Volunteer Leaves Safe

NanaK said:

Yes they get really long vines. My pumpkins were planted by early May so as you see in the picture they are making pumpkins now. I planted a small sugar pie pumpkin so they fruit a bit sooner than a large jack o lantern type. Maybe it will set fruit soon. If you ever decide to plant some always put 2-3 in together. I will often set 6-7 seed in a spot and thin out if I need too. Then stand back they grow like crazy. The duck water/poop is probably helping them grow!
Bees love the pretty yellow flowers too!
I get odd volunteers most years. I move a lot of compost around from the chickens so plant seeds all over plus just come up around their pen. I noticed recently I have a cherry tomato growing in a flower bed in my front yard among some lantana and vinca. Never know what I'll find!

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Thank you so much! I will be watching the video you linked. Is there any specific fertilizer that you recommend? Or anything else that you suggest? I've been thinking about planting some fall/winter fruit/veggies and this is making me want to even more, but of course in the raised beds made for gardening. Cherry tomatoes are the only plants I've got going right now, well, other than this, but I purposely planted the tomatoes I'll certainly be using your tips. I'm sure it's too late for a lot of things, but maybe not for all Thank you again for everything

There is actually a bit you can still plant in the fall. Lettuces are a popular one. They prefer the cooler temperatures. Carrots can be planted later. Some people even say the fall crop tastes better. I know there is more. I am going to try and plant fall crops this year, but I haven't looked into exactly what I can plant in my area.

HeatherKellyB said:

Thank you so much! I will be watching the video you linked. Is there any specific fertilizer that you recommend? Or anything else that you suggest? I've been thinking about planting some fall/winter fruit/veggies and this is making me want to even more, but of course in the raised beds made for gardening. Cherry tomatoes are the only plants I've got going right now, well, other than this, but I purposely planted the tomatoes I'll certainly be using your tips. I'm sure it's too late for a lot of things, but maybe not for all Thank you again for everything

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In the veggie garden, I usually use an all purpose granular fertilizer like 10-10-10. Fertilizer prices have shot up like everything else but thankfully only takes a small amount. If I'm trying to push something to bloom (veggies, flowers too) I will sometimes use a water soluble fertilizer like miracle grow. They have a general purpose that is good but also a "bloom booster" formula (look for purple on the box) that works well to get stuff blooming. This might would help your plant make some female flowers. It is a synthetic plant food so not considered organic, but neither is the 10-10-10 but I use very little. Just follow the instructions on the box. Of course, chicken/duck manure mix with yard wastes make a seriously good compost! I always say the best thing I ever did for my garden was get chickens!

We are fortunate in that we have a long growing season. There are many veggies that can take light frosts as long as you get them in the ground and growing before it gets so cold. Things will grow more slowly that in summer but WAY less bug pressure. And yes, as @Quatie said, many things taste better when grown in a cooler season. I start with seed but many things are often available as small plants locally in the fall. I have just recently started some seed for cabbage, collards, broccoli and an ornamental cabbage. Because it is sooooo hot , I start them indoors under lights. Growing these gives us alot of fresh stuff in the fall/winter and since my chickens don't free range, I try to bring a bit of free range to them each week.

This is a planting guide I use. Check it out will give you an idea of what to plant and when.

In looking at my planting guides thought you may like this one too. It lists a few the other doesn't. Good luck! If I can help just let me know!