Browse Author: BrianT

Planting Russian Comfrey Bocking #14 (Root Cutting)


Read and heard lots about comfrey as a plant that is used as “green manure.” It is a easy growing plant; and the leaves can be used in “chop and drop” practices.

Russian Comfrey comes in many strains and the two more popular strains are ‘Bocking #14’ and ‘Bocking #4.’ In my interest of harvesting minerals with dynamic accumulators, these two strains are being tried. I am especially drawn to #4 because of their potential to reach as deep as 8 feet.

Surprisingly, comfrey is quite expensive. While they do spread, it can take upward to 3 years to establish. Definitely make friends with someone with comfrey 😉

Praying Mantis Hunts House Fly

The mimicry attribute of the praying mantis is not often talked about. In this video, we observe it using mimicry to stalk and hunt a house fly. The amount of patience practiced is reflected in the length in which it took the praying mantis to complete the hunt. The video picks up on a hunt that had already been in progress. The video records the hunt in its entirety. The mantis’ movements can be observed when the breeze moves the bramble.
To skip ahead, these are the interesting parts.
9:10 a strong breeze moves the bramble and the mantis finds the opportunity to move closer to the fly.
12:23 another breeze and another move closer.
13:01 another breeze, another move closer, and the final foot placement
14:47 the sun is setting. movement is now extension of body
23:40 with body extended and prey withing grasp, mantis makes the final grab.

Unboxing Botanical Interests Online Seed Order

Un-boxing the latest online order from Botanical Interests.

As a seed addict/hoarder, it is really difficult to resist the free shipping promos that run from time to time. See what heirloom seeds were ordered.

http://botanicalinterests.com
This video is not sponsored by Botanical Interests.

GARDEN TOUR: Raised Planter July 6th

Fruits on the ‘Black Prince’ and ‘Italian Roma’ tomatoes along with the ‘Jalapeno’ and ‘Manganji’ peppers continue to form. Still waiting on the ‘Black Beauty’ and the other tomato varieties to form fruit.

Since the last update, a ‘Ping Ting’ eggplant was transplanted to the bed. The ‘Kuroda’ carrots were consume; and today a new crop of carrots will be sown. At the same time, the ‘Krishna’ tulsi (holy basil) are ready to be transplanted.

GARDEN TOUR: Front Yard Permaculture Garden

Come join us as I give a tour my front yard garden. This version of the garden is two years old. The landscape is premised on permaculture principles. Plants are grown for their ascetic appeal and their function. Read more at: https://www.neverenoughdirt.com/the-gardens/

If you’re like me and you feel like there is never enough dirt to grow your veggies and herbs, I hope this video inspires you to grow them as part of your front yard landscape.

2015 Elephant harvest video: https://youtu.be/9-ng88ECs5s

Gardens Across America — Episode 6

The minor aphid issue on the Kirlangic melon worked itself out. Unfortunately, there is now a mold issue to work out. Against better judgement, the melon was allowed to grow densely on the trellis. Compounded by a rushed watering job (where the leaves were sprayed), mold developed.

The leaves on the melon have been thinned out. Compost has been applied to base of the plants in the hopes that that will give them the boost they need to fight the mold off.

Other than this issue, the Abigail’s Coffee okra continue their slow and steady growth. The Powder Star pole beans are setting more blossoms and will soon be filled with beans. Rounding things out, the melons (Kirlangic and Yixuan watermelon) continue to grow their fruit.

GRILLING: Golden Bantam Yellow Corn

For our nation’s birthday, we throw food and some freshly picked golden bantam heirloom corn on the grill.

BBQ sweet corn is one of summer’s best treats.  Seeds sowed in early April, the corn are ready to be picked and thrown straight on the grill.

NED Gardens Across America — Episode 5

https://www.neverenoughdirt.com

During the usual up-before-the-bees morning garden stroll, a female Xiyuan Sweet watermelon blossom was spotted. A corresponding male flower was located on a nearby plant and hand pollination ensued. Because the goal of this project is to seed save, the pollinated blossom is later wrapped in order to guard against cross-pollination by means of wind or insects.

During this exercise, we see that the Abigail’s Coffee okra is doing well. To our surprise, we discovered an okra sprout. Sowed in Episode 1 and talked about in subsequent episodes as sprouting failure, it popped out of the soil to let us know that it was down but not out.

Not to be out done, the Kirlangic melon shot out a female blossom for us to get excited about. The Powder Star beans, meanwhile, continued on with their pole dancing. This is a family show; as such they were not featured.