Hydroponic Potato Tower

I'm growing sweet potatoes and regular potatoes in containers in an unusual way.  Sweets are growing great and Roosters have grown big enough to start weaving through the sides and stacking.  Very pleased where we are with the space-saving hydroponic potato towers!

Cucumber Conondrum

I'm growing both the Manny F1 cucumber and the Monika cucumber.  I'm not sure if Monika is a hybrid or not.  It doesn't say at Baker Creek heirloom seeds' site, aka rareseeds.com.  I got the seeds at different places and I do not endorse any seed company.  Hey, but if a seed company wants to donate me, well come my way.  :O)  Kidding!  I'm growing both the same way.  Both are hydroponic cucumbers grown in buckets on my FAWN platform.

Greenhouse Giveaway Winner!

Hydroponic Dutch Buckets: FAWN Style

Part of the greenhouse giveaway had me presenting my FAWN system as part of the gift.  FAWN is a Hydroponic Dutch Bucket Drip System similar to the modified Dutch Buckets you see a bunch online.  And, it is Hydroponics made easy.  I showed how I built the greenhouse and now I show how to build hydroponic dutch buckets, FAWN style.  So, I thought I'd cover it in depth, yet succinct and meaningful.  FAWN was developed from my side-by-side trial of a "Hydroponic Drip System" vs "Self-Watering Containers".  It became the merging of both.  In fact, it can be either without any changes to the platforms or it can be combined as I use it.   I also incorporate DWC and drip on the same platform.  I hope you enjoy the video.  Let me know what you think!

Greenhouse Giveaway: Final Words!

I want to make sure everyone is on the same page, clarify any possible gray areas, and give the latest list of entrants.  Selection is tomorrow so get your entry in today!

Long-Term Seed Storage

I made two videos showing how I managed to manipulate my vacuum sealer for a purpose I'd been wanting to do for a long time--seal seeds for long term storage.  So, that hack is included in the second video.  I also demonstrate that vacuum sealing seed works for at least 10 months by germinating seed I sealed 10 months earlier.  I had sealed lots of seed in one bag and that presents an issue for grabbing smaller portions of seed so I wanted to improve on it and I think I have.  Check out the videos!

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 7 - The Greenhouse is Built

Modified and installed door, install small shelf for fan in the back, and created anchors to hold her down.  This little series completes the "How To Build a Greenhouse" part of the giveaway.  There will be one video on creating the FAWN platforms and one to show mixing the nutrients for the system.  Then we're off to deliver the entire thing!  Drawing in next week so stay tuned.

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 6 - The Big Cover Up

Only 2 weeks left.  In this episode, I show you how I put the greenhouse plastic on step-by-step.  As I say in the video, it's extremely important to get the proper plastic designed for long-term exposure to the elements. My big greenhouse has survived 2 and a half years of sun, high winds, thunderstorms, sleet, snow, and hail!  Big box store plastic will only last 6 - 12 months if that.  If you're not interested in the greenhouse, I'll bet you know somebody who would be.  Chat with them and see, then either send them to me or enter them yourself.  But, they gotta know and agree to the terms which, as you know, isn't much.  I hope you enjoy the video.  Tell me what you think!

Hydroponic Greenhouse Update

I am pleased with my little hydroponic greenhouse!  I've replanted Dragon Tongue beans again that are up, am growing Malibar Spinach for the first time, squash breeding is going well, cherry tomatoes are trying to grow again, tomato breeding is coming along, and I've centralized the flow to waste nutrient tank!  I hope you enjoy the update.

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 5

Only 3 weeks left to enter the giveaway!  Lots of folks from all over the country represented.  In this iteration of the build, I frame in the front door.  For all considering a greenhouse entry, you don't have to take any portion of the internal hydroponic stuff or you could take parts of it like the buckets for example.  No sweat ok.  I've gotten lots of feedback where folks don't feel they can enter because someone else less fortunate deserves it more than they, but listen, that's not what this one is about.  It's more about getting the word out and doing some good.  But, if you still feel that way, maybe you know someone that could use one more than you and there's nothing wrong with nominating them!  I'll need their name, city, and state instead of yours however and please let them know the rules so that all is well if they win!

Corn Pollination Failure

Lots going on here with the hydroponic corn grow.  First, corn tassels were premature and didn't provide full pollination when silks emerged.  This often occurs when plants are stressed or other environmental issues. Second, to combat that, I did some research on how to save pollen and apply later.  Fail.  Third, I show how to cut silks to improve pollination by hand pollinating the corn.  This would be very effective if pollen was used right away (according to the experts).  Overall, this was a failure, but I've learned some things and I will give container corn another shot.  I am determined.

Hydroponic Flow to Waste System

Flow to waste is also known as drain to waste in the hydroponic world.  I implemented this method right after starting the no-weed garden a few months back.  It was to provide a little bit of hydroponic nutrient to the outside containers.  What I learned was that it was so much easier and very consistent.  In my research, I found out that this methodology already existed as a form of Drip Hydroponic Systems only there's no recirculating nutrient.  Now, they way I'm doing it is still yet a bit different.  Here's how it works:

1.  House water fills up to 250 gallons of storage barrels two times a day via a timed Orbit watering valve.  That water off-gasses the chlorine and gravity feeds a "Distribution" barrel via a float valve.

2.  A nutrient tank is mixed with 50 gallons of super-concentrated nutrients.  A timer sends a small amount of that to add to the distribution tank after every watering of the greenhouse.  So after, every watering cycle, water from the storage barrels and concentrated nutrient fill in the distribution barrel at the same time and is mixed with a double-bubbler (fish air pump with 2 air stones).

3.  Any excess drainage from all the containers in the greenhouse flows back to a "waste" tank where it is re-used for the outside containers.  Ideally, you want to minimize excess drainage.  The waste tank also is fed from the storage barrels with regular water to ensure the pump never runs dry and that the outside containers always get watered.

4.  Everything is timed for 2 times a day and can be changed from 1 to as many timings per day as desired.  The simplest version of flow to waste is add nutrient-water to a container and let the drainage drain anywhere else but back into the container.  That is the concept.  No re-circulation.  Check out the video for the advantages and disadvantages and how I use this method.

Replanting Part of the Potato Tower

The red potatoes I used from the store didn't grow.  May have had an inhibitor on them or it could have been anything really.  My potatoes that I harvested and replanted immediately did, however, all sprout and start growing.  So, in this video, I replant parts of the tower and discuss where I'm going with it all from this point.

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 4

On to part 4 folks.  First thing I do is brace the greenhouse.  Stability is key to support against the wind and loads such as snow or ice.  It's a good idea to vent your greenhouse and this shows the framing of a window installed in the back of the greenhouse, how it's supported, and the dimensions I've chosen.  You gotta let that heat accumulation out!  We're getting closer to the drawing with only 6 weeks to go!

Greenhouse Update: Not Much Production

This is the routine, yet slightly overdue, greenhouse update.  July and August are the worst times for me as a gardener.  It is too hot for any kind of production.  Plants seem to fight for life and that's about it.

Relocating a Raccoon

I love animals.  I really do, but when they take too much from me, something has to be done.  In the past week, 2 Raccoons and and 1 Possum (so far) have completely decimated every ripe cantaloupe and watermelon I have in the patch.  How do I know?  I caught them!  Every stinkin' melon and that's months of work and patience.  I cannot have that especially after last year when they took every single sweet corn cob and peach off of every tree.  This is craziness that cannot continue!  In this video, I prepared the live catch trap, set it up, and show the trap and release of one of the robbers.  I have researched my state's laws and if you try to follow suit, make sure you check your laws as well.  Some states are more strict, and in fact, most states require you to terminate them rather than relocate them if you're approved to trap that is.  It makes sense in most respects because Raccoons are carriers of rabies and they often will not remain in the area released.  They're likely going to get hit by a car returning back to where they came or make it back to you starting it all over again.  Recommended relocation is at least 10 miles.  So, consider all of this if you have a similar issue.

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 3

This is the 3rd video in the build for the greenhouse giveaway.  As you can see in the video, things are coming together nicely.  The ribs are now joined and they are extremely stable.  I've got lots of entrants from all over the country!  It's very cool to see how things are going and I sure am having fun building it.  Take a look at the video.  Please share this video with your friends and family so they can enter the drawing or perhaps you might want to!  I'd love to get the word out. Thanks all!
Brent

Dragon Tongue Beans

This video demonstrates how I plant vegetables in the greenhouse.  Mostly, this is always the way I grow.  Essentially, I treat a 10' row of containers--10 each buckets--as a traditional garden row.  Enjoy the video!

Parboiled Rice Hulls in the Greenhouse

I've heard of many greenhouses and nurseries using parboiled rice hulls, known as PBH, as a major part of their grows.  I've used aged or composted rice hulls successfully for some time now, but it compacts a little more than I'd like and it deposits more debris in the gutters than I'd like.  So, I did some extensive research on crop growth, PH, methods, etc on PBH and determined I needed to add it to my methods.  I've got some growing in 90% PBH all the way down to 50% PBH.  I'm sharing it all with you!  Check out the video below and tell me what you think!

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 2

This is the second video in the giveaway series!  Here I finish the ribs and begin assembly!  Many more names from all across the country.  Very exciting watching how things are unfolding.  I sure am enjoying doing the build.  I have nearly completed part 3 already and it is a very sturdy greenhouse.  I think the winner will be very pleased.  Please watch the video and let me know what you think!
Brent

Greenhouse Giveaway: Part 1 - The Rib

Here's the first part of the build and the latest on the greenhouse giveaway:

100% Free: Hydroponic Greenhouse Giveaway, Delivery, & Setup

This is a 100% free gift from Gina and I.  It is a greenhouse with everything you need to grow hydroponically.  And, I will bring it to you and set it up.  The way to enter is listed in the video.  Gina and I enjoy doing things for folks that either don't know how to do something yet have an interest or those who are in need and could use a little help.  This year our giving plan is the greenhouse.  The added bonus is we get to come see someone and visit their area.  It's exciting not knowing what could happen--an adventure.  I hope you enjoy the video.

No-Weed Garden Update

Lost some squash due to the SVB.  Replanted and they're growing.  Tomatoes are trying to produce, but it's just sooooooooooo hot.  The only thing loving the heat is the peppers.  Well, and the melons.  Whew, the melons.  They are coming on strong now.  Here's the video:

Upcoming

An Apple in a Pear Tree

This is my second year grafting onto my Cleveland Select Flowering Pear.  This year, I grafted the two pears that were lost to high winds last year as well as an apple!  Yes, that's right, an apple on a pear tree!  So, my Frankenfruit Tree is complete.  Well, mostly.  I'm going to graft one more apple next year AND I'm keeping my mind open to grafting more onto it in the future.  So, to sum up what's been done, I've got 4 pear varieties--Hood, Comice, Perdue, and Moonglow--and 1 apple variety called Pink Lady grafted onto my flowering pear.  Here's a video showing my work.  I hope you find it enjoyable!

Hydroponic Potato Reveal: Vertical Tower Grow

Attempted a new grow method with potatoes--growing vertically in containers stacked on top of each other.  I had some interesting results and a new inspiration that led to a slight modification in technique.  So, while this reveal isn't as successful as I'd planned, it has led to something I expect to be successful and very space-saving.

In the next few days, I will release a new FAWN platform grow method showing how I plan to grow potatoes AND sweet potatoes in the future.

Growing Greens Vertically

I really like the idea of growing things vertically as you can probably guess.  I am noticing, anecdotally, that plants prefer to their normal upward growth patterns.  Over the years, and in several instances, I believe I see plants stressing when trying to overcome growing sideways or upside down.  Their inclination is to seek the sky.  I first used the towers and attempted lettuce, turnip greens, broccoli, onions, spinach, and strawberries.  The strawberries did ok and the onions were marginal.  The rest did not perform close to expectation.  So, let's see if I can put wicking in the vertical towers to good use with this new modification intended to give plants more space and allow them to grow in their normal habit.  Check out the video:

Growing Broccoli (and more) Vertically

I've grown brassicas of all types in containers and hydroponically for some time.  Now, I want to maximize space and ramp up production.  Saved space equates to being able to grow other things I want to grow in other areas.  Gives me more flexibility to experiment too which is, as you know, a fun thing for me!  So, here I am at it again and this time, I'm attempting more vertical gardening in a new method I'm calling Vertical Brassica Towers.  I've added a video so you can check it out if you like.  Love to hear your thoughts on it.
Brent

Hydroponic Potatoes

One of my biggest challenges in the greenhouse has been growing potatoes.  The first time I attempted it, disaster.  This time, things worked out really well.  I hope to increase the yield in each bucket and will certainly continue growing them in containers.  In fact, I'm creating a potato tower to grow regular potatoes along with sweet potatoes.  I'll do a video on that before too long.

No-Weed Garden Update

Growing on plastic, in containers, has been the easiest garden I've ever had.  Lay a piece of $11 plastic down, cut a hole and place a bucket on it, and hook up the auto-watering PVC pipe connected to a 55-gallon drum.  Sit back and watch it grow.  So, the no-weed garden is outside, and because of that, you have outside issues to deal with.  Lately, I've had some squash bugs, powdery mildew, and the dreaded squash vine borer (SVB).  The SVB has done the most damage literally killing about 5 of my yellow summer squash plants.  These are things gardeners must content with when growing outside.  It's why I prefer growing in the greenhouse.  It is screened and easier to control.  Some plants, like squash and melons, are just simply better suited to outside growing as they take up lots of space.  Here is my latest video on the no-weed garden:

Breeding Squash

I have 3 lines of squash I'm breeding.  A yellow summer, a striped yellow semi-vinger, and a yellow globe viner.  I've made selections for the next generations in lines 1 and 2.  I'm still contemplating line 3 and it's between 2 plants or possibly another grow-out to make selections.  Here are two videos of lines 1 and 2.  Hope you enjoy them!

Tomatoes!

An Update on the No-Weed Garden

The no-weed garden is doing very well.  It's the easiest garden I've ever grown. The effort to output is pretty amazing.  The plants' roots have traveled into the soil below.  It's been so wet and the powdery mildew is difficult to get under control, but I'm working on it.  Hope you enjoy the video.

Pickled Me Some Veggies!

So, I wanted to try my hand at some pickled vegetables.  I'm not much into canning frankly because it's work!  But, I happened onto some recipes, some time back, showing how to prepare pickles for the refrigerator.  They don't keep as long supposedly because they're not traditionally "canned", but they do keep for months and that is long enough for me considering how quickly they can be done.

So, the stars aligned as I gathered a bunch of peppers I didn't want to waste.  More of my mind opened to this new-fangled fridge pickling and I wondered if I could pickle me some peppers as Pepperoncini peppers are done.  I really enjoy these peppers and although I didn't have that specific pepper, I figured the ones I do have should do nicely, right?  I'm going to go for it.  I'm not wasting my fruits because I simply can't eat them.  I'll pickle them suckers!  And, while I'm pickling, I'm going to try a couple recipes and other vegetables too.

For a bread & butter recipe, I picked green San Marzano Redorta tomatoes, Texas Legend onion, Red Ace Beets, and squash from my breeding.  For the dill recipe, I pickled Mariachi & Flaming Flare peppers.  I have never done this before so follow this turkey at your own risk!  I'll reveal the taste after a week or so.  Here's the video.  Had lots of fun doing it all.

Beets & Carrots Grown Hydroponically

I've just completed two more harvests on beets and carrots.  They are really fun to grow and do well in hydroponics.  At least in my hydroponic containers!  I absolutely love harvesting veggies.  It is quite literally the fruit of my labors!  I hope you enjoy the two videos here.

Post Vacation Garden Update

Hey everyone!  Well, was gone to San Antonio for 2 weeks as you know from my previous entries.  Had a bit of heartbreak with the greenhouse, but I hope to recover a bunch from it.  We will see.  Hey, it's still May so plenty of gardening to do.  Video one below shows the state of the greenhouse.  You should know I'm diligently cleaning it up and re-booting.  I'm feeling better about it all.  The second video is the no-weed garden.  It did rather well actually so I'm pleased with that.  I'll do some updates as I go through this process.

Remember the Alamo!

Remember the Alamo & the other 4 too.  In this video, I count down the 5 San Antonio mission visits in the order we enjoyed them the most.  There are really only 5 total.  I sure appreciate history at times especially if it's not trumped up for tourism money.  That is the case with 4 of the 5 missions we saw.  How you see it depends on how you value things I guess.  They could be simply a perimeter of rocks piled on top of each other OR, as I choose to see it, a glimpse into the not-so-long ago life of those who came before us and their struggles.  I hope you enjoy the video and get a chance to see these treasures for yourself!  Remember the Alamo!

My Tomato Cross & How to Save Seed

This is my tomato cross folks! Mama (tomato/flower) was a Campari store-bought grow-out making Mama an F2. I crossed Mama with with a Hege German Pink, my favorite OP and the Daddy or pollen donor.

F2, for those that don't know means: I saved seed from a store-bought Campari tomato. Campari is a F1 or Hybrid from the stores. The next year, I grew out several plants and saved the seed from the one I liked the best. That made it an F2. F1s are more consistent. F2s are the least consistent. F3 is more consistent than F2. F4 much more than F3 and so on. At F8 (or so), the hybrid seed, saved from generations, is stable or consistent from then on.

Campari F2 x Hege German Pink
Mama Daddy

So, my F2 Campari isn't stable yet and I crossed it with a Hege German Daddy. Ok, so, the tomato you see will be an F1 again (of sorts). Lots of genes as the oirginal F2 mama had not stabilized yet. I've got a seed-saving video coming that shows me saving the seed of this cross. I will grow out many of those plants. Save the seed, F2, pick, grow out those seed, pick F3...

That's all there is to it. Clear as mud?

Ok, back to basics.  In this video, I  explain how I save seed.  The only difference is I used a clear cup for you guys.  It CANNOT be easier.  10 total minutes.  I get almost 100% germination every single time.  You have my word, this works folks!  Hey, you could make it harder if you want.

Devil's Backbone and Middleton's Brewery

We were told to see the Devil's Backbone by a friend and that was about it.  So, we started out looking for "something".  Turns out, it's a geological formation.  Not a biggie.  Snapped a shot or two and some vid.  We stopped at a quaint little Tavern and had a beer and some convo.  The barkeep recommended Middletons, and the day was still young, so off we went.  This little brewery was very cool.  Great beer, great 3-man group, and great convo with the local folks many of whom had their dogs with them!  One thing outside, is a small trailer who makes sliders.  We were told they were excellent, but didn't try them.  I think we'll go back before leaving!  Here's the video showing a little of our experience!

San Antonio River Walk

The river walk is something you do when you're in San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country.  It was a focus of our vacation along with the missions.  The video captures pretty much the entire trip, but it doesn't reveal how amazing it really is being there.  I'm not sure video does that anywhere does it?  At first, we took the boat ride.  Gina wanted to see the stretch of river walk on a leisurely ride to focus where we might want to walk.  It was a good idea for sure.  The boat ride was informative albeit touristy.  Really, after our travels, all the hot spots are touristy like this.  After the ride, we got out and walked it and had some lunch on the river.  Lunch is a touch pricey, especially alcohol, but it wasn't too bad.  Lots of activity even on a weekday.  I hope you enjoy the video.

Pepper Reviews

I'm currently at Canyon Lake near San Antonio, Texas.  Before we left, I had two peppers that were ready for a taste test.  Hey, I wanted something gardening to do while I was on vacation so I made the two videos you see below.  I selected the peppers because they were mildly spicy and because they were "All America Selections" winners.  I figure if you're going to try something new, why not try a taste-tested winner.  The two peppers I chose were the Mariachi pepper and the Flaming Flare pepper.  Of the two, I feel like I enjoyed the Mariachi pepper a little better.  Now, I still have to wait for them to fully ripen to red and try them again before I seal the deal on that.  I do love me some peppers, mild peppers mostly.  I planted a mild Jalapeno and a Cayenne as well along with bell peppers.  The Cayenne is to make pepper flakes for seasoning things.  The others are more for fresh, grilled, or otherwise cooked eating.  I sure hope you enjoy the vids.

Pruning Grapes

Always wanted my own fruits growing on my property and I've striven to get that done on the place.  I've planted fruit trees, strawberries in the greenhouse, blueberry bushes, blackberry/raspberry vines, and grapes.  I planted two grape vines about 10 years ago next to the shed.  They were never pruned.  I cut them way back a few times.  The bottom line is I didn't understand how to prune them nor did I care much for it...at first.  Now, I'm learning more and more about the "fruits" of my labor.  Now, it's time to get grapes under control.  I've got the time and I'm optimistic.  I read up on it and watched a bunch of videos too.  How stinkin' hard can it be?  :O)  I created this video beginning the grape journey to getting a crop of properly grown grapes.  Please take a look at the video and tell me what you think!
Brent

Container Cabbage

I made another video in the "1 Minute Harvest" series.  This one focuses on taking 1 head of 4 from a container that is plugged into my greenhouse growing platforms.  Since making this video, we have eaten the cabbage and we ate it just as the recipe shows in the video.  Simple and fantastic tasting.  Guess where we ate it?  Canyon Lake.  The lake is very scenic and located near San Antonio Texas.  We grabbed some of the veggies before we headed out.  So, some things I've learned about cabbage.  This one is fairly good size for having 4 cabbages in a 1 square foot area.  They actually spilled out past that as you can see in the video.  Still, I'd like to see full potential and a little bigger, more robust cabbage so I have a plan to get them their spacing and it involves a modification to the platforms.  More to come on that, but enjoy this video and please let me know what you think and share your ideas and thoughts as well.
Brent

Strawberry Towers Produce!

I went out on a limb with vertical gardening, using 4" PVC to create vertical towers, to grow strawberries.  Then again, I tend to take chances on most of the gardening I do.  I must say that I am pleasantly pleased with the results so far.  The Ozark Beauty strawberries are producing, producing, and producing.  Two of the towers are spaced 8" apart and the remaining 3 are spaced only 4" apart.  I usually space too closely in the greenhouse trying to squeeze out the best use of space, but this time, I really believe 4" works great.  I have dangling fruit all up and down the towers!  I've made this 1st harvest video showing what it all looks like.

Oh, forgot to tell you.  You gotta know that Gina made me some awesome strawberry shortcake with this batch of berries!

Yes, A Homeowner Can Graft Trees!

Last year, I grafted 4 fruiting pears onto a flowering callery pear called Cleveland Select.  Now, why would I do that?  Well, it's simple.  I want some stinking pears and my research showed that grafting would produce much faster than growing from immature trees.  Also, the callery pears are in the front yard where deer and other critters are reluctant to go compared to the back yard where the woods are close by.  Well, it was a success for the most part until high winds a couple months later ripped half of the grafts right out.  This year, I decided to re-make it a 4-pear tree so I once again graft onto the tree.  This video shows what I did and updates how last year's remaining grafts look.

Tomato Pruning

Tomato pruning is a controversial subject!  It really is.  Tomatoes are the #1 vegetable grown in gardens by far.  There are thousands of varieties out there; a testament to our passion for this fruit...what?  Yep, tomatoes are technically a fruit botanically.  But then again, so are squash, peppers, eggplant, cucumbers, peas, and beans.  Basically, any flower that produces a "fruit".  Not to worry, the Supreme Court--yes, you heard right--ruled that it is a vegetable for all intents and purposes.  Why?  Because it's eaten with the meal whereas fruits are eaten as a dessert.  Hey, it was in the 1880's.  Still holds true, though, that most consider the tomato a vegetable.  Well, except for the uppity folks.  I digress, but a little information never hurts anyone.

So, to prune or not to prune.  That is the question.  The answer is simple:  Whatever makes you feel good.  There's no really true answer to this, or lots of things when gardening.  Typically, though, if you follow major farmers who do things for production and livelihood, you can get a glimpse at good practices.  For me, I'll break it down to a very simple OPINION.  Outside, cage them, space them, and let 'em go.  In a greenhouse, prune 'em to 1 or 2 stems.  That's my take, and yes, your will be different.  But, isn't that a good thing?  So, I created a video on how I prune in the greenhouse.  Tell me what you think.

I'm Going to Grow Sweet Potatoes in Conatiners....Vertically!

Gina and I really enjoy a beautifully cooked sweet potato.  It's not a hard thing to do and there's nothing like the taste of a sweet potato.  A little butter and a little cinnamon.  Mmmmmmm.  Some like some marshmallows melted on them too.  Gina does, but me, not so much.  There are tons of ways to prepare them too other than just baked.  So, I've never grown them, but I've seen the YouTube videos of folks putting store-bought taters into a cup supported by toothpicks with the bottom half in water.  After a period, they root and grow what are called slips.  Slips are the vegetative growth or vine with leaves.  Once the slips emerge, they get big fairly quickly.  Then all you gotta do is rip the slip off the potato right at the base and pluck into some soil (watered of course).  Or, you could put the slip itself into a cup of water and it'll root.  The slips are hearty and will root easy enough.  Thing is, don't toss out the tater after you pull them off.  The sweet potato-in-a-cup will continue to grow slips that you can use over and over again.  Essentially, one sweet potato can make a HUGE amount of potatoes this way.  So, intrigued, and motivated by the potatoes growing vertically, I decided to give it a shot!  Here is the video of me doing it:

Critter Deterrent for the Garden

People try lots of things to keep critters (animals & insects) from getting the goods of their hard work in the garden.  It is quite frustrating to put so much love and care into your garden only to have it swept off or destroyed right before you're ready to grab it.  Yeah, we expect critters to get some of it.  Well, I do.  And, each person's tolerance for what is acceptable differs.  This is where this tip comes in.  It is simply a suggestion to add to your war-chest of ideas to help ensure you can get that juicy bite of tomato in your next BLT!  I just want to warn, it is not an end-all, beat-all solution.  Keep growing!

Brent

My Blog, Better Videos on YouTube, and Facebook

I'm reviving the blog and becoming more active in it because this is where I'm comfortable sharing more intimate thoughts behind all I do in life.  So, here  you go.

I guess I've been putting myself out there on YouTube these days.  I got to watching some of the videos as topics come up.  I need to work on them some.  Got a little snoozy watching myself and I'm thinking, "Who wants to watch that?"  Even though I'm simply sharing thoughts and things I do, which was my original intent, maybe I could take a tad more time and improve.  Maybe some more energy?  Maybe some more of my personality instead of talking AT folks.  I'm not the most handsome guy for sure, but I should get on camera more too I suspect.  So, I'll work on these things and we'll see how it goes.

I'm also on Facebook.  I'll put a link here to that page for folks in case you prefer chatting that way.  Folks, there will be duplication of thoughts there--similar if not the same posts.  Two different audiences.  Here it is:  Facebook

Chat soon.
Brent

Gardening in (on) Black Plastic

Here's the thing.  I'm thinking that for 2016, I don't want to weed the garden.  I don't want to till the garden.  I don't want to go to the trouble of amending the garden either.  Mostly, it's because I want to simplify things now that I'm getting older and focus more on the joy of growing instead of the work of gardening.  It's never really been about production for me, but as I go forward and learn, production is increasing none-the-less.  Growing in containers let's me focus effort.  It allows me to control the media used that plants grow in.  Timed watering using PVC watering consistently keeps plants hydrated.  In addition to consistent watering, I want to provide proper nutrition for optimum growing.  These are my thoughts.  I have gardened IN black plastic and I have gardened in containers, but have yet to combine the two.  So, listen, here's my first video two videos on gardening in containers on top of black plastic.  Let's see how it works out!

1-Minute Harvest Videos!

Basically, I am putting together videos of harvests I'm getting out of the gardens.  Here are the first two!  Loving it guys.

Heated Greenhouse Build

I am working on a heated greenhouse build.  It's actually a temperature controlled greenhouse.  It'll be most useful during the winter because it'll be heated, but it can also be used in the summer or any other time as it'll have air conditioning as well.

Growing Onions Vertically

So, I'm going vertical these days.  Check out my onion tower using Texas Legend from Dixondale Farms!  Good price for great onions.

Wonderful Greenhouse Salad

Salad made of black cherry tomato, buttercrunch lettuce, tyee spinach, scotch blue kale, baby squash, tendersweet carrots, and snowball cauliflower. Wife, mother-in-law, and I enjoyed this fantastic salad!

Can You Guess What's Growing?

I'm adding a picture of one of my FAWN platforms.  There is a lot growing in a small space and it's growing very well.

Fishing with Joel

My grandson came to see me today and we went fishing!  Oh, and Jessie came to see how her mother was recovering from back surgery.  It's all about the Joel show when he's around!

From Greenhouse to Table: Spinach Omelet

Spinach Omelet using my fresh, beautiful spinach grown in the greenhouse. Yummm.  Got a video making this up:  Spinach Omelet