Todd Saunders's Comments

hello Todd, have only just picked up a copy of NZ gardener - was hoping to see photos of your garden or at the very least, some of the different varieties of garlic that you're growing:) How long ago did they interview you?
I hope that the Ajo Rojo grows ok for me this far south, Creoles tend to prefer warmer climates so the bulbs may be small until they acclimate. Am looking forward to taste testing but will be careful to save the best bulbs for growing on:)
Shame that they mispelt rocambole with three o's and got autumn equinox confused with winter solstice:(

hello Todd, if you have any round zucchini seed to spare, would appreciate a swap and/or reimburse you for p&p. Have sent you a friend request so that we can pm each other's contact details. Many thanks

Hey Todd, thanks for the offer of cucumber seeds.  I was after the calvolo nero kale and managed to get some off Kali. Have a good day gardening :O)

HI Todd, we had our first meal from the potatoes you sent, the purple ones with the white eyes are particularly yummy , thanks

Wow don't those seeds sprout fast?! Wonder if its the breed or due to warmer weather, but they are shooting out!!

Couple questions for you... The seeds in little cluster, is that corn? The woodland strawberrys and raspberrys look the same to me, cant tell if theres only raspberrys? And how much room do the peas need?

I've germinated some of each type, now running round trying to sort out where to plant.
Thanks again!!! Char

well it just takes a few people like us to start a revolution.
I feell sorry for those in the States where they cannot produce from their own back yards now. Apparently its illegal to do so. Youd think they woul be encouraging it if anything but nope the exact opposite.

Hi Todd, Yay thank you, received them this morning. The worms seemed to survive, there were two types, normal worms and then little white ones, what are the second type?

Will the berries grow ok in containers or should I put them outside?

Thanks again, I'll let you know how they all go!!!
Charlotte

Charlotte
A lot more younger people are as its a matter of havin to to eat.
My Stepp daughter is commin to me now and wishing she had learned what we tried to teach her to help make it through, shes 21. I got a 17 year old wanting to learn as she would love to grow their own food and alot more young uns are askin questions.
Its neat as they are the next generation of Oooobyers.

Hi Todd,
Do you use a worm farm or just traditional compost? I'm still undecided if the cost of setting up a worm farm is too much. I havent received your post yet, did you end up sending it or has it gotten lost in mail? :) Ta
Charlotte

Welcome to the Self Sufficiency group. I hop to see your ideas up on the forum soon. Smiles, Laine

Hi Todd :)

Thanks your your advice, I'm going to start with the vaseline/bag. I've been doing dishwashing liquid/water spray up to now and it has been working but there's just so many of them, they keep coming back.

I'll have to check when I get home, but I'm growing a couple different types of heirloom cherry tomatos I picked up from plant barn. I'd love to try a bush type you recommend..

As for soil, ideally I'd love to get myself one of those rotating compost bins. At the moment, I've got a small Bokashi compost bin. There is a lot of grass clippings around my place, which I could try to pile up, otherwise not much else to work with...

Address is
C Harrison
79 Methuen Rd
New Windsor
Auckland

I dont mind reimbursing you for the postage, I feel bad because I dont have anything (yet) to send you.. Thank you so much, it's nice to know there's people out there for advice, no one my age gardens these days (I'm 23), so there's not that much support out there..
Charlotte

Hi Todd,
Those potatoes sound yum, I'm very keen. Not sure if I've got pumpkin growing aleady. I've just moved into my new house, and there is a vine which has grown around the fence and down the side of my house. I'll take a photo and post it because I dont know what it is!!! From the female flowers, I think its either pumpkin or watermelon...
I've got 3 different kinds of tomatos growing already, but if there is a particular kind you recommend, I'd give it a try. I'm still a novice, its my 3rd summer of growing vegetables, so I'm getting there, but I've still got a lot to learn, and seeds to collect :)
Also wanting to grow lettuce, capcican, squash, and any herbs...

I've just noticed your located in Hamilton, so I'm not sure how this all works... Should I send you a prepaid courier bag or something like that?

Also, have a couple questions you might be able to help me with. Along with the mysery vine/plant growing, is an infestation of white flies. I've tried everything and cant get rid of them. Currently, I've moved all my plants (im a container gardener) onto my deck to get them out of harms way, but they're not being pollenated up there, I dont think the bee's have found them yet. So any hints for whitefly would help.

My second question is to do with potting soil, I find it really expensive and would love to know how to make it myself. I've heard any clumps of lawn removed can be tu rned upside down and stacked, and once decomposed, is perfect for potting soil. Do you know anything else that works? I don't own my own home, and have had to leave too many gardens behind (hence why I choose containers).

Thank you so much, hope the slugs and snails are leaving you alone!!!
Charlotte