Deluxestogie Grow Log 2023

[deluxestogie]

First task today: removed the matrix of tomato cages and their dried tomato vines from their garden bed. (That always takes twice as long as I expect.) With the soil still soft from yesterday's rain, I took the opportunity to extract a number of dead tobacco stalks that somebody left standing after priming the leaves.

As the temp goes over 50°F this afternoon, I hope to:

1. smoke a cigar on the front porch
2. till another bed
3. consider purchasing a mechanized tomato cage setter/remover

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

After hoeing this one full-size bed, I obtained important measurements:

• blood pressure
• heart rate
• heart rhythm

All is good. I also received my Tofta seed from Sweden today.

Bob

 

[Joe Swart]

It sounds like you had a productive day. You deserve a cigar!

 

[deluxestogie]

Unfortunately, the bed I tilled today will be squandered on growing veggies. [If I tilled all the tobacco beds first, I might be tempted to stop at that.] Each of the beds will be nuked with glyphosate 2-3 weeks prior to planting. Just prior to planting/transplant, I will apply 10-10-10 fertilizer, then till them again. What I really don't look forward to is tilling the two beds that I planted "no-till" last year.

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

The weather forecast was curious today. Starting about 1 pm, there would be just barely enough time under tolerable temps to either till another garden bed or to smoke a cigar on the porch. Of course, I chose the latter. (It will surely be weeks before the opportunity arises again.) But then...the predicted temp failed to drop, and the promised rain held off. I was forced by duty (and perhaps a touch of masochism) to go out and till another 60 square foot garden bed. The bed I tilled today is closer to the window in my study, so I can glance out to admire it from time to time—clods of dirt, instead of a weedfest.

Bob

 

[Radagast]

What I really don't look forward to is tilling the two beds that I planted "no-till" last year

I haven't tilled my little garden in a couple of years (lazy). I won't make that mistake again (lying).

 

[deluxestogie]

The 32 Corojo 99 plants that I grew in my two "no-till" beds in 2022 were so runted and stunted that I had to stop photographing them, to avoid the humiliation. Runted tobacco plants nonetheless require just as much labor as properly grown tobacco. I chose poorly. [Bob's face begins to melt like wax.]

Bob

 

[Radagast]

The 32 Corojo 99 plants that I grew in my two "no-till" beds in 2022 were so runted and stunted that I had to stop photographing them, to avoid the humiliation. Runted tobacco plants nonetheless require just as much labor as properly grown tobacco. I chose poorly. [Bob's face begins to melt like wax.]

Bob

Yup. I have to be clandestine about the ugly pictures of my garden I put here for the same reason.

 

[GreenDragon]

I haven't tilled my little garden in a couple of years (lazy). I won't make that mistake again (lying).

I go to the local bait store and get a couple containers of earth worms and spread them over my beds. Let nature’s earth movers do the work LOL!

 

[Alpine]

I go to the local bait store and get a couple containers of earth worms and spread them over my beds. Let nature’s earth movers do the work LOL!

Moles are even better at tilling. I am seriously considering to properly train a half dozen so I can avoid tilling in the coming years. Bonus added, moles are far more attractive than worms.

pier

 

[deluxestogie]

The moles in my yard and garden attempt to break my ankles year-round.

Bob

 

[Radagast]

I go to the local bait store and get a couple containers of earth worms and spread them over my beds. Let nature’s earth movers do the work LOL!

I'm going to try that for sure!!

 

[Radagast]

Moles are even better at tilling. I am seriously considering to properly train a half dozen so I can avoid tilling in the coming years. Bonus added, moles are far more attractive than worms.

pier

I caught a mole in my basement this past fall otherwise I might encourage them to hang out lol. I have enough trouble with rabbits that I'm really thinking about taking some measures.

 

[deluxestogie]

This is from 2017. Moles remove soil that surrounds the roots of tobacco plants, causing stunting, if not detected and remedied.

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

I made a recent visit to the Dallas Zoo.

They mistook me for something else they had been searching for, but I was finally able to escape.

Bob

 

[Amberbeth84]

Your use of photoshop never fails to entertain.

 

[deluxestogie]

In truth, when I first looked at a photo of the escaped tamarind, it reminded me of me, when I allow my moustache to go to seed.

Bob

 

[deluxestogie]

Here is a comparison to back when I was young (17 years ago):

Bob

 

[GreenDragon]

Bob you really rocked that beard - you should grow it back! Who’s with me on this?

 

[Amberbeth84]

Seconded!