Newsletter from Val (Motherherbs Garden) 2012

[Brian Gallimore]

I'll start copying the text of Val's newsletter to this thread.  Here is her address:

Directions to Val's Place---1007 West Belt line Rd. , Cedar Hill, TX, 75104 .............Day time # cell 972-207-2938.......evenings  972-291-6885

IF YOU'RE COMING OFF 67, just exit at Belt Line--{ NOTE-- the 1382/ belt line exit IS NOT THE RIGHT  ONE-  Belt Line is the next exit south of 1382 } , and go west towards the towers--you'll go straight through 2 lights,{Uptown and Main }, once you go over the R x R tracks, I'm the 6th house on right, an old, white, Victorian with a wrap around front porch, just past the house is a dirt drive with giant agaves, enter and follow the sings to the parking area

Directions: I'm about 2 minutes from where the nursery was.....IF YOU'RE AT THE NURSERY, continue south on Straus, {towards old down town Cedar Hill}, at the stop sign go left ,over the R x R tracks, and follow the curve of the road up to the light, go right at the light ---you'll be on West Belt Line --go over the R x R tracks again, and I'm the 6th house on the right. A one story white Victorian with a wrap around front porch, just past the house is a dirt drive with giant agaves, enter and follow the sings to the parking area

[Brian Gallimore]

March 1, 2012:

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

March is here and all of nature is coming back to life, my iris started blooming yesterday.........I swear time has just flown, I guess it speeds up as we get older...........But there is so much to do!!!!!!...........Corn Glueton Meal time..........Fertilizing time..............get out the Tricogramma Wasps and Beneficial Nematodes.........give some attention to your fruit trees, bushes and grape vines..........cut back roses, and perennials.............and of course there is always the early spring veggie garden stuff.............So let's get to it.
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For those of you looking to slow down the vigorous weeds this spring you need to get the corn glueton meal out NOW....Remember, " powder", is the way to go, 1- 40lb bag will cover about 2000-2500 sq.ft.
Fertilizing needs to be applied too.......
If you use corn glueton put out Dry Molasses and TX greensand at the same time you do the CGM, and you'll be fertilizing at the same time, thus that "Spring" job will be completed.
If your just going to apply fertilizer I would get it out NOW, especially in your perennial beds, the soil is so warm things are coming out early and  you want them to look good and be happy and healthy before the heat moves in.......Last year really stressed alot of things out, they need a good food source.............I use Lady Bug --25lbs. covers 4200 sq.ft., and is a great all purpose............it's also good around trees and shrubs, and does wonders for the lawn......................Texas Tee is amazing for lawn applications, and is one of the oldest organic lawn fertilizers around---40lbs.covers 4000sq.ft.............................If your looking for fabulous roses try Rabbit Hills "Rose Food" ---Great stuff................Or for an amazing perennial garden show their "Buds and Blooms" can't be beat, and also does wonders for containers full of annual color, it makes your pots look like something out of Southern Living Magazine......We used this on our display pots at the old Petal Pushers..........
Remember, plants are like people, they need good food to be healthy, if you don't give them something to work with they'll never live up to your expectations!!!
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I'm afraid the "Lack of Winter" that we've been experiencing has been gentle with our heating bills, but it's gonna'  bite us hard with the bug populations this spring......Most of our troublesome critters breed in the soil, and debris let from last year, and because it hasn't been cold long enough to freeze some of them out we need to do some "Bug Prevention" NOW......
Seeing most of you are growing food, or just trying to have a healthy, non toxic landscape for the sake of your families and pets, you need to get in the mind set of how organic bug control works..............because if you wait till they show up---or until you notice you've got problems, it could be too late.

First of all Plants are like people, they have immune systems, they experience stress, and they require the same precautions that we take with our own health...........They need good food, regular watering, and  protection from the harsh elements of our summers--{ MULCH, this is like a wide brim hat for the soil, if you don't mulch in Texas, you shouldn't be gardening },
If you want to have a happy garden / yard you need to build up the health of your soil and your plants---This is the first line of defense............by doing so you build up their immune system, and allow them to be more tolerant of the environmental stresses they face.
As far as "Bug Prevention", there's no way to stop them all, but there are somethings you can do now to cut your #'s down dramatically---and don't wait till they show up!!!!, I can't stress this enough.....you have to get ahead of them, and one of the best ways is to release Beneficial Insects...............here are some of reasons--

#1.....Beneficial Nematodes ----{This is one I highly recommend this year} -----these are microscopic, and live in the 1st  4" of soil......they eat the eggs and larva of soil born, hard bodied insects like--fleas, ticks, chiggers, fire ants, grubs, a variety of veggie pests like Squash Vine Borers, Cucumber beetles-{these also eat our lovely new roses!}, and Flea Beetles.......you put them out by soaking them in water and then distributing them with a hose end sprayer--for large areas,.......... or a watering can . They are very susceptible to toxins, so if you've been using chemicals on your lawn in the last 6 months it won't work for you--sorry.............also the bucket, and hose end sprayer/ watering can can't have had any chemicals in them---don't use the bucket detergent or kitty litter came in,...................People that don't see their benefit are the ones that have not heeded these warnings........They come in a large 15000sq.ft pack and a 8000sq.ft pack, and usually run $30, and $47...................I've used them for 15 years and don't have any fleas, ticks, or chiggers----and my fire ant issues have massively decreased....I reapply them to my veggie beds every 2 years to help fight the veggie pests.
#2....Tricogramma Wasps----these are the best "Caterpillar Stoppers" I know of, they are tiny, it takes 5 of them to equal the size of a mosquito, so you'll probably never even know they are there...and they don't sting.......They lay their eggs into the caterpillar egg sacks and their larva feed on it, so the caterpillar eggs don't ever hatch.....this is very effective against the coddling moths that eat the way out of the fruit on our fruit trees just about the time it ripening---they also fight against bag worms, tent caterpillars, canker worms,  cabbage loppers, and the stout nosed caterpillars that fly out of the trees on silk threads in early spring..........Tricogramma eggs come on strips of paper that are tacked into trees, 3 strips per pack--$18, and cover 1/4-1/2 acre.
I carry both of these and they will be in stock by this coming Sat., and need to go out very soon.....if not immediately....especially the tricogramma wasps!!
There are other beneficial insects like green lace wings--which you'll need to order directly, and then there's praying mantis, and ladybugs, both of which don't need to go out now.
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Fertilizing For fruiting trees, blackberries, and grapes should be done 3 times per year, with an organic fertilizer like Lady Bug or you can use "Tree Treatment", this is a great tree fert made by Rabbit Hill----It brought back a Peach tree of mine that I was sure was dead......The 3 times are.......Feb.......mid June.......and early Oct.....in Oct I do a top dress of compost, dry molasses, and TX Greensand.......
Fruit trees are budding and beginning to flower, this is when I begin my spraying schedule..... 4 times a year.....
Over the last few years I have been testing different methods and timing and think I have made my old recommendations better......So for those of you with old handouts of mine, you might want to up date them with the new info.

I use a mix of Neem / horticultural oil, and Sea Mist.....I mix it 1 part neem and 2 parts Seamist..........and apply with a hose end sprayer set to 4 tablespoons per gallon--{ #4 on the dial of the Gilmore sprayers I like so much......
I do this for the 1st time when the flower buds are swelling and opening........you'll want to do this late in the day, or when it's overcast...........you don't want to spray anything in full sun, in the heat of the day..............
I do the 2nd spray once the petals have fallen off, using the same mixture...........
Do it a 3rd time June 1st to the 15th......but just use Seamist at this time............
The 4th time is the beginning of Sept........
The other thing I do is early spring pruning for my fruit trees, this is where I remove all the suckers---the new branches going straight up---you want your trees to open up like a bowl,...
I also take off anything growing inward or rubbing, this will cause wounds and weaken the tree......and then, depending on our rainfall, I look at taking off anywhere between 30-50% of the flowers, if left on your production will go down because all of it will go thru the growing/developing stages---this takes alot of energy and water.......wouldn't you rather have less really good fruit than more puny tasteless stuff.....
As far as blackberries, I trim the canes back to 3 1/2'......if they are left really long the same thing occurs---it takes alot of energy and water to get "Way Out There", if you do this now they will actually produce better because they'll branch.......I follow the same fert schedule as the fruit trees. but you don't have to worry about the coddling moths----just the birds.....but you can deter them buy spraying the Seamist---they don't like the smell or the after taste---just do it weekly as the berries are ripening.
For grapes you need to keep training them , this includes alot of seasonal pruning---as well as heavy pruning in early winter and early spring ......there's the main trunk and then either 2 or 4 lateral arms.........the total amount of arm length should not exceed 20 ft......So if your training them along the top of a fence, each will reach a maximum of 10'........If your securing them to a trellis, like the ones you see in vineyards, you'll have 4 arms, each 5' long.........This is the same idea as the above mentioned fruits, if the arms are too long and you allow all the scraggly stuff  to keep going the plant will not produce well----too much energy = no grapes......follow the same fert schedule as above, and bird defense we used on the blackberries.
I'm including a list of the best cultivar choices for our area...........It goes as follows.....
Apples.....Most need a pollinator---you'll need 2 different ones to get a good crop.
    Anna, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Yellow Delicious-{the best cross pollinator}, Doresett, Mollies Delicious, Red Chief
Figs.....self pollinating
    Celeste, Brown Turkey, Texas Ever bearing
Peaches.....Can be self pollinating, but benefit from a buddy
    Harvester, Ranger, Loring
Pears.....self pollinating in our area,
    Keiffer, Orient, Moonglow, Ayers
Plums.....self pollinating
    Methley, Morris, Bruce
Persimmons......self pollinating and almost all of them do well here
Pomegranates.....Wonderful--that's it's name....it is a fruiting one, some are just for show....
Blackberries and grapes also do well here...............I'll comply a list of the good ones for the next email.
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Now on to the moon news........

Thur.3/1 the moon will be in Gemini---an air sign and we also begin the First Quarter Moon Phase......this is a good time to do things like fertilize, get out corn glueton, and general gardening tasks.

Fri.3/2, Sat.3/3, and Sun.3/4 the moon through Cancer---a water sign---This is one of the absolute best times to plant and seed---get those carrots, beets, lettuce, peas, and other cool season crops seeded..............It's too early for the warm season stuff like tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans and cukes, { although I've heard they are for sale at the big box stores, don't fall prey to this seasonal boo-boo....}
I will have my organic heirloom tomatoes, and peppers ready to go by the 3rd week in March.....These are great varieties for our area and I've been suppling them to ya'll for 15 years.....and I won't let them go until the time is right for them to get planted....No marketing schemes here, just mother natures perfect timing.

Mon.3/5 and Tue 3/6 the moon will go into Leo--a fire sign---This is what I always call "The Killing Moon"---it deters growth, so mow the lawn---it'll be longer before you have to mow again, pull and fight the weeds, you'll be more successful.....but don't mess with the seeds or plants---This is also a great time to get out your beneficial nematodes and tricogramma wasps---Don't wait too long or you won't be able to stop the critters that can devour all of your hard work....
Wed.3/7 and Thur.3/8 the moon will be in Virgo---an earth sign, and the full moon comes in on Thur  too.....this is a somewhat barren earth sign, but not a killing time.....your energy would best be used in feeding and fertilizing, or working on the new garden bed---these are "Earthy" things to do.
Fri.3/9 and Sat.3/10 the moon will go into Libra---an air sign, and one of beauty and balance......cut back any perennials you haven't paid attention to, fertilize, add a new layer of mulch, and throw in some humate--this will make your soil like coffee grounds, is full of humetic acid, promotes organic matter in your soil, and allows water to go futher and be more effective---amazing stuff!!!---it's cheap and goes along way.
Sun.3/11and Mon.3/12 the moon moves into Scorpio--a water sign, and we still have the full moon with us.....Go back to planting and seeding and just being in the garden....Spring is such an amazing time, and here in Texas we need to enjoy every moment.....
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I will be open Thur and Sat 10am till dark, as usual, for anyone coming by for supplies, advice, or plants.........I'm just now starting to bring perennials, Texas Natives and herbs out for sale, and will bringing in some really cool stuff in the next 2 weeks.....Fun-Fun-Fun.....I'm also full stocked with all the great organics I live by....So come on by.........

Enjoy the beautiful weather. Happy Gardening---Val

[Brian Gallimore]

March 15, 2012

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

Spring is here!.....The electric lime green of the fresh new growth is always magic to my soul......Get out there and relish it, we know it can be so fleeting in this part of the world...

New Plants are Here!!!!.....I've got great herbs, and lots of perennials and Texas natives...Ya-Hoo!
Next FREE Class will be Sat.3/24@10am...."Solving the Mystery of Tomatoes and Peppers",
This was a big hit last year and answers all those tomato questions that make us want to give up....Why did the blooms fall off?...I had a beautiful plant with no fruit; what's the deal?...What's an indeterminate?....Can I grow them in a pot?........Come down and join me and we'll learn all the answers.......I'm also gonna cover some of the other great warm season things like squash, melons, beans, tomatillos, and okra.....Yummy!

I will have my tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, tomatillos, squashs, zucchinis, melons , and more out for sale over the next few weeks............These are organically grown, and include lots of great heirlooms. I have been trialling veggies for years here in our area and have found some of the best varieties for us ----- And I've been growing them for you, with love, for the last 15 years.....
Please RSVP to this email if your planning on attending so I'll be able to plan for handouts and chairs. Thanks.

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Here's a list of the tomatoes and peppers I've grown and will have some available starting this Sat.3/17.....I also bring in some great stuff from another organic grower, so the list will be larger than this, hopefully I'll be getting some Porters, Mariglobe, Banana Peppers, Gypsy peppers, and a few others as well......I get sooooo excited this time of year, it's like being a little kid at Christmas----Yippee!!!!
Tomatoes--
Better Bush-- Old F-1 hybrid....it's compact 3-4', and ideal for container growing, medium, true red tomato that's similar to beefsteak but not quite as large..... Indeterminate.
Black Krim-- An old Russian Heirloom..... It produces baseball size, purple-red, fruits, with an earthy almost smoky flavor.....I love this one with melted mozzarella---my mouth is watering......It does well in our heat too.....Indeterminate.

Celebrity-- Old F-1 hybrid.... and is one of the best for almost anything weather Mother Nature can throw at it ....It's disease resistant, and produces a perfect medium sized  red tomato in clusters of 2-5.....Determinate.

Cherokee Purple--Heirloom... This is a large purple-red tomato, the flesh is almost brick colored--I like this one for grilling, and the flavor is unbelievable, but it'll need some room and a good support.....Indeterminate.

Homestead---Old southern Heirloom....Your grandpa probably grew these, they've been around forever and are very dependable, med sized red-pink fruits with the old fashioned tomato flavor.....Indeterminate.

Juliet--- Hybrid Grape tomato....I actually think they're more of a mini Roma, but these things rock!...Disease resistant, heat tolerant, and the one I have had go the longest thru any season....Indeterminate.

Principe Borghese---Heirloom....The traditional variety for sun dried tomatoes!....I used to think I could dry any variety, until I found out "These are the ones".....Tangy, sweet, heavy yields of med sized red fruit---can also be eaten fresh as well---Tomato sandwich heaven.....Indeterminate.

Speckled Roma---Heirloom....This is the most beautiful tomato I've ever seen.....It's reddish orange with yellow stripes and an irredentist gold sheen....Large Roma, and that prefers a little shade in the heat of the day, good meaty flavor.....Surprisingly it's an Indeterminate......{Most Romas are determinate}.

Sungold Cherry---old F-1 hybrid....I LOVE THIS TOMATO...Golden sweet cherry tomatoes, low acid, and kids love them....I've had this one every year in my garden since I moved back to TX in 1997.....Everyone should grow this one....gets large, as most vining tomatoes do, and will need a good support......Indeterminate.

Super Sweet 100's--- F-1 hybrid...another one I adore, Literally hundreds of bite sized red sweet cherry tomatoes, bore on clusters of up to 20....This is the improved sweet 100, and is more disease resistant...Gets large, and will need support.....Indeterminate

Peppers--Sweet Ones--

California Wonder ---Heirloom....The traditional blocky green bell. Can be eaten green or left on a few more weeks to ripen to red.

California Wonder Orange---Heirloom....Just like the one above but ripens to orange.....My husbands favorite

Chervena Chushka---Bulgarian Heirloom....This is a long sweet pepper, it looks similar to Banana Peppers, but it goes from green to brown to vivid red.....I grew this one for the first time last year and was wowed by it.....incredibly sweet if eaten fresh, but also amazing roasted on the grill
Garden Sunshine Bell---Heirloom....This bell is slightly smaller than Calif. Wonder, but it withstands the heat much better, it rocked in my garden last year.....can be eaten at any stage, it starts out light green, then morphs to orange then red.....Very dependable.

Jimmy Nardello --- Heirloom brought for Italy in 1887.....Long sweet red pepper, FANTASTIC FLAVOR, my favorite roasting pepper, or can just be eaten raw.

Red Ruffled Pimento--- Heirloom....This is one I wouldn't be without....they're shaped like little red pumpkins, Ideal for stuffing.....they taste like a sweet red bell, thick walled and juicy,  when eaten fresh, but once they're cooked the pimento flavor emerges...to die for good.
Peppers--Hot Ones--

Anaheim Chili--- Heirloom....Traditional, large, medium hot pepper....A good one for the grill and Mexican food.

Ancho / Poblano---Heirloom...Called "Poblano" in the fresh green form and "Ancho" as a dried chili pod. Mildly hot, used for chili rellenos and mole sauces. Delicious.

Chili Pequine---Heirloom, native to Texas....This is a perennial pepper that thrives in part shade, and produces red jelly bean fruits that are HOT, besides it looks great in shady beds.
Early Jalapeño---Heirloom....Everyone needs a jalapeño plant, this variety produces earlier that others. 

New Mex Joe Parker---Heirloom....For those of you who love the "Hatch" peppers this one is as close as you can get....great fresh in salsas or roasted--Yum!

Serrano Tampiqueno---Heirloom Variety---this is the traditional old variety, becomes a large bush filled with 100's of small, smoky, hot gems.....Rocks in the heat of summer.

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Now on to the Moon News....

I realize I've been quite erratic with the timing of the email since my mother has been so ill, so I've decided instead of writing every week, I'm going to do it in larger blocks of every 10-12 days.....The email can take 5-6 hours to write so this will help me conserve some time, thank ya'll for your understanding and support.
Wed.3/14 the moon will be in Sagittarius--a fire sign and we also begin the Last Quarter Moon phase.....This is a great time to mow the yard or pull the weeds--which are going great guns at the moment...
Thur.3/15, Fri 3/16, and Sat 3/17 till around lunch time the moon will move into Capricorn--an earth sign, but seeing we're in the last quarter--which deters growth, this time would be best used prepping and amending soil, getting fertilizer out, applying Beneficial Nematodes and releasing Ticogramma Wasps { which I do have back in stock}.
Sun.3/18 and Mon.3/19 the moon goes into Aquarius---an air sign, and the last quarter still in effect---go back to mowing and weeding.
Tue.3/20,and Wed.3/21 The moon will be in Pisces--a water sign, usually good for playing with the plants and seeing our New Moon starts Thur. I'd say go ahead and play in the garden, and seeing the Spring Equinox happens early Tue morning--it's now officially Spring--go out and celebrate with all your little green buddies........Here's a cool piece of info--on the spring and fall equinox the amount of daylight hours to darkness is equal---12 hrs of each---Balance in all things.
Thur.3/22,  Fri.3/23, and Sat.3/24 the moon may be New, but it will also be in Aries--a fire sign.....I know you'll be tempted to garden, but do all the prep and yard chores and wait till at least 4pm Sat, when the moon goes out of Aries and into Taurus.....You'll be more successful.............Or if you'd like to test this "Moon Stuff" for your self. plant 1/2 you stuff Sat morning and the other half Sun and see what the differences are---there is no better teacher than experience.
Sun.3/25 and Mon.3/26 the moon goes through Taurus---an earth sign, and with the new moon energy with us it would be a divine time to play with the plants and seeds.... and of course the soil....
Tue.3/27, Wed.3/28. and Thur.3/29 the moon cruises into Gemini--an air sign, but the most beneficial of the "Air Signs", and we still have the new moon energy with us too....so go ahead and play with the plants, and remember to do your daily inspections, the bugs are starting to emerge--Yikes--The only way to be a good organic gardener is to pay attention to your plants, if you see a problem in the beginning you can fix it fairly easily---if you wait till it's out of control you'll be SUNK......I will be doing the new and improved "Good Bugs, Bad Bugs" class in Mid April---I'll post the exact date next email.

Happy Gardening---Happy Spring---Happy bug hunting!!!........................Val

[cedarita]

I went to Val's for the first time last Saturday. Even though she is right down the street from me, I had to be tipped off by a friend that she is there. No signage! She and her staff were full of information, and the other customers were friendly and chatty, too. NAYY, but I had a good experience and wanted to share. Found Black Krim tomato seedlings, too, which I have been anxious to try.

[admin]

3/22/2012:

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

I always get requests to remind people of the class days---so here's your reminder........Also I have room for a few more if anyone didn't RSVP and would like to come.......
New Plants are Here!!!!.....Organic Veggies.....also I've got great herbs, and lots of perennials, some awesome heat loving annuals and of course the best Texas natives...Ya-Hoo!
Next FREE Class will be Sat.3/24@10am...."Solving the Mystery of Tomatoes and Peppers",
This was a big hit last year and answers all those tomato questions that make us want to give up....Why did the blooms fall off?...I had a beautiful plant with no fruit; what's the deal?...What's an indeterminate?....Can I grow them in a pot?........Come down and join me and we'll learn all the answers.......I'm also gonna cover some of the other great warm season things like squash, melons, beans, tomatillos, and okra.....Yummy!

I will have my tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, tomatillos, squashs, zucchinis, melons , and more out for sale over the next few weeks............These are organically grown, and include lots of great heirlooms. I have been trialling veggies for years here in our area and have found some of the best varieties for us ----- And I've been growing them for you, with love, for the last 15 years.....
Please RSVP to this email if your planning on attending so I'll be able to plan for handouts and chairs. Thanks.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Directions to Val's Place---1007 West Belt line Rd. , Cedar Hill, TX, 75104 .............Day time # cell 972-207-2938.......evenings  972-291-6885

IF YOU'RE COMING OFF 67, just exit at Belt Line--{ NOTE-- the 1382/ belt line exit IS NOT THE RIGHT  ONE-  Belt Line is the next exit south of 1382 } , and go west towards the towers--you'll go straight through 2 lights,{Uptown and Main }, once you go over the R x R tracks, I'm the 6th house on right, an old, white, Victorian with a wrap around front porch, just past the house is a dirt drive with giant agaves, enter and follow the sings to the parking area

Directions: I'm about 2 minutes from where the nursery was.....IF YOU'RE AT THE NURSERY, continue south on Straus, {towards old down town Cedar Hill}, at the stop sign go left ,over the R x R tracks, and follow the curve of the road up to the light, go right at the light ---you'll be on West Belt Line --go over the R x R tracks again, and I'm the 6th house on the right. A one story white Victorian with a wrap around front porch, just past the house is a dirt drive with giant agaves, enter and follow the sings to the parking area

I am open every Thur and Sat from 10am till dark for those coming by to find good organic products, and plants, or just need to get some advice.............Come on by, it's glorious right now.....

I've got beneficial nematodes, lady bugs and Tricogramma wasps in stock.......after all the rain the ground is perfect for putting out the nematodes........They'll fight  fleas, ticks, chiggers, fire ants, grubs, and any other hard bodied insect that lays eggs in the soil......
And I'm fully stocked with all the best organics.....
See Ya' in the garden, and I'll be doing the next email ---including the Moon News at the end of the month..........Val

[Brian Gallimore]

3/28/2012

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,


Oh, Spring in all it's glory---Isn't it amazing!......Just remember it doesn't last for long in our neck of the woods, so spend this time enjoying the wonderous weather, and getting your yards and gardens juiced up before the heat moves in........The best way to do this is to look at your plants, trees, and lawn as you would yourself, what I mean by this is to recognize that all of these deal with stress, and all have immune systems----just like we do.............So when we're healthy, and our immune systems are strong we cope with everyday stresses and germs/illness with a grain of salt.............We fend off the things that could make us ill..............So by eating right, taking our supplements, and finding ways to deal with the tensions of life, we keep ourselves healthy and happy...................
For plants this could be a good dose of "organic" food---A healthy well fed plant can withstand alot more than a sickly one left to it's own devices.................
A thick layer of mulch will help the soil retain moisture and stay cooler,---Veggies in particular are triggered by soil temperatures, so the cooler their feet stay the longer they will produce................
Moisture retaining things like Expanded Shale, or Lava sand----Both of these make water go further, aides in drainage, and helps keep our soils from recompressing back into cement---this actually occurs when the heat of summer bakes the soil back into a brick {mulch, mulch, mulch---if you don't do this you shouldn't be gardening in Texas}, and it also happens when we're watering incessantly---which you need to do here, so it's kinda' a catch 22......Expanded Shale will keep your soil loose but has to be mixed in, because it stays where you put it and will be there for 25 years-Nice Huh?.......Lava sand can be put on the top and it will leach down on it's own, but will have to be replaced every 2-3 years......
I do a foliare feeding of Seamist every week to help prevent disease, and deter the bugs----it's a wonderful food source that when applied to the leaf surface can be taken in by the plant in 30 minutes--WOW!!!---Just keep in mind if your applying anything to the leaves don't do it while the sun is on them---even water can burn with intense sunlight going thru it--water amplifies the sun.
Try things like soaker hoses, and drip irrigation..........The trick with this stuff is putting the hoses down FIRST and then planting the plants, if you try to do the hoses later it's like playing Twister................also to protect the hoses life span, and to allow the soil the best use of the water make sure the drip goes directly into the soil---so they need to go under the mulch, not on top of it.

Humate is another amazing product that helps water go further---It's full of humetic acid, promotes organic matter in our soils, and given about 3 weeks with a little moister it will transform your soil in to the lushest, coffee ground texture you've ever seen.......it just takes some time to bind with our soil so that it can begin to alter it---it actually breaks our extra large soil particles down to much smaller finer particles thus allowing water to saturate much more effectively......You can put it anywhere---garden beds, flower beds, pots and containers, and because it's in a fine granular form it can be put out with a spreader on the lawn---professional organic lawn care folks add it not only for the way it makes everything so much healthier--{better able to handle Heat Stress}, but to help with the water issue---and you know we're going to have water issues......I put it out at 20 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for gardens and beds and 15 lbs. per 1,000 sq ft for lawns........and a 40 lb bag is only $28
IMPORTANT NOTE---Use organic products--especially when our temps begin to go to 90+.........The way you can tell the difference is the numbers, like Lady Bug fert is 8-2-4.............If you see a # higher than 8, it's most likely not an organic.........High #'s are chemical / synthetic and coupled with high temperatures will FRY your yard and plants.......As many of you know I've worked in the organic business for going on 17 years here in N. Texas, and in that time I have seen people burn the dickens out of their landscapes, by feeding high # ferts in our summers........This would be like us having a couple of cappuccinos, and then going out and push mowing at 1pm, when it's 100+ degrees----We'd have a stroke!!!!!----So will your landscape!!!!!

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On to the Moon News.........


Fri.3/30 and Sat.3/31 the moon will be in Cancer---a wonderful water sign----and we'll have the 1st Quarter moon energy with us.......Get in that garden and plant and seed till your hearts content.....I know I will.........It's time for the tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, cucumbers and all that wonderful warm weather stuff.......You might still be able to pull off a crop of lettuce, beets, carrots and arugula if you hurry-----it's too late for onions, potatoes, peas, and spinach...............................Here's some tomato info----#1, plant them deep, I bury at least 1/2 the plant this is because tomatoes have the largest root system of any fruit or veggie, and all those tiny fuzzy hairs you see along the stalk are "want to be" roots, so by planting them deep--remove the leaves from the portion that will be under the soil--they'll have a much larger root system to support them thru the season........I ALWAYS put a handful of Tomato /Pepper Food in the hole when planting,  { Rabbit Hills is the best one ever--and the only one I carry----once you've tried it you'll be hooked---ask all my customers! }.....and then I feed them every 30 days, a cup per foot around the root zone and just water it in..............#2...As far as tomato care DON'T WATER THEM OVER THEIR HEADS......they are prone to fungal issues and wet leaves are just an invitation........#3....Even consistent moisture is a must.......If you water too much you'll have a big beautiful plant with no fruit, if you allow them to get dry while they're setting fruit and then water the dickens out of them all the skins on your little tomatoes will burst............The best way to tell if the moisture level is right is to stick a finger down in there and feel it, you'll get the hang of it after awhile...........
I've still got lots of organic tomatoes and peppers, and great seed........I'll have some of the cukes, melons, and squash ready by Sat......But most won't be ready for another week......With these guys I really suggest going the seed packet route---you get a lot more for your money, they're easy, and you can seed multiple crops in a year because they grow so fast---They're also a good project for the kids---remember big seeds are easy!

Sun.4/1 and Mon.4/2 the moon moves into Leo--a fire sign, and my fav' for mowing and weeding......or just straight up killing something----So step away from the garden.....This isn't a good time to be playing with the plant buddies.....

Tue.4/3 and Wed.4/4 the moon goes into Virgo---an earth sign, but a mildly barren one.....although with the 1st quarter happening if this is the only time you have to get some stuff done in the garden I'd say "Go for it".........Fertilizing and feeding things is a better idea though, REMEMBER, building a garden, planting and watering are all important--BUT so is feeding things---just think about how you feel if you eat well..........

Thur.4/5 and Fri 4/6 the moon will be in Libra--an air sign, and one of beauty and balance.....the full moon is Fri as well.....Go out and play in the yard, enjoy the beauty nature has to offer.

Sat.4/7 and Sun.4/8 the moon goes into Scorpio---a water sign..........This is a great time for planting and seeding----and traditionally this is a good moon to plant things that store excessive water---like cantaloupes, watermelons, squash, and even corn---but you'll need a pretty well protected area to do corn because every creature in town will be coming over to party at your house.......And for all of the above make sure you use dry molasses---it really brings up the natural sugar content in all of our fruits and veggies, but you'll really notice it with the melons....

Mon.4/9, Tue.4/10 and Wed.4/11--till after lunch the moon sits in Sagittarius--a fire sign........Go back to mowing and weeding, and fighting the bugs---they're coming---beware!!!!
REMEMBER----DAILY INSPECTIONS, this is the only way to garden.......if you notice something when it first gets going you have the chance to stop it, when it gets outa' control you won't have a prayer......

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I am open Thur. and Sat. from 10am till dark for those wanting to come by for goodies or advice-----I've got all the great organics in stock as well as herbs, veggies, Texas natives, and sun and shade perennials .......So "come on down...."


Here comes Peter Cottontale, hopping down the bunny trail.......Have a blessed Easter.........See you in the garden.............Val

[Brian Gallimore]

4/17/2012:

Gardening tips for the week of 4/16-5/2

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

I'm feeling mildly sentimental this week, and decided to share my feelings a little.. To those "Truly Manly" gardeners .Please bear with me...
Spring is such an amazing time. That fresh lime green of the trees' new growth, the smell of sweet earth after the rain, and of course the faces of the flowers, songs of the birds, and fluter of the butterflies. All these things are such a blessing---I find myself saying, "Thank You", out loud, and being humbled by, and protective of, this beautiful planet we call home...We as gardeners are all stewards of a tiny piece of the natural world---our gardens. But we do also have a voice that we can use to help preserve and protect the natural environment, as well as educate others. ...This is the reason I teach my classes, write this email, and educate people about using organic methods, and learning natures cycles. This is how I use  my "voice" to help the planet and thus the people in it.  Find something you're passionate about and get involved---use your "voice "!!!!----- Earth Day is Sunday.4/22 and is an excellent time to remember our responsibility to, and dependence upon, the health of the planet.....If enough of us care maybe we can make a difference, and if not for ourselves, then for our children and grandchildren..What kind of world will we leave them?.....The Native Americans had a law they called "The Eighth Generation Law", it stated that every decision that the tribe made had to be thought of  in terms of how it would affect the next eight generations..What amazing forethought they had.
Thank you for indulging me---I'll get off the soap box now.

The bugs that make us crazy.....Remember the best defense is Daily Inspections---and hand picking--and squishing as you go, you'll learn alot this way, and be able to minimize the damage.
Already we are dealing with a ton of little critters munching up our veggies......caterpillars of all shapes and sizes are chewing holes in everything, if it seems out of control you can use Dipel Dust on your veggies, {a powder that you dust on}---- and if it's your trees or shrubs you can use Thuricide, {A liquid that you spray on }.........Both of these are Bt---Bacillus Thuringiensis, a bacterial pesticide, which in essence is a microbe that only affects caterpillars---it's organic and safe around kids and animals.
Rolly pollies, Pill bugs, Sow bugs---these are all pretty much the same thing and are rampant this year due to all the rain we've had, they hide under rocks, mulch, and lower leaves of plants, they come out at night to feed, so if your wondering if they're the culprit go out there after dark with a flashlight and watch them in action!.....The only organic that works on them is Sluggo Plus-----Regular Sluggo does slugs and snails, but the Plus does them and the pill bugs, just sprinkle it around the effected plants  in the evening and you'll start to see a difference within a week or so---reapplying is necessary
My nemesis is the 4-Lined-Plant-Beetle, you won't actually see the little devil---they are very illusive, but you will see the damage they do---They like mints, oreganos, and salvias the best, so keep an eye on those plants......They leave tiny black dots---millions at a time---on the leaves---for some of the woody salvias the dots will appear cream colored......They are really hard to stop, because after the 2nd week they sprout wings!!!!......but if you catch them in the early stages you can douse them with Mound Drench---this is a combo of orange oil and liquid molasses----Hard bodied insects like ants and beetles have a greasy exoskeleton that they breath through, so the orange oil, being a natural degreaser, will begin to degrade their bodies, and if that isn't enough the molasses coats them and then they can't breath----just don't do this while the sun is shining on the plant or the orange oil will burn them.....
Now on to the Moon News.....First I apologize for being so late in getting this out----but better late than never.....

Mon.4/16 and Tue.4/17 the moon will be in Pisces---a water sign, but we are also in the last quarter moon phase, which is really about deterring growth---but if you need to get some gardening done these would be the best days till this coming Saturday----I'd go pick bugs instead...
Wed.4/18, Thur.4/19, and Fri.4/20 the moon moves into Aries---a fire sign....This is one of those super potent "Killing Moons", go mow the lawn of fight with the bugs and weeds, but leave the plants alone.
Sat.4/21, Sun.4/22-Earth Day, and most of Mon.4/23 the moon goes into Taurus---an earth sign, AND the New Moon phase begins as well---NOW is  the time to have some fun in the garden---it's still a great time to get all those warm season veggies in---tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash, cantaloupe, cukes, okra, and Black eyed peas......in fact I tried something different last year, instead of waiting for the blk eyed peas to mature and then shell them, I picked them when they were young and cooked them like green beans---they ROCKED, and they love our hot summers......
Food For Thought......... because we live on Mars---and our growing conditions are much more extreme than what a simple "Zone 7 " rating might suggest, { by the way this zoning system is based on our COLDEST temps---it has nothing to do with how hot it gets---N.Calf. is a zone 7---get the picture}......But back to the "food for thought", think out side your box---don't think that you can grow all the things you see at Kroger---most of them come from Calf..........But you CAN GROW very similar things, that will withstand a TX summer....Here's some examples----Instead of Calf Wonder Bell Peppers try Gypsy, Banana, Garden Sunshine, Nardello's, or Chervena Chuska.....These are some of the options I carry and grow, because after years in Texas I've learned what our options are........and what does best here........I also have great choices for squash, cukes, beans, and melons.....Try something new, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised.
Tue.4/24 and Wed.4/25 the moon will be in Gemini---an air sign, but we still got that awesome new moon energy with us, trim back some of that excessive growth from your trees and shrubs---they're probably drooping---this is because they've had a massive growth spurt for all the heavy rains, but they probably won't be able to support all the new stuff once we get hot and dry, so do them a favor now---they'll thank you for it later, and by doing it in an air sign the sap flow will be minimized.....
Thur.4/26 and Fri.4/27 the moon will be in the lovely water sign of Cancer----Get out in the garden !!!!!......sow some seeds, nestle some plants into the soil, make some vibrant pots of color for the patio or porch........Have fun----Remember to put a good handful of Val's planting mix, buds and blooms, garden food, or tomato pepper food in the hole to feed your babies for the next 30 days---then dust some on the surface and water in once a month, { these are all organic health and vigor building fertilizers--I carry them all}, and as a jump starter water everyone in with Seamist--or seaweed ----this is the best root stimulator on the planet, and it also helps with transplant shock and seed germination.......These 2 things combined with healthy soil is the key to success.......I NEVER plant anything without the "handful, and a watering of Seamist"---Ya'll have seen my gardens, you be the judge....
Sat.4/28, Sun.4/29, and Mon.4/30 the moon moves into Leo---a fire sign, and the 1st Quarter phase begins on Sunday as well......But even that sweet moon phase won't save you from the strongest of the "Killing Moon Signs--Leo", in all the years I've been gardening by the moon and have tested a Leo Moon my results have always been the same---either I'll only get 30% germination on seeds, or if I'm doing plants 70% of them will either die or never really do very well.......Try a test for yourself......do some on Thur or Fri, and then do some of the same thing on Sat or Sun, and note the difference----I learned a majority of my moon knowledge from the Amish in S.E. Pennsylvania---the best growers, and most attuned with natures cycles of anyone I have ever met, they are truly amazing folk....
Tue.5/1---Happy May Day!!!!, and Wed.5/2 the moon goes through Virgo---an earth sign, generally earth signs are good for gardening, but Virgo's a somewhat barren sign, hold off on the plants, and work on building up your soil instead----compost, humate, dry molasses, or alfalfa meal are all great for our soil types.
I will be open Thur and Sat, 10am till dark, as I usually am for my students and clients to come by..............I still have lots of organic veggies and seed, and am fully stocked with the best organic amendments, fertilizers, and bug stuff...

I also got a shipment of wonderful summer annuals---the "Good Stuff", that rocks through our heat----like the amazing million bells, scaveola, coleus, zinnia linearius, marigolds, and purslane.......Also I was lucky enough to get a few flats of African Blue Basil---this is the best Bee Attracting plant I've ever met!, and if your growing squash, cukes, and melons you'll need this one to help them out.....This family of veggies have male and female flowers and the bees are your "Match Maker" ............................

 I love a splash of color in my gardens, and it brings in the good bugs too-----Organics is about diversity of plant material as much as it is good practices---without flowers, the garden is a dull mono-culture just asking to be munched on......

Have a wonderful Earth Day, and remember to thank the heavens for all it gives so freely...............We live on the Amazing Blue Planet.............What a gift.................Peace, Val

[Brian Gallimore]

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

Mother's Day Sale----Sat.5/12 ONLY......20% off all plants in stock.......Fun Fun Fun
Heat, high winds, and dripping mugginess----were not in Oz anymore folks, our spring is coming to an end, and I know we're gonna' see a little relief this week with lower temps and some chances for rain, but the intense heat is not far off.........I'm a believer in preparing in advance instead of waiting till it's on my doorstep, by this I mean taking some things into consideration before we get really hot........This would include mulch in all our beds, and around our younger trees and shrubs......As I've said many times before, "Mulch is like a hat for the soil"-----You try standing out in the blazing sun and see how long you'll last....don't assume your plants don't "Feel the Heat" too.........Mulch also helps your soil stay cooler---all plants are triggered by soil temps, for instance the lettuces are starting to bolt now---{bolting is when the lettuce begins to get tall and flower and then the seed is produced as the flowers mature---bolting is also known as,"going to seed"}......The cabbage, broccoli, and the rest of that family went to seed / bolted a month or 2 ago-----this is when it got really tall and put on the show of yellow flowers, which are edible by the way.......A lot of plants bolt---it's a natural life cycle of plants---but it is triggered by soil temps...............Some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, will go into survival mode when the soil gets too hot for them, this survival mode usually means they stand dead still, no flowers, no fruit---if they make it through the worst of the summer most of them will begin to produce again as we get cooler---these plants will produce their seed within the fruit, but soil temps still play a big part in how well they do and how productive they are.........Mulch also helps with retaining moisture in our soil.....
Now is the time to start dead heading, cutting back,and pruning.........also a great time to do an early summer fertilizing.......Just don't use high numbered stuff.......like 12-24-12, or 30-15-30------if any of the 3 numbers you see on the fertilizer bag are higher than an 8 then they aren't organic-----high numbered stuff coupled with hot weather will fry you plants and lawn.......
Here's some of the things that probably need doing.....Remember---do it with a "good" moon phase, one that encourages growth......not a killing moon phase.

The food/ fertilizers that I recommend are all organic with low numbers--so as not to burn your little green buddies.....I'm using abbreviations to make this easier, they go like this......L.B.=Lady Bug Fertilizer....B.and B.=Buds and Blooms{Rabbit Hill Brand}......G.F.=Garden Food{ Rabbit Hill Bran.....SeaM=Seamist........T.P.=Tomato Pepper Food{Rabbit Hill brand}.....R F = Rose Food..........I carry all of these and most of ya'll probably have some hanging around somewhere......Use It !!!!!

Cut back ----Salvia Greggiis---By now the blooms are getting tall and spindly and the plant is looking leggy, they're not really particular, just grab them by the head and lop at least                                         1/3-1/2 off, the blooms will return in a week to 10 days---Feed them with L. B., ... B.and B, ...or for a quick blast SeaM.............You'll need to do                                                                     this 2-3  times during the summer season to keep them full and full of flowers.
                -----Mints----by now these are really tall and leggy and are getting ready to bloom---their flavor changes dramatically, they get tough and bitter, as they get ready to flower, so                                     just cut them off at soil level---throw some L.B. or G F  there way and they come back out in a week----you need to do this every time they get to this stage.This                                         also includes Catmint, Catnip, and Lemon Balm.
                 ----Oreganos----They are flowering about now----this changes their flavor as well, cut them way back to the new growth coming in at the base---apply L.B. or G F
                -----Pink Blooming Oxalis----If it's looking all floppy and spent cut it all the way back and feed with B and B, LB, GF, or seamist.
Dead Head or trim back
                 --- Roses----Now's the time to cut back your climbing roses---for your bush roses hopefully you gave them a good cut back in Feb, so now you can just dead head and                                             shape them up a little-----feed with L.B. or Rose Food.
                 ----Flowering annuals like Dianthus, Vincas, Phlox, and any other annuals that are looking leggy and weak----be brave!!!----cutting off this old growth allows the plant to put                                         it's energy into new growth and renewed flowering----Feed with L.B., B and B, or even G.F.......Seamist really makes them Rock!

                ----Columbine, Ajuga, LA Phlox, and any other spring perennials whose flowers have faded..........I also clean up any lower yellowing leaves----feed with LB, B and B, or even                                     garden food---because these guys won't bloom again till next spring.
                ----Italian Basil----pinch off those white flowers and flower heads as they appear of the basil will go to seed, and you won't get anything........You won't have to do this with the                                     purple blooming basils like Thai, cinnamon, African blue, or Holy.......
Veggie Care
                ----Tomatoes---Trim off the lower leaves that are touching the ground, and you can also thin out some of the sucker leaves----these are the large ones just below the new                                             shoots that produce flowers and fruit---This allows better ventilation, and sunlight to filter down thru the plant.......If your plants have been in for 30 days or more it's                                     time to reapply Tomato/Pepper food----I cup worth for every foot of height, spread over root zone and water in well........I Have some beautiful 1 gal size organic                                         heirloom tomato plants@$8.00, while supplies last
                ----Peppers----if in the ground for 30 or more days apply TP as well

                ---Cucumber, squash, melons---These guys LOVE compost, and Dry Molasses really makes a difference with their sweetness......top dress with extra compost, and some                                         Dry Mo---water in well----SQUASH BUGS ARE ARRIVING---BE DILIGENT---DAILY INSPECTIONS.......Here's a trick I learned by accident last year, Squash                                             bugs hate getting wet, so water over the plant in the morning and they will rise up so you can see them---and Squish Them........the adults are brown, the nymphs                                     are gray with black legs, and the eggs look like tiny shiny brown beads and they'll be in clusters along the leaves--especially underneath......I've also seen the                                             Squash Vine Borer adults  Flying around, they look like black wasps with brilliant red markings and will lay eggs in the soil near the squash......when they hatch                                         out they look like a white grub and eat into the base of the plant, you'll notice the plant looks wilted......but the best defense is to inspect the base of the plant daily                                     and if you see what looks like cream colored wet sawdust---this is farce,{caterpillar poop}--- they've bored in, and you'll need to take a knife and gently slice into                                     the stalk and extract the little bugger......if left alone it will kill the plant within days.
                ----Beans---The most important thing is to choose varietys that do well here----Contender, Yellow Wax, Purple Pod, Yard Long, and of course Black eyed peas---if you pick                                         these before the peas within begin to swell you'll think your eating green beans---and They ROCK in our heat. When your beans start producing feed them with a                                     little G.F., or a good dose of Seamist.
I Believe in "Prevention" of bugs, and "Keeping Plants Healthy" I do this by Foliare Feeding with Seamist every 7-10 days........I can do my whole world gardens, greenhouses, and fruit trees and bushes in less than an hour----easy, fast, and effective!!!

Well, they're Back.....The bugs that is.....I have a horrible little monster called the 4 Line Plant Beetle, they like to attack mints, salvias, oreganos, and a variety of other things, and can make a quick mess of our lovely spring gardens. They're extremely illusive.....They'll see you coming and scoot under the leaves. The damage is what will tell you they are there.....If you notice tiny little dots all over the new growth, on some plants it will appear black and on others it will seem more cream colored.....If you look closely under the damaged leaves, you may spot a small oblong beetle. They have black wings that  have 2 yellow stripes on each, and they have a bright red underside......Stop them when you first notice them or you will go crazy later......2 weeks after they hatch they develop wings!!!!! And then they will eat your world !!!!!, and there will be no stopping them....
The first year I had them I turned into a raving lunatic......They had blackened 1/2 my gardens in a matter of days, and I still hadn't seen them---sneaky little buggers!!!! And after buying almost every product we carried at the nursery and making it my daily mission to hunt them down, I finally began to use my brain......I had to come up with my own cure, so I thought about it logically.......They are hard bodied insects, which means they have a greasy exoskeleton, and they breath thru their bodies {as most hard bodied bugs do}.......So I tried Mound Drench, which is a product that's used for killing fire ant mounds........Mound Drench is actually Orange Oil---a natural degreaser which starts to make their bodies break down, ................and Liquid Molasses, which smothers them by coating their bodies, and it also has Compost tea in it as a base........So you can actually use this to fight a variety of bugs, you just have to consider that it must make contact with them in order to be effective.....

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On to the Moon News......

Wed.5/9 and Thur.5/10 the moon will be in Capricorn---an earth sign, and we still have the full moon energy with us...............This would be a good time to do that cutting back and feeding.
Fri.5/11 and Sat.5/12 the moon moves into Aquarius--an air sign, and the Last Quarter moon phase begins----Last quarter phases are about deterring growth......this would be good for weeding mowing, or even trimming back those hedges in the front yard ----if you do it now you will "Retard" their growth, so you won't have to do it so often.---or better yet go fight the bugs!
Sun.5/13, Mon.5/14 and Tue.5/15 the moon goes into Pisces---a water sign......If you need to do some planting or play with the plants this would be the best time you have this week, So go ahead mom's get your gloves on and go play in the dirt.......Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!
Wed.5/16 and Thur.5/17 the moon will be in Aries--a fire sign----This is an awesome "Killing Moon"..........what ever has been making you crazy--bugs---weeds---invasive plants, now is the time to go after them.......
Fri.5/18 and Sat.5/19 the moon will be in Taurus---an earth sign---With the New Moon beginning Sunday, Sat will be ok to play in the garden........There are studies I've read that show things seeded the day before the new moon have a higher germination rate---I've tested this And It Really Works!!!----seeds you can do now would include squash, cukes. beans, radish, sunflower, okra, black eyed peas, moon flowers, marigolds, cosmos, amaranth, ---and many others.......
Sun.5/20, Mon.5/21, and Tue.5/22 the moon moves into Gemini---an air sign, and the wonderful New Moon comes in on Sunday---New Moons are the birth of fresh, new, outward, encouraging, growth....................Play in garden, do some cutting back and feeding......and remember to do daily inspections.
Wed.5/23, Thur.5/24, and Fri. 5/25 the moon will go into Cancer---a water sign WITH the New Moon energy........This is the absolute best for planting, seeding, and cutting back and feeding ----go ahead your garden will love you for it.....
Sat.5/26 and Sun.5/27 the moon moves into Leo--a serious fire sign---Go back to squishing bugs and mowing the lawn.......This is "The Killing Moon"
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I will be open Thur and Sat 10am till dark, for folks to stop by..........As Usual, I've got organic veggies and herbs, Native TX plants, Perennials, and Organic seeds ..................The good organics for feeding the plants, garden, trees, etc........and fighting the bugs.....

Again have a great mother's day, you are loved more than you'll ever know, and we're sorry we broke grandmothers teapot and lied about it when we were7..........Better late than never.........LOVE YOU  MOM!!!!!!!............................Happy Gardening Ya'll, Val

[Brian Gallimore]

5/30/2012

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

I gonna' start this one with a very important piece of info------Crazy Raspberry Ants are here!!!!----These highly invasive critters came into the US back in 2002,........When I was still working for the nursery, we received a notice from the TX Ag Extension in 2008, warning they would probably make it into N.TX in 3 years...............These things are a severe threat to homes, livestock, and agriculture.............They are highly attracted to electrical current---so they'll nest in appliances, including AC units, computers, pool equipment---pretty much anything that's plugged in......and they can eat the insulation off your house wiring too........................They have ravished the Houston area........................The other major impact they have is they eat everyone they can find, this includes fire ants, caterpillars, butterflies, BEES, you name it...................they kill small animals by crawling up there noses and smothering them to death......................Google Crazy Raspberry ants and read more.
The realization that they could be here was a phone call I got from a dear friend, Donna Mullins, warning me to tell folks about ants that nest in AC units and cause damage---they had done it to her...........................I immediately thought about that warning we'd gotten back in 2008---Raspberry!!!!!................I called her and let her know..... then 3 days ago while trying to get my AC unit in the bedroom window I noticed a trail of tiny, {like the size of Sugar Ants}, reddish colored ants going along the siding and up and over my electric meter, and entering the attic---then I realized I had them too---Knowing the damage they cause I almost had a heart attack........I since have had someone out to confirm my suspicions, Mike Maggard, from Dancing Frog Pest Management, 972-293-3764..........he and I searched for for their mounds, and discovered they don't really mound like other ants......all we could do was follow them and see where they came from.........These guys are truly "crazy"........they move 3-4 times faster than any ant I've ever seen, are quite erratic, have zillions of nests, and unless your really looking for them you'll never even know they're there.......I had literal billions and think that they started entering my property from Belt Line---- they reproduce so quickly----multiple queens---and if they should die they'll just go find another queen and keep making babies........All of the things I recommended to fight Fire Ants won't even slow these guys down........There's only 2 products that seem to work, and neither are organic, and are only sold to licensed pest controllers............... It's as if they are the Super GMO's of the ant world----This is really scary, like those cyborg movies........
Here's some of the ways I think you can figure you have them, and thus can start looking---------Have you noticed a severe decline in your firer ant, bees, or caterpillar issues?........Have you or any of your neighbors had shorts in electrical lines or appliances---especially outdoor stuff?........If you can say yes to either of these I would start hunting........I'm treating my issue, and am aware that a single treatment will not eradicate them, and I will have to be super diligent---AS WILL YOU ALL----to doing daily inspections of any area they once inhabited, and keeping your eyes out for dead bugs----I actually witnessed them swarm an unaware caterpillar and within minutes it was gone----I saw a beetles path happen to cross there's and the poor thing was running for his life-----These guys can greatly affect the ecological balance........................I know I may sound like a mad woman right now, but this could be a disaster if we choose to ignore them.......
Now on to the Moon News.........

Thur.5/31 the moon will be in Libra---an air sign...........This is ideal for harvesting your onions, potatoes and garlic, if your planning on curing and storing some.........Air signs are good because they allow things to dry well and thus don't rot in storage.............once you've pulled these up the curing process is the same for all of them, lay them out in a single layer, so there's good air flow around each one---don't pile them on top of each other!.......I use the flats plants come in, or old window screens are good too, set them in a cool, breezy, place out of direct sunlight---a fan can help too.......It'll take 10-20 days for the drying to be complete.
 In the case of onions and garlic ---leave the roots and leaves attached thru the drying process, and when you pull them don't wash them---just let them dry........the outer layers will get papery, that's how you'll know they're done........THEN trim the roots off, and cut the dried leaves off leaving about 1" of the neck................store in a cool, dry, light less, place
For potatoes ---you will remove them from the plants when you lay them out to dry, you'll notice their skins are very thin when you first harvest them but they will develop a thicker skin as they dry------if you damage or puncture any of them during harvest go ahead and use those as soon as you can, you don't want to cure and store those with the others or they will promote rotting........I actually use my hands to harvest potatoes, shovels and other digging tools do alot of damage.........after they've cured store them the same way you do onions and garlic.
Fri.6/1 and Sat.6/2 the moon moves into Scorpio---a water sign-----time to play with the plants.......It's not too late to plant squash, cukes, peppers, beans, okra, tomatoes, or black eyed peas.....trim back those things you didn't get to the last few weeks----this will encourage new growth........and remember to feed things---plants need good nutrition just like we do.
Sun.6/3 and Mon.6/4 the moon goes into Sagittarius---a fire sign and the full moon phase starts too.........Go mow, weed, and chase down bugs and evil ants!!!!!
Tue.6/5 and Wed.6/6 the moon will be in Capricorn---an earth sign----this is also a good sign to cure those onions and potatoes........as well as anything associated with building up your soil---and don't forget that thick layer of mulch---we're heating up fast...
Thur.6/7, Fri.6/8, and the first half of Sat.6/9 the moon moves through Aquarius---an air sign----mow,  weed, finish harvesting those potatoes, so you have room for something that loves our summer heat.
The 2nd half of Sat.6/9, Sun.6/10, and Mon.6/11 the moon goes into Pisces--a water sign-----lovely time to plant okra, blk eyed peas, or more squash where those potatoes used to be-----just replenish the soil before you seed or plant new stuff-----this would include extra compost, and maybe a sprinkling of dry molasses, alfalfa meal and Tx Greensand---or you could use a good all purpose like Lady Bug fert., or Garden Food......
Tue.6/12 and Wed.6/13 the moon lights up in Aries---a serious fire sign, and the Last Quarter Moon Phase begins as well----the combo of fire sign and last quarter equal a "Killing Moon" time.......If you have things you want to put a dent in now would be your best bet -----it's all about deterring growth.......just leave your good little green buddies alone.
Thur.6/14 and Fri.6/15 and Sat.6/16 the moon will be in Taurus---an earth sign, but still in the midst of the Last Quarter Moon Phase, so now it's best to just "maintain", and don't try to do too much---sit back and enjoy for awhile.
Sun.6/17 and Mon.6/18 the moon goes through Gemini---an air sign.............Keep enjoying,  mow the lawn, and have a BBQ....
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SALE---All veggies are 50% off.........All other plants are 30% off.......There is tons of great stuff, I just want to down size before the heat moves---

I will be open Thur. and Sat. from 10am-7pm.........Come on by and find some goodies.......

See Ya' in the garden---and take my warning about the Raspberry ants----Peace, Val

[Brian Gallimore]

7/16/2012:
Gardening tips for 7/17-8/2

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,

I know some of you might think I dropped off the planet.......{ in a way I did }..........I was on Vacation, it was only supposed to be for a week, but it turned into 2......Sorry to leave you hanging........But "I'm Back"..............................So if some of you emailed or called and I didn't get back to you , I'm sure you can understand----even the best of us need to step away from our lives in order to get a fresh perspective, and to really appreciate all that we have.........It was a great journey and I got what I needed and more.......
Now it's back to digging in the dirt, squishing bugs, watering----and taking dips in the pool-----for those of you who don't know I set up a pool for the summer and during our 100 degree days you'll often find me in it.......I tell everyone if your coming to see me for whatever reason feel free to wear your suit and you too can get in too........We have to be good to our bodies, and brains during the "Dog Days of Summer", or we will fry like an egg on the sidewalk..............................{I actually had one of my students bake a small loaf of bread in her parked care last year!!!!! She said it was a little gooy but still good"...........}.
 I recommend being smart when your out there, these are things I do so I won't have heat stroke........Work early in the morning, it's cooler then, or the last hours of the day if you can.
............wear the right gear, light colored clothing reflects heat instead of absorbing it---dark colors are the worst------also I stick with 100% cotton, synthetic materials don't breath so you hold in more body heat.................Wear a hat, the bigger the better----I used to hate hats they were itchy and made my head sweaty, { and as I said in the last email, make your hair look like wet matted road kill}, BUT once I started wearing one I realized the benefits---I can stand out in the sun for alot longer with one than without---portable shade!!!!!.........Sunscreen, but that's a given...............drink lots of water---when I'm out in 100+ for 8 hours I drink between 3-4 gallons of water----you can get dehydrated before you know it, if you wait till you thirsty you've waited too long----and soda isn't the best, WATER IS........And my favorite is hosing off my head, just literally hold the hose over your head, it'll cool you down instantly..........or better yet wear your bathing suit and just throw an old white t-shirt over it then you can just get totally wet, and you won't shock the neighbors---girls you know what I mean.......
We all have to remember gardening isn't a beauty pageant---were supposed to get dirty, wet , and sweaty..............................So when you come by in the heat of summer and find me out there with dirty knees, and a muddy butt, {from wiping my dirty hands on my backside}, wet hair stuffed under my giant old garden hat, and what looks like spinach stuck in my teeth--it's probably mint---I graze as I garden........you'll realize I'm really WORKING, and that you too can look like this---{He-He}.
Now on to the Moon News....

Tue.7/17 and Wed.7/18 the moon will be in Caner---a water sign, AND it will be starting a New Moon phase----this is the absolute BEST for encouraging new growth, so go ahead and cut stuff back, if your squash got destroyed but bugs go ahead and reseed----Just remember you'll have to keep everything wet, do it the same way you did in the spring-----reammend with extra compost, sprinkle Val's planting mix in the hole,{50/50 soft rock phosphate and worm castings} this really encourages seed germination, then water well with seamist or a seaweed product........I always put mulch over my seeds, it helps keep the soil underneath moist----if they begin to germinate and then get dry they will DIE.......but you have to be careful to not increase the depth too much----Read the seed packet, if it says 1", put them at 3/4", and then adding a 1/2" of mulch will be ok----if you put on 3", IT'S TOO DEEP AND THEY WON'T GERMINATE.........This is the #1 problem folks have with seeds---..................Also it's not too late to put in fall tomatoes, and if your existing plants have gotten real big and leggy try cutting them back--A LOT--throw some Tomato/Pepper food at them and see what happens---That's what I'll be doing.
Thur.7/19, Fri.7/20, and Sat.7/21---but only till about lunch time, the moon will move into Leo---a fire sign, This is a "Killing Moon", pull weeds, mow the lawn, this is about deterring growth----but not good for seeds or new plants.
Sat.7/21--after lunch, Sun.7/22 and Mon.7/23 the moon will be in Virgo---an earth sign, not the best of them, but with the New Moon energy, it will fine to go play in the garden.
Tue.7/24 and Wed.7/25 the moon goes into Libra---an air sign, this is the only Air sign that I feel comfy doing gardening in......Go For It.
Here's an easy analogy on the signs the moon is in----think of the elements, fire, earth, air, and water..............fire doesn't assist in promoting life at all, that's why it's so good for doing stuff like pulling weeds and mowing---your deterring growth,.......... air is similar but not as intense......................earth is good for playing with the plants, they do grow in it after all..........and water is a obviously important-----in fact the planet is 70% water, and so are we, and so are plants........and if the moon controls the tides of the ocean, of course it has effects on plants and growing cycles---and us too....

now back to what we were doing
Thur.7/26 and Fri. 7/27 the moon will be in Scorpio---a water sign, as well as the First Quarter Moon phase begins----the first quarter is when you see the right 1/2 of the moon, and it's still increasing ----or moving towards Full, that increasing is energy moving outward.......so that coupled with a water sign means it's a good time to play with the plants.
Sat.7/28 and Sun.7/29 the moon travels thru Sagittarius----a fire sign-----go mow
Mon.7/30 and Tue.7/31the moon moves into Capricorn, an earth sign----good time to play in the garden, also a great time to feed everything----just remember to stick with organics, high number stuff like 30-15-30 will fry the world in our heat............with organics look at the numbers on the bag or bottle they shouldn't be over an 8-----Trust me when I say Organics are a big business, and everyones getting on the band wagon, and the marketing ploys they use to entice you can fool the best of us----but the #'s will tell you.....I feel knowledge is power, and in the world today we have to be educated consumers.

Wed.8/1 and Thur.8/2 the moon goes into Aquarius---an air sign----the Full Moon phase starts on Wed as well.........and even though the full moon is generally good for growing, we will still have the Air sign going on, so it's not the most optimal time for big garden plans............
I will be open Thur and Sat 10am till 7pm ----back to the usual.................if you need to call you can reach me on my cell 972-207-2938

Happy Gardening----Get wet and wear a big hat-------Val

[Brian Gallimore]

9/26/2012
Gardening tips for 9/27-10/14

Hello Veggie Gardeners and Organic Folk,
As much as I planned on diving head long back into my work it seems as though the Universe has more for me to do........But I am here for ya'll anyway......I will be open Thurs and Sats from 10am-7pm.................. Peter will be here to help as well......and I'll apologize for the mess before you show up......we're reorganizing the storage shed at the back of the outdoor classroom and there's stuff everywhere.......
We sure have alot of work to do ----Fall is fast approaching......It's almost time for the fall gardens----this includes carrots, beets, and the rest of the root crop family.....cabbage, broccoli, collards, kale. and the rest of the Brassica family.......Lettuces can be grown till we get below freezing........and wonderful things like arugula, raab, spinach,  sugar snap peas, and snow peas, as well as cilantro, parsley, scallions............And then there are the wildflowers like Larkspur, poppies, blue bonnets, and many more......Almost all of these things are best done from seed, and fairly easy......I just got a great organic seed order in----this is the stuff that really grows here, come by and check it out !!!

Seed can be tricky for lots of folks, especially the really tiny ones, here are some tips.....first make sure you read the info on the seed packs, this tells you how deep, how far apart, and whether they need light or darkness in order to germinate, along with all kinds of other helpful info.....The depth is usually one of the most important ones to begin with....Most people put them in too deep, if this happens you won't have much luck.....I prepare the soil, I smooth it out, and remove any large pieces or clumps so that when the seed goes down it doesn't have obstacles to over come.....then I spread soft rock phosphate and worm castings in the little trench or broadcast it over the area if your doing stuff that only requires 1/8" planting depth. ....Before I put the seed out I moisten the area......For seed I'm putting at 1/8" I just sprinkle it over the damp area and press down on the soil with my hands, {this is called "Friming it In"}.
For seed I'm doing at 1/4", I'll do it the same way but I take a few handfuls of loose so and dust it over the seed, for things that go in at 1/2" or deeper I create a trench using my fingers and then cover them up.......................The 2nd problem is they must stay moist, and bare soil dries out very quickly, especially with the winds we've had lately......So I use a little trick, I take the finest mulch I can and spread a very thin layer over them----not too much though or you'll add to the depth the seed are at....Them you must water every day, if they begin to germinate and then get dry they will die.

The other thing folks need to realize is you need to prep your beds before you plant a fall garden----what you did for them in the spring will have to be repeated.......This includes 1-2" of compost, and ........dry molasses, which is a carbohydrate-this is what soil life and plants, thrive on.........TX greensand, which is Iron, plants need this to be lush and green.......Alfalfa Meal, this is nitrogen, which our soil has very little of naturally........and you can always add D.E., to help with calcium, and it also helps stave off bugs........What you did for the soil back in the spring will have either been used up by the plants or leached away through watering.....

On To The MOON NEWS....


Thur 9/27, and Fri.9/28 the moon will be in Pisces--- a water sign.......this is a good time to get your fall fertilizer out, I have Ladybug in stock----I love this stuff....and you can use it on everything----except tomatoes and peppers,{ too much nitrogen for them}----If your hoping for a bumper crop of tomatoes and peppers----feed them NOW.......
This is also a good moon to do planting and seeding-----but avoid doing the root crops during a water sign, they're more likely to rot...

Sat.9/29, Sun.9/30. and Mon.10/1 the moon moves into Aries---a fire sign, and the full moon comes in on Sat as well.........the full moon is usually great for planting and seeding--but the Aries moon is a killing moon, so it would be better to put out Corn Glueton Meal---remember the spreadable/ granulated stuff is useless, and with the price the stuff is going for this year, due to the drought, if your gonna' spend $49 or more you want it to work ----You want the powdered variety......this is to slow down the weeds before spring gets here-------I have not ordered any because of the price, but if any of ya'll need some give me a call, and I'll get it for you...... 972-207-2938

Also, the fall weeds haven't shown up yet, so you might get a jump on them as well-----these include Henbit....you'll know this one by the profusion of pinky / purple blooms, and it sprouts up everywhere........then there is also chickweed, clammy weed, and a barrage of other ones....... 

Important note.......I usually wait to plant my fall garden......I'm waiting to see the first sign of these fall weeds, because they only sprout when the soil has cooled off.......plants are ruled by lots of things, soil temperature is one of them.........this is the same reason I've held off bringing in the fall starter plants----if they get planted when the soil is still this warm it can stress them out, and/or they can be stunted, either way I loose......the same is true for seeds, some can be very forgiving, others not so much.....Spinach is a good example, if the soil is warmer than 65 degrees it won't germinate....


Tue.10/2, and Wed.10/3 the moon passes through Taurus---an earth sign, this is good for seeding root crops.......and planting as well........in fact fall is an optimal time to plant trees, shrubs, grapes, roses, and hardy perennials....this is because they get a chance to get established before the heat moves in next summer.......I have alot of wonderful plants still in stock, and I'm cutting deals to down size before winter hits....

Thur.10/4, Fri.10/5 and Sat.10/6 the moon will be in Gemini--an air sign, this isn't the worst to garden in, but it's not the best either.........mow the lawn instead....

Sun.10/7 and Mon.10/8 the moon goes into Cancer---a water sign, and the last quarter moon starts Monday too..........This will be the last really good time to plant until Sunday the 14th.................This is due to the last quarter moon phase, all phases last about 7 days, and this quarter is more about retarding growth.

Tue.10/9, Wed.10/10, and Thur.10/11 the moon will go through Leo---a fire sign, and the big Daddy of "Killing Moons"----if you've got alot of "Unwanteds", like poison ivy, baby trees in your beds,or invasive plants that have gone nuts it would serve you well to attack them at this time----your chances of success will much better----or you can just go mow the lawn....

Fri.10/12 and Sat.10/13 the moon passes through Virgo, an earth sign, but the most barren of all, and with the last quarter moon still lingering it would be better to work on the unwanteds still.......

I will be open Thur and Sat 10am-7pm.......I have fresh organic seeds, starter plants we be here next week,.......

Here's a list of the organics I'm carrying at the moment-- All the prices quoted include the tax already. I've listed them in alphabetical order to make it easier. If there's something your looking for, need a different size, or need large quantities, give me a call, and I'll do what I can to help you. 972-207-2938

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Alfalfa Meal.....2lb / $5.....15lb / $16
Azalea Food.....4lb./$6........15lb./$15............30lb./$29
Beneficial Nematodes........8,000sq ft/$30........15,000sq ft/$47
Big Pot Potting soil......5 gal. /$10........10 gal./$16--- NOT IN STOCK AT THE MOMENT 

Buds and Blooms......4lb./$8.......15lb./$16.........30lb./$29
Cactus Mix..........5gal./$10---this is a potting mix for cactus and succulents
Cedar Mulch---3 cubic feet/ $9 {50% more for only $2}---really nice stuff
Cotton Burr Compost---2 cubic feet/ $7.50
Corn Gluten Meal Powdered......4 lb./$5......40 lb./ $49----I DO NOT HAVE THIS IN STOCK BUT CAN ORDER IT FOR YOU
D.E., Diatumacous Earth.....2lb./$5......8lb./$13.......25lb./$25-----This is food grade D.E.---also available in 50lb upon request 

Dipel Dust....1lb./$4.........5lb./$12     
Epsom salts........5lb./$7

Expanded Shale......50lb./$10.50
Fire Ant Conserve.....$19.50.......This is the organic answer to Andro
Garden Food........4lb./$8......15lb./$16......30lb./$29
Gilmore Hose end sprayers........$31.
Humate.....5lb./$6.......15lb./$12......15lb./$12.50............40lb./$28
Lady Bug Fertilizer 8-2-4.........8lb./$14.......25lb./$34.-----This covers 4200 sq ft and can be used on everything
Lava Sand.....40lb / $11
Maxicrop Seaweed + Iron......qt./$14------This is great for acid loving plants like Gardenias, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, etc.
Maxicrop Liquid Fish........qt./$12
Minerals Plus...........40lb./$18.50
Molasses, Dry..........4lb./$5........20lb./$20........40lb./$28
Molasses, Liquid.......1gal./$13
Mound Drench.....1qt./$13.50......1gal./$31
Mushroom compost--Bulk--Load your own.....$45/yard.....$27/ 1/2 yard.....$5.25/ bag your own--I supply the bag-- refills are $4.75---I DO NOT HAVE THIS IN STOCK AT THIS MOMENT
Mycor....$7-----micro-rysol fungus for planting trees, shrubs, and other woody plants
Orange Oil .............pt./$14
Rose Defense Concentrate---neem oil........$18-----makes about 15 gallons
Rose Food.....4lb./$8........15lb./$16........30lb./$29
Sea Mist Plus......qt./$12----makes about 4 gallons.......gal./$29.50---makes about 16 gallons----This is my FAVORITE !!!!
Seed Starter Mix.....5gal./$13.50
Sluggo.....$13.50---kills slugs and snails   

Sluggo Plus.....$18---kills slugs, snails, AND pill bugs
Soft Rock Phosphate......5lb./$6........15lb./$15
Soil Builder.......4lb./$6......15lb./$20.......30lb./$40----all purpose soil amendment with everything already in there---alfalfa, greensand,                             molasses,etc....... each lb. covers a specific amount of Sq Ft.
Soil test kit........$7.50----multiple tests in each kit
Texas Greensand.......7lb./$5........40lb./$11   

Texas Tee Fertilizer..........40lb./$34----covers 4,000 sq.ft.---I DO NOT HAVE THIS IN STOCK AT THE MOMENT, MAYBE NEXT WEEK
Thuricide, liquid Bt.......$13
Triogramma wasps........3 strips/$18
Tomato / Pepper food......4lb./$8......15lb./$16........30lb./$29----THE BEST
Tree Treatment.......3lb./$5......15lb./$14.50.....30lb./$25
Tree Trunk Goop.......3lb./$5 

Ultra Blend Potting Soil.........2 cubic ft./$12----organic and without stupid peat moss

Val's Planting Mix............4lb./$6.50----This is a 50/50 mix of worm castings and soft rock phosphate---use to plant everything including                                                 seeds.
Vinegar, 10%........1gal./$8

Vinegar 20%.........1gal./$16
Worm Castings........4lb./$5.......5gal./$18.50........10gal./$35
Worm castings and Soft Rock Phosphate, "Val's Planting Mix".........4lb./$6.50
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What you are, is what you've already done...........What you'll become , is what you do now-----Every moment is an opportunity to do good things, and in turn become a better person................So get to it..................
Smiling at you all..................Val