July Field Trip - Growing a Vegetable Garden

[SidneyBou]

You don't want a banana tree that don't make banannas down here.

[webcajun]

@SidneyBou ...Hadn't made the first banana.....Donald

[SidneyBoud]

@webcajun Near my back fence is a banana plant. This one grows 5 to 7 ft. tall and makes bananas about 4 inches long full of black seeds about the size of BB’s. I understand there is a cooking banana that will produce from time to time down here. I have never had or tasted one.

[sparkie119]

Hey Donald how are you, I was going to tell you that one time I tried to, grow some watermelons one time and, they got a black rot on the end of them. Do you know by chance what this was that was causing rot on my watermelons?

[webcajun]

@sparkie119 ...It could be the same as what tomaotes get, blossum end rot. Not sure what would cause it with watermelon.....Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

Ok, I planted 5 more hills of watermelon today. I have a total of 18 hills. I have 3 questions... How often do I water the seeds? How often do I water the plants once they come up? I planted 5 seeds per hill ( just like the cantaloupe i planted). Once they come up, how many do I take out per hill? Thank You for your time and patience with me. I know I've been questioning you daily with things...

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...Keep the soil moist till they come up. Remove all but 2 to a hill. Depending on your soil and weather water about once a week......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

@webcajun Ok, I went and checked the garden today. Haven't been out there in a few days because my Grandmother, whom I have lived beside for almost 27 years now, passed away this past Saturday... Anyway, I checked the watermelon and only have 3 seeds sprouted out of 85!! And they are in separate hills!! Is it still too early for them to start coming up?? How long does it take? Thanks.

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...1-2 weeks.....Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

@webcajun Just an update... I got probably 10 watermelons that are visible. 1 of them is about the size of a softball!! When you reckon it'll be ready to pick? lol

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...Check your seed pack it should say how many days to maturity......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

I planted my watermelon and cantaloupe seeds today exactly as you did in this video (yes, I'm learning from you and i love it). I have 13 hills of Charleston Grey Watermelon. I might plant a couple more hills tomorrow just to get rid of that un-lucky number of hills that i planted today! LOL... Man I sure hope these things grow!!... I drew a row for the 7 hills of cantaloupe, skipped a row, drew a row for the watermelon, skipped a row, and drew a final row for another watermelon.

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...they'll do just fine......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

Man, what kind of watermelons was those!! I was told that they are pretty hard to grow here in South Louisiana. I would love to try it, but don't know the "secrets" to growing them. Do you grow them on a row or flat ground? Please inform me with any info/ knowledge you have! Thank You.

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson ...Those were Charleston Grey if I remember correctly. Plant them just like you saw me plant the pumpkin......Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

@webcajun Ok, I'm going to town (Walker, LA) in a day or 2. What kind of watermelon seeds do I need to buy and WHEN exactly do I plant? How often do I water them? Also while I'm at it, I'd like to plant pumpkin seeds too. What kind do i get?? Thank You!!!

[webcajun]

@231MasseyFerguson …go to the LSU AgCenter web site, they’ll have a planting guide giving varieties, planting dates, planting depth, fertilizer recommendations which will answer all your questions. It’s what I use….Donald

[231MasseyFerguson]

@webcajun THANKS! Didn't know they even had a website.

[biankajeg]

love this guy - everyone should have a garden as he does

[webcajun]

@biankajeg ... growing a garden is a lot easier than people think........Donald

[saintveil]

Great videos; and keep it coming.

[webcajun]

@saintveil ... glad you enjoyed. Thanks.......Donald

[bsminc]

how about a video showing what you do with all your crops. seems a bit much just to feed your family. Or maybe you have a very big family? Anyhow it would be nice to see where and how much food you are producing is going.

Peace,

BSM

[webcajun]

@bsminc ... I use a lot, give a lot away and sell a little to help pay for the seed........Donald

[UncleRuthie]

Fricken genius

[565Customz]

as big a garden as you have, youd be better off with a pump hose and sprinkler though...instead of a drip. that be alot of drip line, but ive seen it done

[565Customz]

you might wanna get you some rain barrels man..that big shop you have could prolly fill 55 gallon barrel in an hour of rain lol.

[webcajun]

Would take a lot of barrels for 2 acres. Also, you water when it doesn't rain so how would the barrels fill back up? ...... Donald

[565Customz]

@webcajun if you give me the square footage of that roof, i can tell you how many gallons you can put in a tank in a hour or so.

the barrells would fill up when it does rain. you would just need enough to have a good reserve to last you to the next rain.

about 10 of those cube chemical containers on a drip systems would irrigate for a lonnnng time.

[9aspengold5]

@565Customz WE only have one 55 gallon rain barrel and it is

hard keeping that filled with so little rain in this area of VA. Great

idea but we need the rain.

[martathon]

Hey there

this is Marty in south western ontario, I'm awfully jealous of your climate for your growing cycle, but then we don't get hurricanes off lake erie. how about butternut squash and bell and jalapeno peppers how they do down there? Do you guys get them japanese beatles? Do you ever listen to Fred Eaglesmith?

[webcajun]

Hey Marty ... in Louisiana we can plant something just about year round. All you mentioned do well down here. I haven't had a problem with the Jap beetles yet but have enough of the other bugs to keep me busy. Haven't heard Fred Eaglesmith........ Donald

[tanvir1618]

Hi , Donald ....i was not expecting your reply ,..but u did....Im so glad . I forwarded all your videos to my friends. I was thinking what in you that attract viewers and i got that basically ur involvement in gardening and ur love with nature and plants that realy works. Me soon starting my tomato up side down project at my little home ,will send u video sure but would like to have ur advices and comments. Me computer eacher , never done such gardening project before but u made intrest. Tanvir

[webcajun]

Hey Tanvir ... i'm not too crazy about the upside down tomatoes. If planting in a container, I would use a large pot and plant them upright. Some have sucess with upside down but lots don't. Looking forward to watching your videos....... Donald

[BLuser01]

Donald how much land do you have, if you don't mind me asking? Great videos by the way.

[webcajun]

7 acres......... Donald

[ivankinsman]

Yep, that soil looks pretty dry to me - think the climate is really heating up everywhere now. Ref. pumpkins - we actually build a mound, mixing in soil and compost, and then plant the seeds in the middle - same for marrows as well. Great peas!

[webcajun]

I plant on rows so I guess it's the same as planting on hills. I don't mix in compost though.  Peas did really well......... Donald

[devilden9]

hey donald this is jacob will you watch my videos they show my gardens tell me what u think

[webcajun]

Looking good....... Donald

[GrenadeChick99]

Good Dog!

[webcajun]

Sometimes....... Donald

[HighPlainsGardening]

I live in southern Colorado I water at night but when I lived west of Denver I watered in the morning. Down here in Pueblo our annual precipitation is 2 1/2 in. we are soaked this year we've had about 1 1/2 inch of rain in the last week. Our normal humidity is under 20%. So we have less of a chance for mold and fungus if we water at night. (I water the same time of day God waters.) Mostly in the evenings.

[JamaicaBob81]

hi! great videos. i'd like to know if your gardening advice applies in ireland where its much wetter and windier.

By the way have you tried watering real late so the water doesnt dry up? try it

[webcajun]

Not sure if you could follow my methods in a wetter / windier climate. I would think things are done a little differently in Ireland to overcome that. Some say watering late in the day promotes disease.......... Donald

[Rustico62]

I live in Southern California, which is hot and dry. Been having good luck with alternating deep and shallow watering. The top few inches can get parched in a day while on the other hand the roots could drown if watering was deep every time the garden or orchard needs some water.

[tinafisher]

I always enjoy the trips in your garden, it's like going back in time and visiting my gpa's garden.

[webcajun]

Glad you enjoyed.........  Donald

[EbolaV1rus]

One thing I'm thinking about doing is making a cistern for the really hot dry days. I was thinking about using a plastic septic tank, the kind that one person can move by themselves.

[webcajun]

Can't beat rain water for the garden. Good idea....... Donald

[onrekids]

hey donald have you ever used mushroom compost on your garden?

[webcajun]

I don't use any any type of compost in the garden. Only to start my seedlings in....... Donald

[therealoracle]

I am so excited cuz even though it hasn't rained in FOREVER, my watermelons are growing! We harvested about 20 watermelons and they are so good! I just planted pumpkins and i hope they make it.

[webcajun]

Growing pumpkin is the same as watermelon except they have a lot bigger vines. Glad to here you did so well........ Donald

[theproducer1]

looking good. Keep it up.  I've started to harvest some cuc's and squash. will start planting my fall crop of lettuce this month too. CT has a real bad case of late blight with all the rain we've had this year. but my tomatoes look pretty good. they are not setting much fruit yet, so i assume I have a ton next month all at once.

I love your dog! mine got a wood chuck in the garden the other day.

[webcajun]

You're right it is time to start planning the fall garden and getting those seedlings started. Thanks........ Donald

[tabitie]

Nice new tractor logo! Fits you! Proud owner of a Vidalia Chop Wizard thanks to you. - MN, where nighttime temps are in the low fifties right now.

[webcajun]

You're going to like that Chop Wizard. Can put up a sack of onions in no time. Good for peppers too....... Donald

[alderaforall]

cow peas? What do they taste like? I have only used these in food plots for deer. I know the deer love them. Your garden looks good despite your drought conditions.

[webcajun]

To me purple hull peas taste a lot like black eye peas. Been doing a little watering to keep em alive....... Donald

[webcajun]

The garden space is 2 acres but it's not all planted at the same time. The tractor does play a big part in keeping the weeds down........ Donald

[crewlla]

wow. Im empressed by how many vegtables you get from your garden. How big is it? do you use your tractor for the weeds?

[SevereIDAHO]

Hey Don, another great video. Really enjoyed this one. I harvest about 8 zuchinni's today. First harvest of the year for me. Been pretty hot here as well. Everything is going good, hard work trying to keep the weed's down, but I am managing. I hope my pumkin and watermelon do as good as yours. Well try and stay cool. I am drinking Ice water right now. Have a good one, from gerrit.

[webcajun]

Congratulations on the first harvest, now it time to think about the fall garden. LOL The last few days we had a cool front, it only got into the mid 90s, got all excited and planted a few more things. You be careful out there too........ Donald

[johndeeremaster]

wish you would make a video of rototilling the corn and other vegetables under.

[webcajun]

Will keep that in mind..... Donald

[hitmhard]

Such a good man! You take a win but Except Defeat! Sometimes thats just the way it go's. Good job Don. You rock my friend!

[webcajun]

It's a challenge sometimes. Thanks........ Donald

[mrtilley66]

Hi Donald.I have been watching for about a week love your stile and easy ways.what a great garden you have hope to learn from you.thanks.

[webcajun]

Glad you enjoy the vids. My secret is, any don't tell anyone, "Keep it Simple". Works everytime......... Donald

[andersonroxer]

what type of pumpkins are you planting

[webcajun]

Howden

[integrityfs]

when you get tired of picking peas and you have a harvest like that just give us a call we will drive over and help ya out...

[webcajun]

Planted some more yesterday. Those things are good.  Oh, you're welcome anytime....... Donald

[powerspade]

Can we have some of your sunshine over here in the UK please its been wet most of the summer over here

[webcajun]

We've had plenty sunshine over here only problem with that is no rain. I'll try to send you some sunshine. LOL ..... Donald

[andersonroxer]

what type of pumpkins are you planting

[webcajun]

Howden ......... Donald

[emt845]

Sorry to hear about your high temps but here in PA my garden is off to a slow start because of so much rain and a cool June. We finally got a couple of weeks ofnice sun. We're never happy are we Donald? Watch that heat my friend.

[webcajun]

I guess it's the challenge that keeps it interesting. Thanks.......... Donald

[nikki4612]

We're having record heat in Ponchatoula too. My tomato plants are four feet tall but very few tomatoes. I don't know why. The cucumbers and peppers are doing fine but not the tomatoes.

Thanks for the class. I watch your videos all the time.

Nikki in Ponchatoula

[webcajun]

Hey Nikki ... if you can find some "Heat Wave" tomatoes they should do better in this heat......... Donald

[nikki4612]

Thanks Donald. Will do. You have a good one. Cherie. Lassaiz le bon temps roulez. Nikki

[ZombiedustXXX]

Hi Don. I grew tomatoes for the first time this year (first time ever planting to eat ever), and I like the Heatwave tomatoes. It is a very nice and tasty tomato. The Mojave desert shows no mercy.

[webcajun]

In the heat of summer you have to change the game plan. LOL ......... Donald

[mywootgarden]

oh i can plantmy pumpkins now?... ill see how that works out :D

[webcajun]

I'm in zone 8 so it should work out for me.......... Donald

[Hamish121212]

Do you water your pumpkins once the plant is up?

[webcajun]

Yes ... unless it rains I water em....... Donald

[jstrunck]

Thanks for the July update!

We are straight burnin' up in Texas also!

It has been above 100 degrees for weeks now. I keep hearing about a "cooler" front that is supposed to drop the temp to 95 or so. Haven't seen it yet.

Stay Cool,

John

[webcajun]

Hey John ... So far I think June was hotter than July has been. We are in the upper 90s now. Better than 100+ with humidity. You be careful out there yourself........ Donald

[iTouchPod2G]

Its like that over here in SoCal too... crazy hot almost in the 110's

[evcrawfish]

hello sir,

looking good!!!

most of all my stuff got drowned out, and since then we have had no rain either... ground is hard like concrete.... oh well, i'm gonna keep trying

[webcajun]

Like I always say, loshepa........ Donald

[MadBadVoodo]

Five Stars!!

[webcajun]

Check out the extended version on the web site.  Thanks....... Donald

[deadleader1]

how do u controll pest?..do u use chemicals?

[webcajun]

I use the homemade bug spray and if they get too bad .... Sevin Dust or Liquid Sevin........ Donald

[paintball227]

another great video, thanks for posting

[webcajun]

You're welcome...... Donald

[mukwah1111]

Bien venu Donald ! Those maters sure look good ! Love your tractor silhouette at the front of the video. Keep cool !!

[webcajun]

Can pull off some amazing things with PhotoShop. Thanks........ Donald

[mintvagoo]

I love your videos, Thank you!

[webcajun]

You're welcome....... Donald

[kimmiegirl1975]

Donald did u see the tractor that cut down the sweet corn? Was it pink by any chance? *Looking at the forum misfits* Good thing that was a squirrel and not a coon that Lucy caught :D  It's looking good as always :D that swamp dirt ...... do u really go scoop out swamp sludge? I bet it'd be really good and full of nutrients.

[webcajun]

The "Swamp Dirt" is a new starter mix I'm working on. It doesn't come from the swamp, it's a 3 year old compost that is showing some outstanding results with seedlings. By itself it grows some of the healthiest looking tomatoes I've seen. I have one more thing to add to it and it'll be a #1 starter mix........ Donald

[rlewismays]

This was a great video. I really loved seeing all of the different varieties of things that you are growing. Thanks for your hard work. Rosanne

[webcajun]

There's an extended version on the web site......... Donald

[Sarahshutterbug]

How exactly do you prepare a cachucha pepper to eat? I've never heard of them before? Are they like a regular squash? I hope you get some rain soon. Keep cool if ya can :-) thanks for the update and field trip!

[webcajun]

YouTube name "Pimporly" can tell you all about em. He's the one who sent me the seeds. This is my first time trying em, hadn't put them in the ground yet......... Donald

[deeljonathan]

LOL Great Video! How's the worm bed doing ?

[webcajun]

Check out the "extended version" of the video on the web site........... Donald

[72542]

Great post (as usual!). Like others, we are in an ownership dispute with the local wildlife. Looks like next year we'll be learning all about electric fences. Keep 'em coming! Mark in Ark

[webcajun]

Lots of folks are going to electric fences...... Donald

[onrekids]

always look forward to your posts .

deer are eating my pole beans now they are starting on my watermelon any suggestions.thanks

[webcajun]

Electric fence.......  Donald

[BLBMZ]

Your corn patch looks like ours after the racoons got into it. They had a huge party, not much left of it...lol.

[webcajun]

The coons had a party in mine last year.  They didn't even fool with this variety cause it just wasn't sweet enough I guess......... Donald

[Pimporly]

Great video! You pronounced "cachucha" pepper right! lol. But you gave it a cajun accent which made it sound some much better! I see you have a very busy garden this summer and runin into fall... The weath is very hot especially way down South in South Florida.......... It is 80-90 degrees F daily but with the mosisture of daily rains, and the nearby Everglades it feels like 100 +.

[webcajun]

Tried to put a little Cuban accent in there but it just wouldn't work for this old Cajun. Thanks......... Donald

[stymye]

we have a local variety of purple hulls that I used to grow every year(when I had the space). they are very prolific and absolutley my favorite. the garden is looking so good !

[webcajun]

This was the first time in many years planting purple hull peas. The have moved way up on my list of favorites........ Donald