Fall Garden Field Trip - December 2011

[bobinmissouri]

hey donald good to see ya again great videos how do u fix fresh beets?

[webcajun]

@bobinmissouri … My recipe is pretty simple … cut em up, boil in water with a little salt, when done take em out and let em chill in the frig, add a little pepper and serve with rice & gravy…..Donald

[gardenvespers777]

I think with all the rain you're getting down there you need to look at maybe aquaponics!

Hope the winter garden is surviving ok for you. We had some good rains up here. I don't have my 'taters in yet, but I'm not complaining we're officially out of the drought but our lakes are still low.

[webcajun]

@gardenvespers777 ... It’s going to be a late start this year with all this rain…….Donald

[snaps81625]

Something ain't right here.. I am definately living in the wrong state when you have a fall garden... Fall comes here and thn bam winter.. colder than cold. Lucky you to eat year round!

[webcajun]

@snaps81625 ... Yeah but when it gets hot down here it’s hot and humid, guess that’s why birds migrate. They're smarter than we are. lol…..Donald

[snaps81625]

@webcajun I suppose I would be headed back to the mountains in the summer, bot oh to garden in the winter.. Blessings!

[earlene0925]

I planted beets in oct and they grew to about 6 in in that first month and still are only around that with no bulbs "just greens". What did I do wrong?

[webcajun]

@earlene0925 I really don’t have a clue because that has yet to happen here. Beets are usually ready to harvest in about 2 months……Donald

[AsphaltCowboy57]

These warm days are making it hard to sit around here in Georgia. So far over the winter, I have encountered problems with my turnip and mustard plants developing dead spots on the foliage. I think I have narrowed the problem down to a fungus that affects many brassicas known as "White Spot". I have never seen you plant turnips but thought maybe you've experienced this in your mustard greens. Any suggestions for a solution? You're garden seems to always flourish!

[webcajun]

@AsphaltCowboy57 ... You’re right I don’t plant turnip but if I did I wouldn’t worry about a few spots unless it’s killing the plants. I don’t think I’ve every sprayed fungicide in the garden, but I’m sure there are good products out there labeled for the garden you could use. Maybe try just pulling the affected leaves and taking them out the area……Donald

[mporganics]

Hello again, I was wondering when you are going to plant your onion transplants. I have some growing in pots, and the ends are starting to dry out. Maybe they need to be planted into the garden, or there is a lack of nutrients. Thank you

[webcajun]

@mporganics ... If your garden is dry you can transplant now......Donald

[AsphaltCowboy57]

Every time we roll into the new year, I begin to think about warmer temperatures and the smell of fresh turned soil. The seed catalogs are arriving now, giving me reassurance that spring is nearing.

I can't thank you enough for the efforts you put into making these very informative videos. We are so grateful.

Have a happy and prosperous new year!

[webcajun]

@AsphaltCowboy57 … You’re right people are starting to think about the spring garden at this time of the year. Right now we are getting lots of rain so I won’t be able to get in the garden for awhile. It’s still early so I’m not too concerned for now. I will be starting my tomatoes and peppers sometime next month and hope to plant in April. Thanks and glad you enjoy the videos……Donald

[GriffinElliot]

Good vid. Just wanted to mention that we've still got 4 brussel sprout plants growin up here in western PA even though we've been through a few snaps into the teens. . .weird, aye? God Bless in the new year

[webcajun]

@GriffinElliot … I’m always amazed how cold weather will kill some vegetables and not have as great an effect on others even those considered as warm weather crops. Have a great 2012 season…….Donald 

[grasshopper9313]

Donald in your gun vip,s you say blue lock tite witch I know is gun tite ,that does not get hard so you can back off your screws if need be ,but 242 maybe the number is not right but this stuff sets it sets most likely you will have a time removing these screws, also some of the things you plant where you are I have never heard of like opra what is that I live in western N.Y.50 miles west of Buffalo , Love your no BS gardening.

[webcajun]

@grasshopper9313 I think the Red lock tight is the one that hardens, making it hard to remove the screws. If you tap on the head of the screw a couple of times it should come off pretty easy.

Okra is a hot weather crop grown in the south and used in all sorts of dishes. Probably could find some pickled okra at your grocery store. Glad you enjoy the videos…..Donald

[prettyroads]

Merry Christmas, Donald! Keep harvesting!

[webcajun]

@prettyroads ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year......Donald

[clairesallotment]

You have such a long growing season. In the UK most of the veg have finished. The only bits that are still going are leeks, jerusalem artichokes, parsnips and chard.

[webcajun]

@clairesallotment ... Hey Claire, I have something growing year round.....Donald

[clairesallotment]

@webcajun Sounds amazing to be able to do that.

[holtontwo]

Thank you for sharing your garden with us this past year. Spinach is indeed a treat. Hope everyone has a Peaceful Christmas time.

[webcajun]

@holtontwo ... You're welcome. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.....Donald

[sherammack3]

My husband and I LOVE viewing your videos. We had a big, wonderful spring/summer garden. I have been caregiver for my parents for the past 2 1/2-3 years. My mom passed June '10 and my father just past a few week ago. We didnt plant a fall garden because we had not time with caring for him and I have been a little on the depressed side but after viewing your video tonight you have put the spark we needed to get planning for Spring. Thank you for that :) ....Sherry

[webcajun]

@sherammack3 ... Hey Sherry, Very sad to hear that, I lost both my parents too so I know how you feel. At the end of each video I say in Cajun “Loshepa” which means “hang on … don’t give up”. I believe your spring/summer garden will be even better than the last. Glad you enjoyed the video and you’re welcome……Donald

[Ponthel]

Your fall garden looks great!  Thanks for the video's Donald, keep em coming!

[webcajun]

@Ponthel … My grandson and I harvested some lettuce, spinach and a head of broccoli and made one of the best salads we’ve eaten since the spring. It’s like have a super market in your back yard but the quality is so much better. Glad you enjoyed the video……Donald

[theLime20]

Donald, loved the sound of the beet's being picked! (sigh) Also, is this weather normal for Louisiana ? We have a longer growing season in MA this

year-freaky, but I wish I had taken advantage of it...

[webcajun]

@theLime20 ... Typical Louisiana weather is one day 40-50 degrees and the next may be in the 70s. It does rain a good bit during the winter……Donald

[prettyroads]

Do you have bug problems with a fall/winter garden, Donald? The vegetables don't look at all bug eaten.

[webcajun]

@prettyroads … Had bug problems early on but they’re not bad right now. I do have a few holes in some leaves but not enough to worry about…….Donald

[Fielderfarms]

Do you pickle any of of your beets ?  Great video

[webcajun]

@Fielderfarms ... I did a video on pickling beets, check it out.....Donald

[czyhrs]

Mr Donald, that is some great looking vegetables.

Great video .

As always you do a great job & do it right.

Thanks for posting this.

[webcajun]

@czyhrs ... You're very welcome......Donald

[AsphaltCowboy57]

Your fall garden looks to be quite prolific as always. Have you experienced much problems from insects this fall? I had the prettiest row of turnips till a hoard of beetles attacked them through their offspring in the larval stage. Those pesky critters cleaned the foliage clean to the stem. Maybe I should try the ivory soap and pepper concoction.

[webcajun]

@AsphaltCowboy57 ... I had to use liquid Sevin early on but now the bugs aren't too bad. My little rabbit is back eating my last planting of cabbage though......Donald

[powerspade]

Another great video - Nice beets - I have always had problems growing them but this season I tried a new one to me called cylindra and got a beautiful crop. I`ve never grown Kohl Rabi but next season I`m giving them a try - every year I grow a new variety. I never go by the taste from shop bought veg as fresh home grown veg tastes totally different

[webcajun]

@powerspade ... Usually plant my old standbys but I do try something new each season, keeps things interesting.......Donald 

[gardenvespers777]

Wonderful as always! :-) BEETS! lol yum! I just wanted to reach out thru the screen and get the lettuce! looks so perfect!

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

[webcajun]

@gardenvespers777 ... Fresh lettuce out the garden sure dresses up a sandwich......Donald

[52junglejim]

Donnie, I always enjoy and appreciate your comments. I'm an Arkansas garderner and I have used lots of your tips during the last 2 years.....please keep up the videos...Jim

[webcajun]

@52junglejim ... Hey Jim, glad you enjoy the videos......Donald

[Rdrake1413]

Always look good Donald

[webcajun]

@Rdrake1413 ... Thanks.......Donald

[happymusics]

What a great variety of planting!

[webcajun]

@happymusics ... All vegetables I like. : ) ......Donald

[dianemummvideos]

Everything looks fantastic, makes me yearn to get in the garden.. 5 months to go..

[webcajun]

@dianemummvideos ... Look at the bright side, when I’m fighting insects and the Louisiana heat you’ll still be nice and cool. : ) ……Donald

[jamisonbrooks]

Them beats look good and tender

[webcajun]

@jamisonbrooks ... They were. : ) .......Donald

[gregthegardener]

looking good my friend

[webcajun]

@gregthegardener ... Thanks.....Donald

[MyAussieDay]

Great video can you show us how you prep and store you veggies for over the winter.

[webcajun]

@MyAussieDay ... Check my list of videos, I have several on canning and freezing……Donald

[JoeHell67]

Hi,

nice, green and strong, beautiful veggies!

how can someone not like gardening? ;-)

Joe from Germany

[webcajun]

@JoeHell67 ... Hey Joe, Gardening is so much easier than most people think. If they'd try it they'd like it.......Donald

[sharons04]

Do you ever grow garlic?

[webcajun]

@sharons04 ... My grandmother did but I never have. I may try some next fall. I do have lots of onions growing........Donald

[wmkk808]

thank you for that great video, lovely harvest coming up I see. i love you spinach plant, take care and happy holidays, take care.

[webcajun]

@wmkk808 ... Hoping to harvest over a couple of months. I've always prefered fresh out the garden. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ya'll too.......Donald

[scottmanb2005]

That's some mighty fine looking fall crops you have growing. I'm jealous :-}

[webcajun]

@scottmanb2005 ... I think it's less pressure from insects and heat that really helps......Donald

[modoc42]

Amazing. The ground here has been frozen solid for weeks. :(

[webcajun]

@modoc42 ... You'll have plenty time to plan the spring garden. : ) .....Donald

[mineral319]

I only know how to make pickled beets, If you have different things you make with beets can you please let me know what else I can do with them, thanks

[LSUTigerMom]

@mineral319 My grandmother made "Harvard Beets" and we loved them.

Ingredients

2-3 beets

1/2 cup white vinegar

3/4 cup white sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

salt to taste

Directions

1.clean, peel, boil beets till soft in a medium saucepan. Remove beets. 2.To the liquid add vinegar, sugar, cornstarch and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; 3. stir in beets and cook until heated through.

[mineral319]

@LSUTigerMom Thank you, I will try that.

[freestylze]

Donald is my hero!

[webcajun]

@freestylze ... Ahhhhhhh shucks. : ) …..Donald

[KSPrepper1]

Looking good Donald.

[webcajun]

@KSPrepper1 ... Thanks......Donald

[TheSemperfidude]

Hey Donald,I`d be out there with my pocket knife and salt shaker tearing them kohlrabi up.They would`nt make it to the house.LOL

[webcajun]

@TheSemperfidude ... I like em cooked down in a pork gravy.....Donald

[GospelTruth37059]

Loveeeeeeee fresh spinich!!

[webcajun]

@GospelTruth37059 ... I like to put some in with the lettuce when making a salad......Donald

[Alprofight]

LoL we wish you a merry beetsmas, we wish you a merry beetsmas, Oups We wish you a Merry Christmas an a happy New Year god bless from The northPatate on the blog

[webcajun]

@Alprofight ... : ) Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to ya'll too.....Donald

[TheOntarioGardener]

Everything looks great!

[webcajun]

@TheOntarioGardener ... It's been a good year in the garden.....Donald

[richard1948benz]

good job.

[webcajun]

@richard1948benz ... Thanks......Donald

[loislaney23]

Everything is beautiful. Healthy and green.

[webcajun]

@loislaney23 ... It's been a dry but good year in the garden.....Donald

[henrycems]

The fall garden looks great and so do those beets yum yum!!

[webcajun]

@henrycems ... Thanks......Donald

[bunelladunella]

Lovely, lovely! I'm learning so much from you.... Thank you Donald.

[webcajun]

@bunelladunella ... Glad you enjoy the videos and you're welcome......Donald

[RICHROOFER1]

thanks for the vid ,i thought you got lost in the garden.just wonderin hows those worms doing

[webcajun]

@RICHROOFER1 ... My daughter and granddaughter filled the bin with mustard greens yesterday. Those worms will be eating good for awhile......Donald

[Backyardhomesteader]

Glad to see you back my friend! As always beautiful garden.

[webcajun]

@Backyardhomesteader ... Thank you......Donald

[Praxxus55712]

Christmas Beets!

[webcajun]

@Praxxus55712 ... That's correct. : ) .....Donald

[fabforceone]

It's nice to know that we still have a choice to plant what we want...for the time being any ways.

Them is some nice beets Donald. Question for ya Donald... how many do you keep for seeding the next year?

[webcajun]

@fabforceone ... I've yet to save beet seeds, always harvest and eat em before they go to seed. : ) .....Donald

[marlie501]

Great video, Yum, there is nothing better than beets fresh out of the garden. Hey, when are you going to do some cooking videos, really enjoy them, thanks for sharing. TC

[webcajun]

@marlie501 ... May do some more cooking videos during the winter.....Donald

[Jimaera]

You have such a beautiful, neat and orderly garden, Donald! Those beets look delicious.

[webcajun]

@Jimaera ... Any vegetable fresh out the garden is at it's best. Thanks.....Donald

[iamdoroda]

Thank you for the garden tour. 

[webcajun]

@iamdoroda ... You're welcome.......Donald

[MIgardener]

Nice update! I really would like to know your soil statistics! things grow like mad in there!

[webcajun]

@MIgardener ... This part of the garden has more clay in it and has only been planted the last two years......Donald

[btigtime2]

Mine is not growing nearly this fast or as large.

[webcajun]

@btigtime2 ... This late in the year it does seem that the growth slows down a bit.......Donald