Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Yes, I have concerns about GMO cross pollination, but fortunately I am far enough away from anyone growing that it is somewhat safe, though NO source is safe completely. I had a neighbor that grew corn years ago, but he passed away and now none of my neighbors garden, except for flowers. I do save my own seed, and I only grow the " three sisters " method, since I only grow enough for my daughter. The varieties of corn I grow are pretty obscure-not your standard yellow eared corn, so I would be aware if any of them started showing signs of GMO. I grow the Japanese popcorn, and two other varieties that are not likely to be found many places, so I HOPE I would be able to notice if " standard " corn traits started showing up in mine. > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > probably come across the same info. > > Holly > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I figured you'd be aware. When I was growing, I bought from a source that sent out for testing and I didn't keep from year to year because I live in suburbia so cross-contamination is almost a given. I grew golden bantam but for the life of me I can't remember which company I ordered from right now. Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 So what " squash " do you grow as the third sister, or varieties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 You could have googled this one. The Native Americans practiced a planting method called, " Three Sisters " . First they planted corn. When the corn was about a foot tall, they planted beans, using the corn stalks for the beans to climb. Then when the beans got half way up the corn, they planted squash under the corn. They grew a lot in a small space and the plants benefited each other. ew, Certified Master Gardener. Re: For re: corn Yes, I have concerns about GMO cross pollination, but fortunately I am far enough away from anyone growing that it is somewhat safe, though NO source is safe completely. I had a neighbor that grew corn years ago, but he passed away and now none of my neighbors garden, except for flowers. I do save my own seed, and I only grow the " three sisters " method, since I only grow enough for my daughter. The varieties of corn I grow are pretty obscure-not your standard yellow eared corn, so I would be aware if any of them started showing signs of GMO. I grow the Japanese popcorn, and two other varieties that are not likely to be found many places, so I HOPE I would be able to notice if " standard " corn traits started showing up in mine. > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > probably come across the same info. > > Holly > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 A friend here told me that a field needs to have no pesticides or fertilizers on it other than organic for a 7 year period  to be called organic.  That is quite a time. So nothing in this yard could be called organic.   Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 10:49 PM Subject: Re: Re: For re: corn  I'm not too far away from corn growing. In the neighborhood the lady on the farm across the road grows corn. Not anywhere close other than her. I have trouble growing corn here tho. We have a short growing season and cold nights. Corn likes warm nights during the summer months and mostly we aren't very warm at night. we have two homes here on this parcel of land, about 4 acres. we garden in two places here.The valley is mostly fields of hay, grasses, horses, cows and sheep around here with many hay and alfalfa and oat fields. And the occasional alpaca ranch. We are mostly all spread out. But I was told my favorite squash plant with cross pollinate if there is another field within 10-12 miles. so I don't' save them at all. heh. I have a friend just up the road that is starting a seed company. She only gets open-pollinated and heirloom seeds. She's been in the business of building yurts but is looking for something more sedate. heh. Hence the seeds. They put up a website already and do have some seeds already but I don't know if they are ready for orders as yet. I'll find out. It's really important to get heirloom and open-pollinated while we can. Otherwise, Monsanto et al will borg them all... There is a great site called Seeds of Deception and it's all about all the nastiness going on in the GMO world. I'm surprised Monsanto hasn't killed him. Well it's 5 big chemical companies that now run the seed businesses. Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, Bayer and a fifth I can't think of. They are in the chemical business not the agriculture business but man they have ruined so much. google for a list of seed companies owned by them. There are still some good places for heirloom seeds. The 4 crops that are contaminated now and are 93% GMO are corn, canola, cottonseed and soy. That is why we don't sell canola oil in the store anymore. It's really hard too, because vendors don't have to label products GMO yet. So even if it says organic it might not be. If a field is 60% organic they can call it that. Well darn. That doesn't give me a warm feeling. Gee, sorry to go on so. hehe > ** > > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > probably come across the same info. > > Holly > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Lol, I know native americans grew pumpkins. I was just wondering what grew. And I still am tickled about the yam/sweet potato thing. I figured that one out when I started doing herb research in high school (when wild yam came up). Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I didn't realize sweet potatoes were not yams until I got down here in Florida and then I found out that it is different. They are both in stores here. However, the cans haven't caught up to that yet. I may have seen that in Mexico too, but wasn't thinking of it much. I did find out about Jicima there and love it. But I have never fixed it. Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 10:53 PM Subject: Re: Re: For re: corn  the Native Americans actually grew a pumpkin. Pumpkins are a squash. We just call them by different names. That's marketing. That's why a red sweet potato is called a yam. Yams are entirely different. Not even the same family. The name was changed because people kept getting confused between the red ones and white one. I don't really understand that, becuse there are red potatoes, white potatoes and brown potatoes. They are all still called potatoes. ew Re: Re: For re: corn So what " squash " do you grow as the third sister, or varieties. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 If you have a few, I would be interested, but if it puts you in a bind, then I don't need them. Wonder if an earthbox is big enough since I'm going to be ordering a couple. I also have a wooden planter box my dad made me a couple years ago that might be large enough. Hmmm. Holly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I keep a cup with some cheap paintbrushes in them, and just dust it around the plants as I go by them several times a day. I feel like a bumble bee, lol > > > > I just saw how to pollinate tomato plants when growing them inside. They poliate some by the wind and some by bees. There they just shake the plant or flowers. >  > Carolyn Wilkerson > > >  > > > To: sproutpeople > Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 9:38 PM > Subject: Re: Re: For re: corn > > >  > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > probably come across the same info. > > Holly > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 That is true about the 7 years to be CERTIFIED as organic....sadly, anyone with a farmers market booth can claim their stuff is organic, even if it isn't remotely close to being organic, and stores can slap a label of organic on anything, as long as the label doesn't say it is CERTIFIED ORGANIC...so stupid! Once you are familiar with how organics look, you can sort of tell-organics tend to be smaller and uglier than conventional stuff which has been enhanced with chemical stuff. Not so much on telling if it is GMO though! > > > ** > > > > > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > > probably come across the same info. > > > > Holly > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 You grow them in a container? ?That is neat - corn, bean and squash or pumpkin - tht sounds super. How many of each do you put in those containers? One per container, is that right?  How many containers of them? Do your containers have water under them?   About what dimensions? I didn't know I could do that and had given up on any corn. I love corn on the cob. This sounds so interesting. I look forward to seeing those photos this summer. I am not sure these will grow here in summer but I am going to try some things and see. ?Then if don't do well, will put out in September which is more beginning of our outside growing season. I think I'll go to a thrift store to get a shelf tomorrow to put my plants in the sun room. Don't know if too hot there this summer but better than in the outside I'd think for my aerogarden and the microgreens or sunnies.   I suppose the squash runs out of the container all over the ground. Squash blossoms are edible. I've seen some stuffed and then fried. Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 10:55 PM Subject: Re: For re: corn  I might have some seeds I can send you, if you like. Won't be many since I grow a small amount (as I said, I do " three sisters " in a container, but I know my seeds are safe. Not sure how many I have left after my co op trade, but I can check, if you are interested. > > I figured you'd be aware. When I was growing, I bought from a source that > sent out for testing and I didn't keep from year to year because I live in > suburbia so cross-contamination is almost a given. > > I grew golden bantam but for the life of me I can't remember which company > I ordered from right now. > > Holly > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I will be poking through my seed bins in the next few days, I will see what I have. It won't put me in a bind at all, just not sure what all I have, but happy to share some, even if its only a few,, if you are okay with that, lol > > If you have a few, I would be interested, but if it puts you in a bind, > then I don't need them. > > Wonder if an earthbox is big enough since I'm going to be ordering a > couple. I also have a wooden planter box my dad made me a couple years ago > that might be large enough. Hmmm. > > Holly > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Thanks. How do you keep the corn plants from cross pollinating? Do you keep them in different areas?  How many containers of corn (3 sisters)? Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 11:04 PM Subject: Re: For re: corn  Three Sisters is a native american way to grow beans, corn and squash together in the same container, with the beans stalking up the corn stalks-very cool way to grow a good amount of stuff in one container. I have an old whiskey barrel that is huge, cut in to two pieces that I use, and a couple of other large round containers. Here is a link describing the method and concept...I have tweaked it a bit to accommodate the type of corn I grow. http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/teach/2003045238014436.html > > > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > > probably come across the same info. > > > > Holly > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 11:07 PM Subject: Re: For re: corn  You said a mouthful-sad, but true! Things can also be labeled as " organically GROWN " although they come from GMO SEED! That makes me SOOOO mad. I ended up in the hospital from some produce I got from a friend and fellow co op member-he GREW them organic, but he hadn't realized his seed was GMO! SOOOO frustrating! > > > ** > > > > > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > > probably come across the same info. > > > > Holly > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I wouldn't be concerned if MY plants cross pollinated, since they are ALL non gmo/heirloom, but it hasn't ever happened, and I grow them all in the same area. I would only be concernred with GMO cross pollinating with my heirlooms. I did have some pumpkins and squash that cross pollinated one year, and produced the most whacky squashkin I have ever seen, but never has been a concern. > > > > > > , how far away from anyone else that grows corn are you? Do you > > > harvest seed each year to plant the next or buy new non-gmo? Corn pollen > > > can travel an amazingly far distance, something I learned researching > > > organic, open-pollinated, non-gmo corn. But with all your research you've > > > probably come across the same info. > > > > > > Holly > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 , how old is your daughter? I blush. I am not sure I'd want to grow peter peppers but they would certainly be a conversation piece. Are they like jalapenos? Or hot or sweet?  the squash is unusual looking.  Cute to make little octopuses out of but I assume you cook them or put them in stir fries. I was surprised by the varieties that were all called fingerling squash.   The Romanesque I saw them but didn't know what they were and they really don't look edible. Look like it is a weed thing or decorative plant. Looks like it is sharp and might cut. Do they taste like cauliflower or broccoli or what?   Now what do you use all the pumpkin for? Pumpkin seeds? Do you sell them at Halloween or Thanksgiving?  I figured you'd be raising more beans and leaf plants and lettuces. I dont' have much space. I need to keep it looking attractive too. I do have a shed on the south side and the side faces south and could put some boxes along that. I ordered two of those from LTD that I think you sent as a link. I got 2 of the tomato planter boxes as well.   I better get them out as i won't have room for all that inside. Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 11:16 PM Subject: Re: For re: corn  If you have ever grown true yams and sweet potatoes side by side, the difference is very clear, as is the growing process, but so many people confuse them as being the same. Pumpkins and squash are my primary crops-I grow a ton of varieties of both. I am doing Yugoslavian finger fruit again this year too, which is a whacky and fun type of squash. I didn't grow them last year, but will again this year. Also doing romanesco again this year-one of the most unusual and stunning veggies I have ever seen or had the pleasure of growing. Here is a pic of both: yugo finger fruit: http://www.google.com/search?q=yugoslavian+finger+fruit & oe=UTF-8 & hl=en & client=sa\ fari & um=1 & ie=UTF-8 & tbm=isch & source=og & sa=N & tab=wi & ei=Frx7T9arN8bg0QGFvvSsBg & biw=\ 768 & bih=900 & sei=Hrx7T8KUHOTr0gGxqrDTCw Romanesco: http://www.google.com/search?q=romanesco & oe=UTF-8 & hl=en & client=safari & um=1 & ie=UT\ F-8 & tbm=isch & source=og & sa=N & tab=wi & ei=Vbx7T6XjEMfl0QGv1b2KBg & biw=768 & bih=900 & sei\ =Wbx7T4bvBoX50gHK-8S0Bg And I am wickedly notorious for my " peter peppers " , which have raised many an eyebrow over the years....especially when my daughter takes them to school peter peppers: http://www.google.com/search?q=peter+peppers & oe=UTF-8 & hl=en & client=safari & um=1 & i\ e=UTF-8 & tbm=isch & source=og & sa=N & tab=wi & ei=vrx7T4SAHbCC0QHGp6mNBg & biw=768 & bih=900\ & sei=xLx7T7DoNoy10QG29J2yBg An irate principal called me once...thought they were a scam. I assured him they were JUST a vegetable, unaltered and grew without provocation in our garden. I told him he had a dirty mind...didn't go over so well... > > the Native Americans actually grew a pumpkin. Pumpkins are a squash. We just call them by different names. That's marketing. That's why a red sweet potato is called a yam. Yams are entirely different. Not even the same family. The name was changed because people kept getting confused between the red ones and white one. I don't really understand that, becuse there are red potatoes, white potatoes and brown potatoes. They are all still called potatoes. > ew > > Re: Re: For re: corn > > So what " squash " do you grow as the third sister, or varieties. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 I'd love to see your photos. I have 8 tomato trees here that can be planted, but not all with tomatoes. I was thinking of some cucumbers for one. Tomatoes didn't seem to do too well in one. I think what I plant this summer will probably be a loss as water beats down here and it is hot. Winter is the best time to grow outside. But I am hoping i can do a bit there. I just am not quite sure how to replant one of these. I think there are about 5 or 5 holes with 3 being larger. I planted 2 tomatoes before and a chive and might have been basil. One tomato did have quite a few little tomatoes. The regular size tomato didn't work. Had 2 and the birds or bugs gotthem. Basil disappeared and didn't; do well, but I still have chives coming out from last year. Probably getting weaker as I didn't allow them to bloom but cut them off from time to time. Some of it is dried and needs to be cut or pulled out. But there is still good chives there.  I have used them but sometimes forget since it is outside.   The " tree " is a pole down the middle with this plastic type basket on it with a lid on it and in planting it I filled part of the potting soil andthen put in plants there and put in more potting soil and the next plants up. I am not sure how to get back to put in new plants.  Then at bottom has 3 things out and has some twisty things to put in ground to hold it. It has stayed up with some good winds out there. Not hurricane strength of course, but some good winds. It is not as attractive as I'd like. Bags are green in a couple of shades.   Have you seen them? Would this hold squash? Might the fingerlings. Probably would need smaller cukes too for them to grow there. I figure 2 of the main plants and might be able to stick in a few herbs that were good to be next to them or even flowers if that helps.  Photos would be interesting. I can get around a bit but have to take my walker to walk in the grass.  I wonder if the Neem oil can be put on me to keep mosquitoes away and wahtever the little bugs are. Mosquitoes we have are small ones and it seems the bigger ones are ones more dangerous. Carolyn Wilkerson  To: sproutpeople Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 11:26 PM Subject: Re: For re: corn  I have some pictures of my gardens over the years that I will try to get posted-it proves you can grow a LOT of stuff in a VERY limited space. As I have mentioned, my yard is tiny, and being in a wheelchair further limits my gardening ability, but I still manage to grow a ton of stuff. I grow a lot of my squash upside down from hanging containers-keeps the bugs off and makes it easier to access from my chair. Miniature pumpkins will grow upside down from hanging containers too, but you won't get the full yield you get in the ground...decent enough though. > > > > I figured you'd be aware. When I was growing, I bought from a source that > > sent out for testing and I didn't keep from year to year because I live in > > suburbia so cross-contamination is almost a given. > > > > I grew golden bantam but for the life of me I can't remember which company > > I ordered from right now. > > > > Holly > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Carolyn, If you go to www.earthbox.com, it will tell you everything you want to know about these containers. There is a forum group that is also very helpful and as much fun as this one. I have 9 regular size and 2 mini-gardens. Lucy > > > > I figured you'd be aware. When I was growing, I bought from a source that > > sent out for testing and I didn't keep from year to year because I live in > > suburbia so cross-contamination is almost a given. > > > > I grew golden bantam but for the life of me I can't remember which company > > I ordered from right now. > > > > Holly > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Here are some ideas for vertical planting, which saves a ton of room. I have several of the black multi compartment ones, which are great for affixing to a deck rail. I also have some " gutter gardens " which are pieces of old gutter, mounted to the side of my shed, which I have planted stuff in. There are SO many good ways to make good use of limited space. I also have a round three tiered gardening thing that allows you to grow UP, in less than two feet of space, and being round, you can access it from any way to easily tend or harvest it. http://www.google.com/search?q=vertical+garden+planter & oe=UTF-8 & hl=en & client=saf\ ari & um=1 & ie=UTF-8 & tbm=isch & source=og & sa=N & tab=wi & ei=21J8T8ynDsbf0QHLgrDwCw & biw=7\ 68 & bih=900 & sei=3lJ8T_r_LeHz0gGJtczoCw > > > To: sproutpeople > Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 10:49 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 Since everyone likes pictures, here is a news story on vertical aeroponic growing system, but please use my email for any questions on obtaining one. http://s333702493.onlinehome.us/rtg.html. My broccoli sprouts didn't drain enough, so I had to dispose of one tray today because it smelled terrible. Good thing I have 3 others in line since we consume one tray every day. Lucy > > Here are some ideas for vertical planting, which saves a ton of room. I have several of the black multi compartment ones, which are great for affixing to a deck rail. I also have some " gutter gardens " which are pieces of old gutter, mounted to the side of my shed, which I have planted stuff in. There are SO many good ways to make good use of limited space. I also have a round three tiered gardening thing that allows you to grow UP, in less than two feet of space, and being round, you can access it from any way to easily tend or harvest it. > http://www.google.com/search?q=vertical+garden+planter & oe=UTF-8 & hl=en & client=saf\ ari & um=1 & ie=UTF-8 & tbm=isch & source=og & sa=N & tab=wi & ei=21J8T8ynDsbf0QHLgrDwCw & biw=7\ 68 & bih=900 & sei=3lJ8T_r_LeHz0gGJtczoCw > > > > > > > From: <berrywell@> > > To: sproutpeople > > Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 10:49 PM > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2012 Report Share Posted April 4, 2012 I am BLOWN AWAY. This is on West 10th Street in NYC. Hasn't opened p yet. It's called Bell Book and Candle and YOU KNOW I'M GOING THERE when it opens. I'll bring my Flip This is SO cool!!! Melody > > > > Here are some ideas for vertical planting, which saves a ton of room. I have several of the black multi compartment ones, which are great for affixing to a deck rail. I also have some " gutter gardens " which are pieces of old gutter, mounted to the side of my shed, which I have planted stuff in. There are SO many good ways to make good use of limited space. I also have a round three tiered gardening thing that allows you to grow UP, in less than two feet of space, and being round, you can access it from any way to easily tend or harvest it. > > http://www.google.com/search?q=vertical+garden+planter & oe=UTF-8 & hl=en & client=saf\ ari & um=1 & ie=UTF-8 & tbm=isch & source=og & sa=N & tab=wi & ei=21J8T8ynDsbf0QHLgrDwCw & biw=7\ 68 & bih=900 & sei=3lJ8T_r_LeHz0gGJtczoCw > > > > > > > > > > > > From: <berrywell@> > > > To: sproutpeople > > > Sent: Tuesday, April 3, 2012 10:49 PM > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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