	Hmm. I do have a small lasagna bed I'm building next to my ac thingy on the back of my house. What other black flowers are there? I can get the tulips. I saw some black hollyhocks on eBay. What else?
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) September 28, 2009 01:56 AM	Oh my! Just googled black flowers, and the black violas and pansies are so pretty! And I don't normally like black flowers. I am amazed at the varieties that have black! Those little nemophila "total eclipse" are really cute too!
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 28, 2009 02:08 AM	I just went to eBay and searched for black flower seeds. I had no idea there were so many black flowers!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 28, 2009 02:55 AM	Do I hear the goth closets opening? LOL
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) September 28, 2009 03:05 AM	My DH will really think I've got 'round the bend with this one!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 28, 2009 03:13 AM	I think this would be a good place for cobra lilies and other carnivorous plants. Great black foliage plants like Black Magic EE's. LOL Your DH would like those Lolly. :)
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 28, 2009 02:11 PM	ooh Black elephant ears would be extra cool.. and The Jungle Beauty Daylily is darn near black.. Yep it's all Cue's fault.. but in a good way ;-)
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 28, 2009 02:22 PM	I think it just isn't a true Goth Garden if the plants aren't all black. It would be more fun and challenging for us to find black plants. I have started a mix but I think I changed my mind and will start adding only black plants. That black fence is at Wal Mart, but my SIL gave it to me.
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) September 28, 2009 10:36 PM	A goth Garden doesnt need to be all black flowers.. ark foliage would work, as well as.. ahem.. carnivorous plants. Simply using Gothic style decor would work as well. and NO.. i do NOT intend to give up my crown.. however, i am willing to take on a 'Queen of Darkness in Training' or a 'Princess of Darkness'... he he he No 'Dowager' prefixes to precede MY title ROTFL
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) September 29, 2009 02:12 AM	That's true Cue.. about the different colors.. I just think the idea of having a bed with all black plants is kinda cool. With Halloween coming, you could find some neat things to decorate it with. Carnivorous plants? Now that's Gothic, lol.. Like say... Venus Flytraps? I have never seen one of those in person but it would be a good way to keep our cats out of our flowerbeds.. HA
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) September 29, 2009 02:47 AM	like lucy . . . ROTFLOL
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 29, 2009 03:14 AM	ROTFL Cue It's true you truly own the title Queen of Darkness! However since I've passed the princess stage about 50 years ago LOL How about every year in theory (or next one for sure) you anoint a "Goth Queen" for that year based on the most interesting and creative garden. Subject to your rule of course. LOL You can find a Prince of Darkness and a Lady of the Netherworld to help you judge. We could come up with a bubbling cauldron of goodies like we did for the Brugs. Everyone contributing a little makes a powerful potion. Can start anytime as long as the contribution to the kettle is there. Anyone can play. July 31st the pics are in the persons journal along with all other "Gothness" poems etc. You and your attendants judge from that. The thread is for us to compare notes, exchange seeds etc. What say you great Queen of the Blackest Night? LOL
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 29, 2009 03:16 AM	Lucy could have the guardian role on this one! LOL
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 08:24 AM	I have fun reading your post , sounds like you are good friends in a neighborhood. Such friendly bunch!!! Been busy with my ebay store and finally picking up but I will be posting some more pix and off course our lawn. Our new baby is doing well and I get pictures almost everyday. I wish you could see his room and the furnishings. It is such extravagance unlike when we had our baby, budget was very tight!!! LOL!!! wE did not have $0.25 to dry diapers!!LOL!!! I have a golf game the next 3 days but I will be stopping by. Have a good day. Belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 29, 2009 02:16 PM	Hi Belle Can't wait for more pic of both! Have a good game.
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:39 PM	We decided to just play 9 holes because when we went to #10 we were following the men morning blitz and there are 25-30 men's and most of them walk. DH is with the group that is why they are all slim, i don't know where DH finds his energy to walk all most of the time. It would have taken us 3 hours or more to play 9 holes so we just had lunch at the club.These me are so fit and if I am not married I can flirt with them LOL!!! That is why a lot of girls go to Myrtle Beach because there are 100's of men without wives. They leave there wives behind!! That is why I had to learn to play because I want to be with my DH when he goes on outings. LOL!!! Here are more pix of the yard. this is the front. We had azaleas but DH decided to plant the palm and it is supposed to be slow growing. they are 3 years old This message was edited Mar 11, 2010 4:36 PM View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:39 PM	and another
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:41 PM	I clicked so quick so no pix. so here is another one. this are bonsais that i made. View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:44 PM	This is the front foyer and notice the different rocks. We collect them all over the place, beaches including Hawaii. DH arranges them in Spring and he gets a lot of compliment with it!! LOL!!! I just let him do it, he had taken over some of my work even bringing some tropicals into the garage. View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:47 PM	another pix. I hope I had not posted the lawn. We have a 7 zone sprinkler system and 8 faucets so I do not have to get so stressed out watering!! LOL!!!. If you have time read about some of the treads on the retirees. View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:48 PM	Last one for tonight are my plumeria collection which totals almost 50 . View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 29, 2009 11:50 PM	Good night to all of you friendly ladies, I have to volunteer at the food pantry tomorrow morning then play golf in the afternoon. We give groceries to the poor 4 times a week at my Church. It is very fulfilling for me. Belle This message was edited Sep 30, 2009 5:58 AM
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA September 30, 2009 12:47 AM	Thanks for the pictures Belle. Lawn looks wonderful. NOT going to show it to my DH. LOL I am going to show him your plumerias. He has about that many himself. I think I saw a spot for a Goth Garden? :) I did notice a dark foliage plant in one of your beds. That's a sure sign. Right Cue?
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA September 30, 2009 10:09 AM	Let's go back to the lasagna gardening. After all the plants go on dormancy meaning the perinials. Dh dumps some of the shredded leaves to my beds. He blows all the leaves on a big pile and shreds it with the mower. We do not waste anything and by spring all the compost goes to all the beds, adds at least 4 inches of bag mulch and wala!! No weeds!!! plants are healthy!!! As far as my plumeria they all come in and i stated previously that I now make my gardening stress free and so what i do is hire someone to bring them in to the sun room while DH is playing golf because it is a big hassle. She also make sure all the drip pans are clean. I used to be a slave of my garden when I was working but now that I am retired for 2 years I like to do what makes me happy and fulfilled!! LOL!!.We had this sun room added so we can relax but it is loaded with tropical plants till MAy. Later. Belle
huneybunch_2000 Montrose, AR (Zone 8a) October 1, 2009 11:36 AM	bellieg you have beautiful gardens...I'd love to just walk around your yard and enjoy the beauty...Trish
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 1, 2009 07:58 PM	I thank you Trish!! It took a long time before we are both happy with the whole yard. The maintenance is not that bad now, I used to take vacation to get it ready for spring. We have a lot of compliments but can't really stay out long because we have lots of mosquitoes. Belle
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 1, 2009 09:35 PM	I picked up another load of goat poo last night and made some good progress on another lasagna bed today. Used a tarp in DH's new truck this time. Clean up was much easier! :)
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 4, 2009 02:49 PM	Help Help Help!!!!! Went to ionspect my LG today and found that every variety of squash I have now resembles swiss cheese. closer inspection, the leaves are covered in webs with small green catepillars underneath and stems and leaves engulfed in what look slike dark green slimy eggs! What ... IS...IT????????? had to rip out several yellow squash plants as they were beyond salvaging, but want to save what I can... what should i do???
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 4, 2009 04:20 PM	Do you have fruits already? If they are ready to be harvested I would harvest them and wash them in very mild chlorox water just to make sure that there are no larvae in them. I do not know how to eradicate the caterpillars and eggs. Perhaps someone will have better solution. Good luck!! Belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 4, 2009 05:47 PM	Hi Cue Sounds like army worms. Sevin if you want to go with an easy chemie. They eat everything!
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 4, 2009 09:29 PM	apparently so. found them burrowing right thru the blossoms. not having the best of luck with veggies this year. maybe i was just not meant to grow them. Having thoughts about just ripping whats left out and letting the LG sit over winter and just plant a flower garden there.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 4, 2009 10:41 PM	It's been a bad year for lots of people. I've been keeping up on the forums. Takes some major spraying to keep on top of the bugs. Loca has the organic thing down she might tell you how to get rid of army worms organically. Don't give up! Veggie gardening is challenging, educational and rewarding. Shrubs are easy. Flowers are too in general but once you master tomatoes, okra, squash, beans, eggplant, peppers etc. you will have all the gardening skills to be self sufficient for the rest of your life. Look at Mekos she grew up raising a garden and she can sprout horse hair. LOL
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 4, 2009 11:42 PM	lol - you're too funny seray... cue - I don't have army worms here, but the worms I do have (cabbage loopers and hornworms - YUCK!!!) I just pick and squish ( or pay my boys to do it - lol). I do not know of an effective organic method to get rid of them. I remember army worms in Maine when I was a kid - an army alright! One year we had them by the thousands in the apple orchards. They're very destructive.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 5, 2009 12:40 AM	Here's what army worms look like after they get a little size. They like Brugs just as much as squash. View Larger
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 5, 2009 01:19 AM	yup seray, thats what the little buggers that decimated my squash plants look like! I ripped all but the spaghetti squash out, there was just no salvaging the others... hopefully, they wont get to my brugs.. since those are in the front of the house,.
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) October 5, 2009 12:36 PM	I have not seen any of those here this year...thank goodness. But Cue I use a spray I make myself it seems to kill off most everything, I use water , liquid dawn and a couple of cloves of garlic. Everything runs or slides off....
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 5, 2009 06:11 PM	Ewwwwwwwww! I forgot how gross they were!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 5, 2009 07:32 PM	They really are awful to find on your veggies. And even more on your Brugs!
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 5, 2009 07:59 PM	I am scared of them!! I found a big caterpillar on my tomato plant and i screamed so much. Dh thought i saw a snake?? I can not handle anything in the garden with out gloves!! LOL!!! belle
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 5, 2009 09:13 PM	Probably a hornworm - they scare me too... I scream like a girl (well, I am a girl, but you know what I mean... Did it look like this? This is a small one and the color varies depending on what they are munching on. I found one last night on my Cape Honeysuckles that was 4" long and as big around as my DHs finger! They are creepy! View Larger
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 5, 2009 09:29 PM	lol You're funny loca! This is a tobacco worm that loves tomato plants. See the difference in the stripes. They are huge as well. They make Hummingbird moths that pollinate the Brugs! View Larger
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 5, 2009 09:39 PM	LOL - looks like it's posing for you!! I got some of those too. We call those hornworms too. They're loving my peppers right now, and I even found some teeny tiny ones on my basil - lol.
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 5, 2009 09:43 PM	Yes this is the one!! I am scared of them!! What I do is cut the leak and goes to my compost!!
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) October 5, 2009 11:37 PM	Not a bug or cat to be found in my yard! And I haven't sprayed or anything! But it could be cuz everything is under 4-6 inches of snow! That's OK, rather have snow than bugs! Don't like creepy crawlies at all! Rather have snakes! LOL
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 6, 2009 12:28 AM	You do have to cut the leaf or branch they're on. I tried to pull one off one time - eek! BIG mistake! It started thrashing around all crazy and scared the daylights out of me. I thought it was just another worm. That thing had a death grip on my tomato plant. So I cut the stem and cut the worm with my clippers and all this green nasty stuff went all over. It was still clinging to the stem even in death! This is another lovely critter. It's called an orange dog. Looks like a twig or bird droppings and blends into the branch it's on totally. It is the caterpillar of the Giant Swallowtail butterfly. I touched one by accident on my lemon tree and these orange horns came out of it's face and it gave off a horrible smell I can't even describe - defence mechanism. View Larger
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 6, 2009 12:43 AM	Wow That's interesting! I've never seen one of those.
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 6, 2009 12:53 AM	Neither had I - ROTFLOL. When you plant it, they will come . . . all the creepy crawlies of the world gravitate to my back yard now... I was killing baby ladybugs too for a while until I found out what they were. They're good guys but sure don't look like good guys! They eat more aphids at that stage than the adults do! /photos/13105441@N04/3593848178/in/photostream/
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 6, 2009 01:01 AM	They are weird looking. I have a whole lot hatch out on my roses in FL. Can't get enough of them that's for sure. Aphids are my nemesis. LOL Can't stand them.
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 6, 2009 08:34 PM	Now that I know they are good guys I think they're kinda cute - ROTFLOL!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 6, 2009 08:37 PM	I agree. Cute and squiggly. LOL
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 8, 2009 01:34 PM	Good morning! I plan to start planting bulbs in my first lasagna bed this weekend, providing it's not raining. Wish me luck!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 8, 2009 02:29 PM	Good Luck Lolly!!! I'm curious about your experience doing that. I planted some and since they had to be 4-6" deep I had to dig through the banana leaves etc. to get them that deep. Hope it works! I got my seeds from ebay for the black morning glory. She sent lots of extra seeds. Great seller. I'm about to order some Queen Anne's lace that has black foliage. Would you like some of those seeds for your Goth garden as well? It still has white flowers but the foliage is lacy black. :)
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 8, 2009 09:48 PM	ha ha ha - now cue has everyone on the Goth Garden bandwagon! I've never seen a black morning glory. 'Course I never paid too much attention to black flowers in general until I met cue - ROTFLOL!!!!!!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 8, 2009 10:33 PM	Bitten a lot of us I'd say! LOL
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 8, 2009 10:38 PM	I like to see the flowers of the black morning glory. that is new to me!!! Belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 8, 2009 10:41 PM	This is the one from the Amazon website. :) View Larger
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 8, 2009 10:52 PM	they are lovely!! Do I need a trellis? I can not remember if morning glories are vines, are they vines??? LOL Belle
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) October 8, 2009 11:11 PM	Those Morning Glories are to die for!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 8, 2009 11:14 PM	They're vines. Did I hear you say Goth Belle? LOL Are you in the address exchange? Happy to share some with you I won't plant them all. Sherri
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 8, 2009 11:34 PM	No I am not in the address exchange. What does it mean? Belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 9, 2009 12:42 AM	You can put your name and address on file in the address exchange. That way if someone wants to send you something they can go to the home page, click on extras and down the list you'll see address exchange. If you go to the S's you'll see seray53, when you click on that you'll have my name and address. Makes it convenient for trading. Otherwise you can click on seray53 in the post above and it will say send seray53 a dmail. Click on that and send me your address and I'll put the seeds in the mail to you. You may have to add yours Belle to get mine. I can't remember exactly. LOL I did it when I signed up to take advantage of Arejay's free seeds for Newbies. This message was edited Oct 8, 2009 7:48 PM
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 9, 2009 01:15 AM	Yup - you have to be in the addy exchange to see others in the addy exchange.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 9, 2009 01:24 AM	Thanks I couldn't remember.
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 9, 2009 01:40 AM	That would be great seray. Thanks!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 9, 2009 02:13 AM	I'll let you know when they get here Lolly. :)
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 9, 2009 01:53 PM	Thanks. I was at a plant nursery in Michigan last weekend and picked up another addition for my goth garden, black mondo grass. If it ever stops raining, I'll take a picture and post it.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 9, 2009 05:02 PM	I've been looking for some seed and I think Thompson and Morgan has it. I've seen it in pictures and it's a must have I think. Blood grass is also on my list. It's invasive and I'll keep it in a container. Haven't found any yet. This is getting fun! How much space do you have to work with Lolly?
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 10, 2009 12:12 AM	waves nice to see my little goth seeds have taken hold and sprouted inspiration in everyones garden... soon, I'll take over the world with my love of all things dark and mysterious... C'mon over to the Dark Side.. we have brownies!
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) October 10, 2009 12:15 AM	Not my corner of the world you won't missy.
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 10, 2009 12:16 AM	Never underestimate the power that is CUE (ahem ... and Lucy.. she made me say it)
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) October 10, 2009 12:18 AM	Never underestimate the determination of MINDY to keep black plants and plants with green flowers out of her garden. LOL Missed you
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 10, 2009 12:19 AM	Missed you all too hugs you dont have ta plant em in your garden.. I''l just torment your neighbors till they plant them in theirs...muwahahahahaha
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) October 10, 2009 12:21 AM	LOL you go right ahead cause I can't see any of my neighbors houses at all. One would have to plant in a field and the other at the edge of the road for me to see them GRIN I LOVE living in the middle of nowhere
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 10, 2009 12:22 AM	darn, Im jealous.. Im surrounded by these hideous creatures that people keep referring to as my neighbors
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) October 10, 2009 12:25 AM	Well the one set are supposed to leave for FL in another week or so YIPPEE. The man managed to take out part of a bank across from our mailbox with his backhoe which he was using to haul blocks of wood for DH (the guy can't do anything without using his backhoe or trying to) all because he was trying to see who my visitor was. Don't worry though they live in Ocala when in FL.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 10, 2009 12:28 AM	Join us Mindy at the Brug forum where we will announce the winner of the Keeper of the Tribal Atlas. ( I think) ? LOL
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 10, 2009 12:30 AM	Oh good Mindy... cuz i sure dont need anymore darn neighbors...LOL.. Im trying to exterminate the ones I have now!.. I seem to be infested
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 10, 2009 12:56 AM	Cue, We were in Ft. Lauderdate last April and passed by palm coast on our way to Miami. it is a beautiful place, likes all the nice gardens. I took a lot of rocks from the beach and would like to visit another Florida beach area next year. I have good neighbors here, I am not a very friendly neighbor, I just mine my own business and just say hello when I see them. LOL!!!I Good night. Belle
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 10, 2009 01:00 AM	bell, if ever you travel this way again.. stop off at Little talbot island.. its a natire reserve.. gorgeous beaches.. lots of shells for collecting.. its just a quiet reflective place.. its where I go when i venture to the beach.. not so many people there
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 10, 2009 01:54 AM	seray, this is the before picture of the area i'm putting my goth garden in. It's all cleared out now and I just need 2 more layers to finish the lasagna bed. My plan is to find some black wrought iron to hide the ac thingy and to put against the brick to act as a trellis for the black morning glory The mondo grass was pretty pricey so I bought just one small pot and plan to spread it out. Do you know if I can harvest seed from it? I'd be happy to try. View Larger
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 10, 2009 02:44 AM	That looks like a great place Lolly. The mondo grass will get bigger and you can divide it to get more. I think it will seed out in the fall. Hard to harvest is my guess. I found some seed at T&M. It was pricy too. I won't need it until spring anyway so I have time to germinate it. If you can't find wrought iron to hide the ac you might be able to hang something behind it to hide the panels. A mirror or a painting? Something easy to move out of the way. I wish you lived near I have a bunch of old wooden plantation shutters that you could just open or close. It would look like a window. The electric guys could just open it up to read the meters. LOL Maybe a flea market? I'll get some pics and show you my site. I'm still working on my design. You have dmail. :) This message was edited Oct 10, 2009 12:18 AM
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 11, 2009 08:54 PM	I planted bulbs and a coral bell in 2 of my lasagna beds yesterday. The soil looks great. You can't even distinguish between the layers anymore. I can't wait for Spring to see them start coming up.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) October 11, 2009 09:01 PM	Lolly, isn't amazing how great the soil is already? I am so pleased with how quick it has changed. I know that everything I have planted in the lasagna beds so far are all green and perky so it is good stuff. I also had lots of mushrooms that popped up in a few of the beds. I read somewhere that mushrooms are a sign of healthy soil. I can't wait to see how my veggie garden looks when I get to plant. Here is one that I did and put a border around and mulched y'day. I just need to get rid of that stupid tree stump, lol And my dayliliy beds are doing so awesome too. Couldn't be happier. So glad I found out about this and learned how to do it. View Larger
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 11, 2009 09:34 PM	I almost forgot that. I also planted the daylilies that lycodad sent me in there too. I had a mushroom popping up in one of beds also. MY DH chainsawed the stumps down to the ground and I just covered them with the cardboard and the other layers. They are supposed to eventually just rot away.
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 13, 2009 01:36 AM	Ok, stupid question number 3 (or is it 4?); Once I plant my bulbs do I need to water them?
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) October 13, 2009 01:44 AM	This tree stump is HUGE. Must be 3-4 ft in diameter. My Dh says it will break the chainsaw. If it wasn't so close to the front door, I would pour gas on it and burn it, lol! We have to hire someone with a stump grinder to get rid of it. One of those "round-to-its".. If you're talking about your Red Spider bulbs, I would say that you just leave them in the soil and let the rain take care of it for you. Your zone is not too much different than mine (I don't think) and the past rain has put plenty of moisture in it for them already. I just made sure there was a good pile of straw/leaves/mulch around the top of the bulbs to protect them from the elements.
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 24, 2009 12:55 AM	I hit the mother lode on garbage night. I drove DH's truck around my neighborhood and scored 14 bags of leaves and grass clippings! I could have had more but ran out of room in the back of the truck. There's always next week. :)
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) October 24, 2009 12:56 AM	Good for you LollyJean. Seray and RRM are over on the Brug Sprout off thread
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) October 24, 2009 10:38 AM	ok... i do now believe that veggie garden is my greatest failure! gimme a flower seed and i can grow the heck out of it. Give me a cutting and by the end of the season i'll have a gorgeous healthy plant! but give me veggies and im guaranteed to have every problem known by newtons law. if it can happen in a veggie garden, it does to me. fungus, pests.. you name it, i got it. problem is.. i dont want to use chemicals to get it under control as there is a cornucopia of wildlife in my backyard. Oh woe is me! if i had to depend on the sustenance provided by my own efforts, i would have long since starved to death!!!! ok.. enough whining... I now take you back to your regularly scheduled program! BTW.. Gilda says hello... and she is ready for her Winter trip....
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) October 24, 2009 09:13 PM	Hi cue! Glad you and Gilda are fine. You've been a little scarce lately - lol.
skellogg Sundance, WY (Zone 3b) October 25, 2009 12:46 PM	LOLCue! Well, you really wouldn't have starved, just because you can eat alot of the flowers and flower parts! LOL
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 25, 2009 07:03 PM	I finished planting the rest of my bulbs in a lasagna bed today. If the weather holds I may get the rest of my beds done before winter arrives. Should I cover them with plastic through the winter or just leave them to the elements?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 25, 2009 08:10 PM	HI Everyone Sounds like you're taking advantage of nice gardening weather. Lollyjean are you just making the beds and not planting them? I'm going to do some without planting and I plan to cover them. They'll compost quicker. The soil should be nice in the spring.
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 25, 2009 08:21 PM	I've planted or are planning to plant in 4 of them. The rest of them I've just going to leave til the spring and then plant.
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 25, 2009 08:35 PM	Wow! You've been busy. LOL Leave the ones planted uncovered. The sun on the plastic will make the soil hot and they could compost. Bulbs need the cold. I would have to refrigerate tulips and daffodils if I wanted to plant them here.
LollyJean Florence, KY (Zone 6a) October 25, 2009 08:53 PM	DH and I have both been busy. My backyard is nothing but rocks so I'm doing lasagna beds around the entire perimeter. I'm hoping to have them all ready to go by spring. We've got just one more side of the yard to get done, weather permitting. Then I'm going to winter sow seeds and be ready to plant by spring! This is the first time I've ever planted bulbs and I'm not sure if I like it. It's hard to remember where I've put them since I've not done them all at the same time. Who knows what it'll look like when they come up. Could be stuff all over the place!
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 25, 2009 10:24 PM	LOL Same with me and lasagna bed bulbs. I laid them all out but by the time they rolled off the bed etc. who knows. We'll probably be delighted in the spring. I'm thinking of planting winter wheat in one of my beds after I do a couple of layers. It'll look nice, add some nitrogen and will die out when it starts to warm up or I put the last layer of top soil on it.
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 25, 2009 11:20 PM	I had a very busy day also, You see I have hundreds of potted tropical that needs to come in and it goes to the sun room, kitchen window sills, dining room and garage. I have to hire someone and he is the guy who helps me during summer to get all my beds ready. first he has to organize DH part of the garage, then move all the plants but has to clean all the drip pans. We had to move all the sun room furniture and rugs. I can only do this when DH is not home.Luckily he played golf till 2 PM so I do not get stress. LOL!! There are more to move but they are medium and small pots so i have to finish tomorrow. I plan to make another bed next spring using all the mulch in the compost which will be nice and rich.My ebay is picking up but not as good as last year. Don't forget to take tylenol to lessen muscle pain after a long day of gardening!! LOL!!! Belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 26, 2009 12:44 AM	Hi Belle Sounds like you're busy. Nice to have someone to help you. I tried to get our landscapers trained but they wacked my clematis anyway. sigh I went through the same process mentally and my DH and I decided to put up a GH. Luckily I have privacy in the back to do it. It will relieve the pressure on my rugs etc. Christmas should be a better time for retail. Are you in the Market Place on DG?
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA October 26, 2009 12:46 AM	We have a new Goth garden thread. Charley is the host. Come join us for some 'dark' humor. LOL http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1051108/
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA October 28, 2009 09:25 AM	I want a Gh too but DH will never let me have one because of the costs to heat it!! LOL!! He would rather spend it playing golf and he plays 5-7 days a week. LOL!!!. I have to hire help in order to be able to do the things I like to do and it is good for my nerves. LOL!!! It is a lot of $$ to maintain what we have but i enjoy it and like I tell DH that it is my big investment. do not sell on DG only ebay and been doing it for 3 years.Have good day. belle
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA November 27, 2009 09:26 PM	Anyone making beds during the winter for spring? Pictures of your latest project. Tips for winter lasagna beds from the experienced?
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) November 28, 2009 01:58 AM	Thanks for the bump ;-) I have a new one I started.. Will post pic tomorrow..
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) November 29, 2009 06:03 PM	Peeeeps!!!!
violap Fremont, OH (Zone 5b) November 30, 2009 01:18 PM	I have some beds that I want to start. I'm thinking that I should go put some cardboard or paper down and then as I get green stuff just go out and put it on top.Is that right?
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA November 30, 2009 02:22 PM	Yes the more cardboard the better. It is a good time to start because there are loads of leaves. I prefer that DH mulch the leaves first before dumping on the bed. Because we have lots of big trees we have plenty of leaves and so some goes to my compost behind the shed . I also compost all mt kitchen scraps and those go to my composter. In spring I mix all of it and ready to go. I have at least 12 inches of good mix and after I plant DH adds the commercial mulch.It is weed free!!! It is fun !!!Belle
violap Fremont, OH (Zone 5b) November 30, 2009 02:36 PM	I don't have a composter. I do have 2 compost bins made from pallets.These take some time to work though. I've already used all of my leaves as mulch on some existing beds that needed some improving.So I have to find some somewhere else.I do save all my clippings,lint,even dirt that I've swept off the floor.And of course my kitchen scraps. Could you tell me why some people prefer not to use onions?
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA November 30, 2009 03:09 PM	You can use a big trash can for composter , put large holes at the buttom and bury 1/4 of it perhaps at the back of your yard. Make sure it has a lid because the animals likes to go near it. i compost everything including meats. fish and when i clean the freezer everything goes. I had been doing this for years!!! I like to get my neighbors clippings or bagged leaves. I have a very green garden and I do not like to waste!! I volunteer at the food pantry and i even compost moldy breads and veggie rejects. LOL!!!! Belle This message was edited Dec 6, 2009 7:59 AM
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA January 27, 2010 05:53 PM	HI RRM Here's the info. Enjoy
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) February 2, 2010 10:28 AM	ok may peeps, getting the lasagna bed ready for some seed I have started. Just discovered that the bed itself is completely full of puffball mushrooms! as in hundreds of them.. yup yup. also thinking about adding a couple more L. beds tot he property, but not really sure where to put them as of yet. Interesting to see how all of your L. beds are going!
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) February 2, 2010 04:28 PM	HI Cue I'm busy starting stuff for mine still adding to it right now.
bellieg Virginia Beach, VA February 2, 2010 06:22 PM	We had 6 inches of snow 2 days ago but my composting is all year round. I can not wait for spring!!!
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) February 2, 2010 06:27 PM	My small one has been planted in (seeds) since mid-December and is doing well. Working on a bigger one along a block wall that is a shady area. Have the cardboard down and some garden cleanup stuff and veggie scraps down. Waiting on some leaves this week from my landscaper BIL to continue this one. Not sure what will get planted there just yet... cue - mushrooms are good - indicators of organic matter! If they bug you turn them into the bed. I get them all over and sometines they can be creepy - lol...
seray53 Richmond Hill, GA February 2, 2010 08:48 PM	Perfect for a goth garden. LOL I'm making new ones now. I've been saving coffee grounds from Starbucks all winter. I have all the silver bags piled in my garage.
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) February 3, 2010 11:05 AM	LOL... thanks loca... the only thing creepy about these was that there isnt a hint of them on the surface of the bed, but dig down about 1/2 inch or so and I promise you, it seems like there is a whole other layer of just puffballs! looks like my bed is infested with golf balls or something...LOL. I just kinda 'stirred' em up and turned em back into the bad as you said. Now just waiting on my seed sprouts to grow so i can do a lil transplanting. problem is, that bed is supposed to be a memory garden.. and I havent a single white seed anywhere ROTFL... ah, well... will make due with the seed I have. tho m seriously considering changing my plan and turning it back into a butterfly garden. The kid did enjoy the heck outta that last year!
vernongetzler New York, NY February 3, 2010 02:58 PM	thanks for such an awesome thread.. ======== sam vancouver flowers This message was edited Feb 3, 2010 9:59 AM This message was edited Feb 3, 2010 10:01 AM
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) February 4, 2010 10:12 PM	This is truly a wonderful thread, no? I am starting a pretty large garden using the lasagna bed method. All the beds we started last year are doing wonderful and can't wait for spring! I have lots of mushrooms too, lol.. I am also starting a large l.b. shade garden. Hostas, Arum, and Aloe Vera. Got the cardboard and a whole trailer of leaves, pine needles, horse manure all ready to go. If it would only stop raining and snowing! Any suggestions on what else I could add for some color? If anyone would like to trade for shade garden plants, let me know. HAGD e1, Mechelle
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) February 5, 2010 01:01 AM	Yay Mechelle glad to see you posting again hope you are able to more often. I'm trying astible in my shady spot if I can get them going. It gets some sun but shady during the hottest pat of the day
cue_chik Palm Coast, FL (Zone 9a) February 5, 2010 11:32 AM	mechelle.... color for the shade garden - why not some impatiens? I planted some last year next tot he back patio that never see's sun... they were gorgeous there.. all bright and cheery (yeah, i know...now a very 'goth' thing to do) however, it did brighten that area. Still trying to decide where to place the next L. bed...the south side of the house seems a good place, since nothing but the AC unit decorates it currently...LOL
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) February 6, 2010 10:38 PM	Hi Mindy & Cue, Good to see you guys. I have decided to do a HUGE garden. I will take pics and share. Gonna do the L.bed method and I hope it will be amazing. Got lots of good heirloom seeds and can't wait. I started some cabbage, cauliflower,broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, bok choy, leeks in peat packs and have lots of sprouts already. Impatiens sound good Cue. Love Hostas, but need some color in there somewhere. Will go look up impatiens and astilbe and check them out. ttys, Mechelle
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) March 5, 2010 06:34 AM	Mechelle, I was just asking about you and poof there you are ...How are you?
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 5, 2010 12:03 PM	I am doing well Robin. How about you? I am eagerly waiting for Spring to arrive, working on a huge L. Bed garden... We have been having gorgeous weather this past week. You know I am loving that !
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) March 5, 2010 04:59 PM	That is great to hear will you be sharing pictures? Telling us all about it?
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 6, 2010 11:35 PM	Pics tomorrow, pinkie promise!
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 7, 2010 11:53 AM	I'll be waiting - lol...
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) March 8, 2010 03:54 AM	Me too!!
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 8, 2010 10:20 AM	We're waiting - lol... Actually I'm going to lunch so I'll check back in upon my return;o)
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 10, 2010 07:26 PM	My main computer is down... I will load them on my laptop tmrw for you guys ;) tstorms tonight!
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 10, 2010 07:36 PM	So I can stop holding my breath now - lol? Good!
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) March 11, 2010 05:53 AM	Oh Kt gosh breath girl. We have a new Maine-ah Kel....
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 11, 2010 08:27 AM	Who's the new Maine-ah Robin?
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) March 11, 2010 10:39 AM	See you found the Maine-ah
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 11, 2010 12:56 PM	I sure did - lol.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 12, 2010 05:57 PM	Ok guys, here ya go. This is one side of the garden. I have two more "squares" on the other side, so it is twice this big. So far I just have the cardboard layer and aged horse manure with leaves, shavings, and pine needles mixed. I am going to put down a layer of leaves and straw and then one more thin layer of horse manure. I will take more pics when the rain lets up. I walked it and it is 20 x 35. Hope thats not too big but I figured I could plant some flowers in part of it if I needed to. View Larger
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 12, 2010 06:00 PM	Spinach, Swiss Chard, Bok Choy and Leeks. The Leeks were from an old commercial pack and didn't all germinate. The others are from you, Kelly ;-) View Larger
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 12, 2010 06:06 PM	This is Cabbage, Cauliflower, Broccoli, and Romaine Lettuce. Yesterday I started a mixed Bell Pepper, cucumber, green bell pepper, zucchini, butternut squash and black futsu squash. Next i am going to start some tomatoes ;-) Oh, I got those peat packs and I like them. I think I will start my flowers that way from now on too. I just use grow lights and they do really well. View Larger
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 12, 2010 07:48 PM	Looking good Mechelle! You'll have some good eats there in no time!
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 12, 2010 07:53 PM	Thanks! I need to thin them out pretty soon, or do you think I should wait until I plant them in the ground? When do you think is the best time to put them in the ground? First day of spring is just around the corner, but I guess I need to check on the frost date.
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 12, 2010 09:03 PM	The chard, lettuce, leeks and bok choy and brassicas can handle cool weather. Check your last frost - they can probably be planted now. The peppers, cukes, zukes and squash need to wait until after last frost. They're not cold tolerant at all.
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 12, 2010 09:04 PM	Forgot to say if they are not going in the ground soon thin them now so they are not competing. Also feed them with a half strength fertilizer - preferably something like fish emulsion. Peat has no nutrients so you will need to feed them!
arejay59 Litchfield, ME (Zone 5a) March 12, 2010 11:33 PM	Your doing great with this Mechelle. You will have fresh veggies in no time!!
Mindy03 Monticello, KY (Zone 6b) March 13, 2010 06:10 AM	Looks great to me Mechelle. Wish I could go ahead and plant but I'm married to a stubborn man who thinks doing all that work to make a garden plot better is nonsense all because his parents and grandparents didn't do it. Though MIL did build nice beds for her flowers grin.
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 14, 2010 11:42 AM	Ha ha Mindy! Yeah the male species around my house don't quite get it yet either.. That's okay though.. I know it's gonna be awesome and hey, we can be the new, smarter parents and grandparents! My in laws are moving here in June and my mil can't wait to see my garden! Thanks for the info Kelly.. I am going to get them out asap. I have to put up a fence to keep the deer out first .. Thank you Arejay :) I owe it all to my amazing DG friends ( or should I say blame it all on them .. Ha lol ) but you started it all with that newbie pack :-) Love ya'lls lol Mechelle
locakelly Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a) March 14, 2010 12:21 PM	Bunch of enablers here - yup yup!
MechelleT Middleton, TN (Zone 7a) March 14, 2010 05:09 PM	Wait til you guys see my Daylily beds I started last year! Every SINGLE one made it through the winter :-)

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