Question about Gardening Options

[Scott]

I'm wanting to start some strawberry plants from seed,

I've read different articles on the internet till my eyes were bulging and it seems like everyone has a different way to do it.

does anyone have any tips on the best way to get the seeds to germinate.

Thanks.

[shuntmama]

I don't know if this is the best way, but I've tried this and it works well for me.



http://www.gardenguides.com/80699-start-st...egg-carton.html

[Scott]

Thanks Sarah,

I have not read this way before, I believe I will give this a try.

most of all the ways I've found on the net was saying freeze the seed for a couple weeks 1st , then plant them.

I know I soak some of my garden seeds before I plant them, but I have never heard of freezing seeds before you plant them.

[Kandy]

I agree with Sarah, that method does work fine. I use similar method in an open starter flat, but the egg carton method works as well. Also key is allowing them to get plenty of light once germinated and very important, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT put them out too early because a late frost will kill them completely. You're in the SE so just check for your latest frost date and wait a couple of weeks after that before putting them outside. Happy gardening Scott.

God bless,
YSIC, Kandy

[Scott]

Thank you Kandy for the advise.

[Bonnie]

Hi Scott! I know you won't mind me butting in and asking a question of my own

I have a raspberry patch....FULL of weeds. I have tried the last couple of years to keep them under control by pulling the weeds.....I didn't do very good. They totally whipped me. So, I want revenge! What can I spray on them to kill them...but not the raspberries? I don't have a green thumb, like you, Kandy:) So, I'm hoping for some adice Please...

[Kandy]

Hi Scott! I know you won't mind me butting in and asking a question of my own

I have a raspberry patch....FULL of weeds. I have tried the last couple of years to keep them under control by pulling the weeds.....I didn't do very good. They totally whipped me. So, I want revenge! What can I spray on them to kill them...but not the raspberries? I don't have a green thumb, like you, Kandy:) So, I'm hoping for some adice Please...

That's cute...Bonnie...okay, here you go. pull the weeds then mulch, use a mulch that will eventually break down which will improve your soil. Try tree bark or other organic mulch they are good, keeps weeds out, keeps water in, and improve your soil over time...I don't like to use pesticides if I can find a less instrusive method. Gardening isn't easy so get ready to do some work...

God bless,
YSIC, Kandy

[Scott]

Gardening isn't easy so get ready to do some work...

You can say that again, I have been planting about 1 1/2 acres for the last few years and even with tractors, plows, harrows, tillers and so on it still requires a bunch of work to maintain a garden which I really enjoy working in my garden, But it really gave me a new respect for farmer planting lets say a 100 acre tract.

Hi Scott! I know you won't mind me butting in and asking a question of my own

not at all, I want to hear any advise I can concerning planting and maintaining a garden,
I just wish I would have paid more attention to my granddad when he was still around, no offense to the older members here, But those old timers sure had a green thumb.

he always told me, if we didn't grow it when he was a kid they didn't eat.

[Bonnie]

That's cute...Bonnie...okay, here you go. pull the weeds then mulch, use a mulch that will eventually break down which will improve your soil. Try tree bark or other organic mulch they are good, keeps weeds out, keeps water in, and improve your soil over time...I don't like to use pesticides if I can find a less instrusive method. Gardening isn't easy so get ready to do some work...

God bless,
YSIC, Kandy

Ok, Kandy, I will admit that sounds like the best adice. However, NO! Not what I wanted to hear. Where's my quick fix?? I know gardening is alot of work....that's why I'm trying to cut corners here! I want chemicals! I wish I knew about the mulching last year [I should of asked you then]. By the time I was down at one end of the patch the weeds were already growing at the end I started at! I'm done. I'm DONE! I just need something that won't kill the raspberries.

Scott, my in-laws are farmers. They grow row crops, hay, etc., SO much work. Yes, even with all the machines there still is much manpower that goes into it.

[Kandy]

Ok, Kandy, I will admit that sounds like the best adice. However, NO! Not what I wanted to hear. Where's my quick fix?? I know gardening is alot of work....that's why I'm trying to cut corners here! I want chemicals! I wish I knew about the mulching last year [I should of asked you then]. By the time I was down at one end of the patch the weeds were already growing at the end I started at! I'm done. I'm DONE! I just need something that won't kill the raspberries.

Scott, my in-laws are farmers. They grow row crops, hay, etc., SO much work. Yes, even with all the machines there still is much manpower that goes into it.

Sorry Sis Bonnie, I can't help you with chemicals...good luck with your weeds,

God bless,
YSIC, Kandy