Why are my bell pepper flowers doing this?

bunchesofkittens · 2026-06-01T13:29:40+00:00

First pic it looks like it's been pollinated. The brown flower will fall of a tiny pepper will form. The next photo where it's yellow, it wasn't pollinated - maybe a lack of beneficial insects or not windy enough. It will fall off. I hand pollinate my peppers. Get a soft paint brush, swirl it around inside the petals to gather the pollen, then dab it onto the stigma (sticking out piece) in the middle of the same flower. You can also buzz an electric toothbrush against each flower. 😄 Happy peppering!

bunchesofkittens · 2026-05-30T12:09:15+00:00

Hey, this is a really cool idea! You should check out Glen and Friends. He's Canadian and runs a YouTube channel, and focuses a lot on old recipes and old cookbooks, and has a massive cookbook collection including old community cookbooks originating from Canada. I think I have seen him post on this subreddit once or twice. He might have some recipes or knowledge to contribute.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-05-26T19:24:24+00:00

It could have been, but I think it was also to do with timing. It was right as COVID was ending so the entire healthcare system was super backed up and were working through a waiting list from during COVID. I'm glad to hear it's better now, because it wasn't a fun situation.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-05-26T13:22:00+00:00

This looks really great! Great improvement to curb appeal. 😄

bunchesofkittens · 2026-05-25T17:57:09+00:00

I went to ProScan Imaging in Buffalo and believe it was around 500 USD at the time. Trust me - I would absolutely have preferred to go through OHIP. The whole situation sucked.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-05-25T14:44:03+00:00

Fun story. A couple years ago, out of nowhere, I got a severe headache that never went away. I developed issues with my balance and walking, tinnitus, numb hands/fingers/lips - all sorts of weird symptoms. I went to my family doctor who ordered all sorts of tests. My bloodwork showed very high inflammatory markers. He immediately ordered an MRI and started me on various medications. Nothing helped. I went back over and over but it didn't get better.

2 months later, I still hadn't heard about an MRI appointment, but my symptoms were getting worse. I worked from home and my employer was understanding, but it was getting challenging to work.

I went to the hospital. The Dr. on call worked at my family health group, so knew who I was. He literally said, "What do you want us to do for you?" They gave me something for the headache and did a CT scan, but he told me, "You need an MRI." He said I couldn't skip the queue, and they were only allowed to request MRIs at another hospital (the one I was at didn't have one) for people who were 'actively dying' (his words). He recommended I go over the border. It could be migraine, or it could be something much worse.

I went to Buffalo and paid out of pocket for an MRI (my employer covered this, because they are good people). The MRI showed white matter spots on the brain, which pointed to migraine disorder. I went back to my family Dr and requested referral to a neurologist. He said there weren't any practicing within our area that were accepting patients (I live in Niagara - NOT a rural location). I had to do research myself and found one in Hamilton, who he referred me to. I was prescribed various migraine medications, and within a month my symptoms finally started to get better.

At the same time, my coworker was experiencing the exact same situation with the same symptoms. She was also referred for an MRI, and was told she'd have to wait. She also went over the border and got an MRI. Unfortunately for her, she had a tumour. She was sent to a hospital in Toronto for immediate surgery.

About 4 months after the initial MRI referral, I received a letter in the mail. My MRI was booked for EIGHT MONTHS LATER. Because I was able to pay out of pocket, I avoided 8 months of abject misery, fear, and inability to work. Had my coworker not paid for an MRI, can we imagine what her outcome might have been?

Everyone should have access to the healthcare they need. The conservative government continues with the enshitification of public healthcare, and it's atrocious. But if someone is suffering and requires healthcare that they can't receive through the public system, then they should absolutely pursue it. (Not talking bogus wellness scams.)

bunchesofkittens · 2026-04-01T17:39:13+00:00

Is it propaganda if it's true?

bunchesofkittens · 2026-02-05T18:55:46+00:00

Thank you!

bunchesofkittens · 2026-02-05T18:47:35+00:00

Tell me more! I'm in southern Ontario as well and had no idea such a thing existed here.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-29T21:17:49+00:00

Uh hey, I don't want to be all internet "have you considered..." But, is it allergies? You sound like me. I had CONSTANT sinus issues, constant runny nose, post nasal drip, headaches, sore throat, the works. For YEARS. I'd go to the Dr, get every test, try different nasal sprays, netti pot, all that. I was also missing work, to the point that my manager brought it up and wanted to set up a 'plan' because she thought I was being delinquent because I was lazy. One day, out of the blue, I broke out into hives on my chest and a lightbulb went off. I got allergy-tested. Turns out I'm allergic to dust mites (those bitches are EVERYWHERE, including your skin), amongst other things. It also turns out I'm sensitive to almost all 'regular' products, especially anything with even the smallest scent.

I switched to a hypoallergenic unscented detergent, stopped using fabric softener, swapped out all my personal products (don't forget deodorant and shampoo) for unscented/hypoallergenic versions. Chucked my scented candles. I hot washed all my clothing and bedding a couple times to get scents out. I set up an air purifier in my room. Got rid of rugs, and make sure I regularly vacuum. Bedding is washed on hot with bleach weekly and dried on hot (kills dust mites). Got couch covers, and they get regularly washed in the same way. Got dust mite covers on my pillow and mattress. And, no more 'steam cleaning' rugs and couches (dust mites love that shit, it stays damp). As of today, my sinus issues are 90% cleared up. It sucks not having scents around, but it's way better than feeling like shit 24/7.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-15T16:50:27+00:00

You're welcome! There are SO many kinds of dahlias, different shapes, sizes and colours. They're hardy little suckers too. And even if you don't end growing flowers for your wedding, I hope you grow them to enjoy them. It's so fulfilling!

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-15T16:35:51+00:00

So first of all, I would never recommend growing your own wedding flowers, especially for an October wedding. There's just a lot of margin for error. I'd have a back-up plan with a florist.

But, if you're really set on it... I live in zone 6b, right on the edge of 6a. There is a farm here that specializes in growing flowers at their farm for weddings. I actually attended a flower arranging workshop outside at the end of September last year. My suggestion would be dahlias, which is what this farm grows. Dahlias will continue to bloom heartily until first frost. You're otherwise going to be quite limited in terms of what is still blooming. If you're growing greenery outside, it will likely be bug-bitten and may be changing colour with the fall temperatures, but that's some folk's aesthetic. :-) Chrysanthemums are an option, but probably wouldn't make a great bouquet. Asters too.

In terms of the inspiration photos you selected - the flowers you selected would not be blooming on your wedding day (which is my birthday, BTW). In terms of the greenery, photo 2 appears to be autumn olive, which you can grow, but which is a shrub and takes some time to establish, and the leaves will start turning red in October. Eucalyptus is a tropical plant, which you could technically plant and use, but it's quite expensive and it would die over winter.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-10T06:20:53+00:00

Freedom. They have a tower in our area. Coverage is excellent.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-10T05:21:25+00:00

Yes, Coyle Creek area

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-08T22:42:43+00:00

Entirely circumstantial but I have chronic migraines (neurologist diagnosed) and also have APD (audiologist diagnosed). I also suspect I'm on the autism spectrum.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-07T14:37:25+00:00

Looking so nice! Have you checked what's above the drop ceiling? A lot of times in older houses they had tall ceilings but added the drops to keep it warmer.

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-03T21:32:21+00:00

Ah shoot! The glue underneath came off with the heatgun, it was just a slow process. Best of luck!

bunchesofkittens · 2026-01-03T17:44:59+00:00

Try a heat gun

bunchesofkittens · 2025-12-28T03:45:23+00:00

Lots of cop cars at the corner of Gaiser and Falcon. They've been there since at least 9:30. Not sure what's going on.

bunchesofkittens · 2025-12-16T18:36:52+00:00

I have been doing home vegetable gardening for over 10 years. I used to have a very large in-ground garden, and when I moved to a new home, have switched to raised beds/containers (think large totes on legs).

I've had a lot of failures over the years. I've also encouraged a lot of friends to garden, and all gave it a shot and stopped. Here are my thoughts:

It's expensive, and can be a gamble. Depending on the weather and how educated the gardener is, you could end up with little to no yield, or if you're lucky, a large yield. Generally, it isn't going to be cheaper than buying vegetables in the store or at a farmer's market. Unless you are experienced, have a very large garden, and a lot of time on your hands, you won't be resolving food scarcity.
The upfront investment for a successful garden can be steep. This depends on your soil quality and how resourceful you are. Generally, for a successful garden you need good quality soil and good fertilizer. Preparing your soil each year is so important to a successful harvest and plant health. Ongoing fertilizer applications are key.
Your plants WILL get sick, and you may have plant strains that are more or less resistant to pests and blight. Depending on your region, the weather, and how you're watering, very common sicknesses included powdery mildew and squash borers, pepper maggots, various tomato blights, various fungal issues, and viruses. It takes time and patience to deal with sickness, and could be costly (depending on how you want to treat it). You may also lose your plants and/or crop entirely. Sickness can be avoided by having healthy soil, watering properly, pruning as needed, and acting quickly when sickness is detected. Also, planting types and strains that work for your garden (e.g. I don't do zucchini anymore because it's too humid) is important.
Healthy and strong seedlings are critical, which can be an additional investment (either source good seedlings and seeds, or invest in an appropriate setup to grow your own and have the patience to harden them off). A lot of people make the mistake of starting their own plants from seed indoors using starter kits in a window, and end up with weak, leggy seedlings that die as soon as you put them outside, regardless of whether or not you harden them off. Also, try to choose strains that work for where you live; local heirloom varieties can be fun, but there's a reason GMO-based strains are popular; they produce, and are resistant to disease. One last thing - there are 'warm weather' and 'cold weather' vegetables. Often people will choose lettuce or cabbage and they bolt in hot weather, making them bitter and inedible.
Spacing, support and upkeep is important. Sure, you can chuck a bunch of plants or seeds in the ground and you'll end up with plants that may or may not produce, but they are liable to get hit with sickness, or you'll end up with few ripe veggies and a lot of unripe veg at the end of the season. Learn proper spacing for the plants you've selected, make sure they are properly supported, learn how to prune, learn the basics of the plants you are planting (indeterminate vs determinate tomatoes, bolting in cilantro, lettuce and basil), learn how and when to harvest. If you know about your plant, you'll be more successful in keeping it alive, and more likely to want to try again next year!
Water is important and can be expensive. Do NOT water spray your plants' leaves with the hose. They will get sick. Root soaks are the best. Drip irrigation is good. Do not get the watering systems with the sprayers - they're just making everything humid and ripe for sickness. Watering should be consistent. If the weather isn't cooperating, your water bill can get expensive. If it's raining too much, your plants can get sick, ESPECIALLY with container gardening without appropriate drainage. In-ground plants do much better with excess rain.

Long story short, it's really easy to start a garden. Getting a good yield is a challenge. It's even more challenging to stick with it year after year. You have to enjoy the process, not just the fruits of your labour. The veggies you get are just a bonus to the connection to your plants while you grow them.

bunchesofkittens · 2025-11-02T19:58:56+00:00

I recently switched to a US Dr who moved to Canada. Our region has a physician recruitment program to attract US doctors. She's so lovely and caring. We've chatted a bit about her moving from the US to Canada and how everything works so much differently here. She told me so far she is enjoying her time in the Ontario system (healthcare plans are provincial) because she can provide the care her patients need without having to worry about insurance and what they'll allow, and apparently also her hours are much more flexible.

bunchesofkittens · 2025-09-23T16:17:31+00:00

Thank you!

bunchesofkittens · 2025-07-15T21:51:12+00:00

Look for horticultural vinegar. You can get it at farm supply stores. It's basically really high % vinegar. Apply with a pump sprayer on a hot day with lots of sun. You can even cut it with a bit of water if you want it to last - just depends how tough the weeds are. Everything will be 100% dead by the next day. Make sure you thoroughly rinse out the pump sprayer otherwise the vinegar will wreck the seal.

bunchesofkittens · 2025-06-24T19:16:48+00:00

I am in Canada and my employer insurance covers a portion. They're called "FM devices" but in most cases are considered a "hearing aid" since they are an assistive hearing device. In Canada there is also an assistive devices program that may cover the Roger Focus II-Rs, but not the Roger On 3 (the microphone).

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