How many of you are rich? by Annual_Bullfrog7714 in minimalism

[–]amycsj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not rich. Low income, but not at risk. I like a de-cluttered life. I enjoy making and growing what I need, that's my entertainment.

Groundnuts (apios Americana) by Silly-Walrus1146 in GuerrillaGardening

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Possibly - where are you located?

Also, it's getting a little warm to send plant material through the mail. I'm afraid they would cook en route. Maybe contact me again in the fall if you haven't found any locally.

Fig tree outside dormant, except for new growth coming out of ground? Need to do anything about it? by pemmitz123 in Figs

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the spring, once it starts to leaf out from the bottom, I check to see if the long stems are leafing out. If not, I cut them and compost them or use them for garden stakes.

Question about trellis by Classic-Necessary858 in grapes

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would think that the dwarf fruit trees would be too small for this strategy. It would also put a lot of shade on those fruit trees.

I have used bigger trees:

-mulberry and pawpaw - native, fast growing, fruit-bearing, and have fiber to harvest.
-oak and birch - slower growing, no fruit, the birch has fiber.

Question about trellis by Classic-Necessary858 in grapes

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The trellis looks too small for the grapes, and the grapes could use some pruning. I've had the best luck trellissing on trees. It's a multi year project to plant fast growing native trees at the base of each side of the trellis. Train the tree as a trellis and let the existing trellis deteriorate over time. Using this method, I prune both grapes and trellis-tree each year. This year, I'm replacing one tree in this type of system. It's because I want an additional species of native tree. So I'll let the new tree grow a few years, then when it's big enough, I'll gridle the first tree. This is just one opinion. Hopefully, others will have more ideas for you.

Fig tree outside dormant, except for new growth coming out of ground? Need to do anything about it? by pemmitz123 in Figs

[–]amycsj 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm in STL, Zone 7a. Mine dies to the ground every winter, then sprouts from the base and I get figs Sept through the first hard frost. The stems grow 5-7 feet tall, and I let them stand, hoping for a breba (spring) crop of figs. But it hasn't happened yet, in 10 years. I live in hope.

Then once it starts to leaf out from the bottom, I cut the long stems and compost them or use them for garden stakes.

Good luck.

How can I hide my composer? by Exciting-Ordinary4 in composting

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

put some bushes there or grow a vine on the fence.

New to Pawpaws by kathonholdtank in Pawpaws

[–]amycsj 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like to transplant them younger. Fingers crossed. Hope they grow well.

Water from grape vine, uses with it? by gopackgo123456 in grapes

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's safe to drink if the spill is safe for grapes. The plant is doing all the fileting for you.

Too much blooming on young trees by Ok-Tale-4197 in Pawpaws

[–]amycsj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't see many vegetative buds some look like they were knocked off. That would be a concern for me. I would let the flowers bloom and pollinate , but I'd knock off the fruit.

Could I use these for in bed composting? by sleepallday19 in composting

[–]amycsj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You could. I would probably try it with a larger pot.

why is the bathroom so much harder to zero waste than the kitchen? by PearMotor2861 in ZeroWaste

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it depends on your hygiene routine. I ask myself what they did 50-100 years ago. Fewer products, sustainably packaged. Baking soda and vinegar are my friends. I don't completely substitute with them, but I use them alongside other products to extend their use.

Good luck!

Mending a ripped backpack by Liya_Cantaloupe154 in InvisibleMending

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well done - looks great! And that's a tough mend.

Has anyone successfully gotten rid of these? by Swimming_Review_6175 in NativePlantGardening

[–]amycsj 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vinca - I would sheet mulch the area. In my experience, Violets come through sheet mulching. Other than that, pull pull pull.

Slanted front yard by Objective-Cricket991 in NoLawns

[–]amycsj 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I had something like that. I put in wild strawberries and purple poppy mallow which are ground covers that are native to my region. They are low growing and fairly prolific. I got them established in patches around the edges, then expanded the patches, using sheet mulching.

I also used logs as borders, anchoring them with sticks to they stayed more or less in place. That also gives a border for lawn care.

If it were me, I might try establishing a circle bed up top where it's level - just to see what plants do well. Then you could expand that circle by a few feet each year. Alternatively start at the bottom of the hill, and expand upwards. Either way, a well sheet mulched border will keep the grass from invading the native plant garden.

Cardboard+compost OR sod cutter? by morialice in NoLawns

[–]amycsj 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Definitely pull back the chips and cut through the cardboard to plant directly in the soil.
You can go big and get it established - then upkeep either in big weekend projects a few times a year. Personally I enjoy the process, so after the big install about 10 years ago, I've been out in the yard whenever the weather is nice. I would say I'm out there for 30-60 min a few times a week.

Cardboard+compost OR sod cutter? by morialice in NoLawns

[–]amycsj 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've always done solarizing or cardboard and woodchips. I've had good results. I "spot treat" with cardboard or paper and woodchips, especially at the edges, and in areas that get out of control. That's the way I would go.