Hey Fellow Floridians - Year 2

[efisakov]

Originally Posted by Fiishergurl

Ella... I forgot all about that! Can you share some of your dehydrating tips?

Ginny

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I just slice them at about 1/3 of an inch and dehydrate to my liking. I do not make them crispy. We prefer them as is without any spices. One time I tried to salt a bit. Without salt is better. As they dry the flavor of original tomato becomes more intense. Depending on the water content, time will vary.

[efisakov]

Originally Posted by ginger2778

It's OK, it's usually my fault. lol.

Thank you, Marsha, for all your enabling.

[ginger2778]

Originally Posted by efisakov

I just slice them at about 1/3 of an inch and dehydrate to my liking. I do not make them crispy. We prefer them as is without any spices. One time I tried to salt a bit. Without salt is better. As they dry the flavor of original tomato becomes more intense. Depending on the water content, time will vary.

That us exactly what I do. Ginny, most of these dehydrators come with a book telling you all you need, but it's usually just slice,place, and turn it on, then forget about it for several hours. The cost is about 5 cents per hour. Ella, I do tomatoes and mangoes at 135F.

Originally Posted by efisakov

Thank you, Marsha, for all your enabling.

You are so welcome, my dear.

[efisakov]

Does anyone grow zucchini in Fl? Do they grow fine?

Last year was my first time growing them. Just 2 plants (bushy variety, not sprawling one) gave more than enough zucchinis. Besides grilling, I make pancakes with them. Both my DH and son loves them served with sweetened condensed milk. I tried raw zucchini and surprisingly they were fine tasting. If picked young they can be used in salad.

[maxjohnson]

I never had success despite growing large plants because the cabbage worm destroys it.

[efisakov]

Originally Posted by maxjohnson

I never had success despite growing large plants because the cabbage worm destroys it.

I wonder if covering it with tulle would help. I have no experience with cabbage worm.

[Barb_FL]

Ella - I also gave up growing them (cantaloupes too). I would get 1 huge zucchini and that would be it due to caterpillar type worms.

[Fiishergurl]

Marsha, mine is old no temp control and no manual. Will give it a try.

Thanks
Ginny

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[efisakov]

Originally Posted by Barb_FL

Ella - I also gave up growing them (cantaloupes too). I would get 1 huge zucchini and that would be it due to caterpillar type worms.

Thanks, Barb.

[roerinaci]

Hi everyone..We are moving down to citrus county I had a question about raised beds can I use the pine straw on the bottom of the bed to help fill or is that not a good idea ??

[maxjohnson]

A few revelation I noticed about the soil I'm using.

-The reason my tomato seedlings had deformed leaves earlier this year isn't because of the source of cow manure compost I used, it's over fertilization with the chicken manure compost. Maybe it's too strong or has something in it.

-The plants, especially beefsteaks, grows faster in the containers compared to nematode soil raised beds. Despite that, plants in the soil have less issues with deficiencies and zero bottom end rot (watering related).

-Plants grows better and had less to no diseases in the container mix I made myself: potting mix with lots of pine barks & perlite, some compost, and vermiculite. In comparison, all containers that had Dr. Earth potting soil had diseases, even with drainage improved.

-Grow bags in Florida without compost = waters 2 times a day, and it's only spring.

Originally Posted by roerinaci

Hi everyone..We are moving down to citrus county I had a question about raised beds can I use the pine straw on the bottom of the bed to help fill or is that not a good idea ??

I personally don't see the problem, people talk about it causing acidity, but to me it's exaggerated, I think it will contribute some, but not a problem once it's broken down. There is a concept called core gardening, by putting straws in the bottom of the raised beds help water holding capability.

[Merridiel]

The cabbage loopers ate my squash, too. I woke up one morning and every single squash plant had been eaten down to leaf-less sticks. Then they moved to my basil and wrecked that, too. I'll cover young plants with pop-up hampers next time.

[BigVanVader]

In the South you should always cover squash as soon as it comes up. Floating row covers work great. If you mix certain flowers in (like Zinnias) in the row you may attract parasitic wasp which will take care of the caterpillars for you.

[efisakov]

I am still hoping that someone may have a success story to share.
Or maybe find some details that can improve zucchini growing situation. Barb found way of growing cucumbers and shared it with all. Thanks, Barb.

[ginger2778]

I love the tulle wrap method. I have 2 Sweet Success cucumber plants growing, healthy as can be. It was really great to learn these moths that lay pickle worm eggs are nocturnal. Thank thank thank you Barb.

Does anyone know why my cucumbers will sometimes grow larger, than they started, then just quit, turn yellow and die. Like a lot at once. The fruit is what I mean. The plant stays healthy and other cucumbers form to maturity. I can't figure it out.

I have direct sown bush green beans seeds, then something was eating the sprouts. I covered it with tulle and there was a slug under the tulle this morning. Gross!