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From: nemo@rochester.UUCP (Wolfe)
Newsgroups: net.garden
Subject: Re: NEW GARDENER
Message-ID: <10523@rochester.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 9-Jul-85 11:20:35 EDT
Article-I.D.: rocheste.10523
Posted: Tue Jul  9 11:20:35 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 13-Jul-85 14:57:54 EDT
Organization: U. of Rochester, CS Dept.
Lines: 76

> Some questions that I have are as follows:
> 1)  Is it too late to start planting flowers/vegetables from seeds.
Depends on what you want to grow.  You could still get blooms from 
marigolds if you planted them now, and perhaps even morning glories.
Some of the short season squash would probably produce before frost
(try zuccini or kuta) and beets would also be a reasonable bet.  Some
relatively fast-growing herbs, such as summer savory or basil may work. There
are also some late season crops that are usually second plantings, like
spinach, peas, and other greens, but these are usually planted a bit later
in the summer (end of July to early August).  You might also consider 
planning (and planting) some perennial beds.  Asparagus, berry bushes and
perennial herbs spring to mind here in the way of edibles.  As for flowers,
there are too many to list - get a seed catalogue or five (Burpee, Park and
Harris are all pretty good).  Also, check out gardens in your area - if you
see stuff you really like, ask the gardener what it is and where to get it
and how to care for it.  That will be the best way to determine what you want
in yhour garden and may also get you a few free transplants (I know that I'd
rather give cuttings and thinnings to another gardener than toss them in the
compost).
> 2)  What is best to kill off weeds from a lawn.
How many weeds?  If only a few, then I'm for loosening up the soil with a
fork near the weed and gently pulling it out (to keep the tender little
roots intact) then stomping all over it!  (the stomping discourages it from
growing new roots where you throw it)  I can't say about chemicals, except
that you should be carefull about non-grass plants near the sprayed area
that you wish to keep, and that you should be very carefull about washing
up afterwards and observe the restrictions about not letting kids or animals
play on the lawn for X days after treatment. (read label - twice)
> 3)  What is the best fertilizer to use on a lawn and garden.
Once you get a compost pile going, that stuff is really great!  For the 
short term, most any fertilizer will do the trick, but it depends on the
needs of your plants and the soil.  Be sure not to overfertilize (a common
problem with novices).  At least as important as the fertilizer is the soil
acidity level.  Either find a place that will test samples for you (ie: the
agricultural extension), usually for a nominal cost, or get a home soil test
kit and be real picky about following instructions.  Some important nutrients
are only available in a small pH range, so no matter how much fertilizer you
put down, the plants won't get what they need.  A little reading is indicated
here - see the local library.
> 4)  Flowers and vegetables that are easily grown and cared for by a rookie.
Those mentioned in part (1) fit into this category.  Peas, beans, sunflowers,
corn (if you have the room), beets, radishes, squash (all varieties),
tomatoes, onions, spinach, lettuce, kale, mustard, strawberries, raspberries,
and cukes come to mind for veggies.  For herbs, try dill, basil, oregano, 
parsley, chives, mint (look out for these - they are very invasive), sage,
tarragon, savory, borage (self seeds, like dill).  Easy flowers include
marigolds, nasturtiums (these are also edible - the leaves are a little
peppery like some cresses), morning glories, allysium, portulaca, zinnias,
dahlias, bachelors buttons, and sweet peas.  
>    I would appreciate any info that you may have about anything a rookie 
> should know to get a good start on a garden such as how often to water any-
> thing and other things like that.  
When the plants look wilted, they are beggin for water.  Otherwise, it depends
on the weather and your particular location.  If it is windy and doesn't rain,
you'll have to water more often (maybe once a day).  If you mulch, you will
need to water less often.  When starting seedlings or transplants, with
poorly developed root systems, you will need to water frequently.  In the
sunnier parts of my garden, I need to water about three times a week if it
doesn't rain, and every day if it is warm and windy.  I try to give some
plants water every day if it hasn't rained (like the peppers and eggplants).
> As you can see, I really am a rookie.
So were we all.
>                                   Thanks in advance,
>                                   Julio Medrano
Best of luck to you.  Try starting out small so the garden doesn't overwhelm
you (the first year or two that a piece of lawn is turned into a garden are
more difficult due to the necessity of digging and lots of weeding)  Then 
expand as your time and inclination allow.  Have fun!
Nemo
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