@astrochuck ???? I shop at Wholefoods!!! Say it ain't soo...

I believe that is only an issue with hybrids or field corn.

@astrochuck It isnt just crosspolination thats an issue with cross winds but chemical drifting into organic crops, I am aware of the issues with saving seeds from hybrids, not only do you get a wide variety of offspring but germination rates are way down. BTW in iris, to propogate true to form we do so by planting the rhizome inreases, cross polination is done to create new varieties and of course there is a wide variety when you do this and you may get several new intros from one cross that look nothing like each other.

@astrochuck I don't know about that, I am just trying to make a living but so far im just surving and not thriving financially

I plan to order several varieties of hardneck clover this year. Softneck is not hardy in zone 5 where I live. Garlic can be grown from seed but the best way is to order garlic bulbs and then pull them apart and plant the cloves in the fall approximately 3 to 4 inches deep

As far as I know garlic cloves count as seed. I have yet to successfully grow garlic, but have had some luck with asparagus.

@Leutrelle Garlic has been easy for me. I plant the cloves in the Fall and they grow during the winter. By late Spring/early summer when the scapes are present (they can be cut and stir fried) stop watering. When the greens start to brown pull up the bulbs and let them dry before storing. I bundle several together and hang them in the garage to use all the rest of the year.

@astrochuck @plainjane Preview of coming attractions. In a couple of weeks, I am planning to start a monarch butterfly group. I've raised monarchs from eggs and small caterpillars for the last 3 years and would like to share with others, and hopefully learn from others who have experience.

@Plainjane @astrochuck. I will send you an invite when I start to group. I wish I could say it takes special skill, but it does not. It is also very inexpensive and labor-friendly. The rewards are awesome. The picture above shows a newly emerged butterfly in the foreground, a green chrysalis in the middle, and a chrysalis with a close–to-emergent butterfly on the right. It is really neat to see them come out the chrysalis.

@astrochuck that butterfly Conservatory could turn out to be a handy resource

@astrochuck sounds good. I will touch base with you and we can come up with the group name and go from there. I've got some really good beginner resources for Monarch butterfly raising, but nothing for any other kind of pollinator.

would you care to trade for some of my marigold seed next fall? I collect seeds from my beds and have given a lot away.

@misstuffy That sounds good. I have plenty and can send you some this spring also

@PappyOnWings wonderful, I will save back some marigold and send you some as well. I will PM you my address.

@PappyOnWings I would like to raise butterfly also, if my environment will allow for that. Please keep me informed

@Leutrelle That is an interesting question about your environment. I assume you are referring to the 5000-foot altitude? I live on the plains of the Midwest and have never thought of that question. However, I do know that monarchs are native to the entire US and most if not all of Canada. In most cases, it is just a matter of trying to get the population established. Also, the process of raising butterflies is very similar to other types. You can always adapt the process to butterflies that are native to your area.

I've tried this just for fun. Avacado pits will also sprout in a compost pile.
[wikihow.com]

@astrochuck I look forward to sharing information, and learning from you. I have been an organic gardener since the mid 70's. It's in my blood, and feel lost with out a garden. We live in an area where winter is harsh, and it is a 20 + mile trek just to buy fresh produce, and of course I prefer home grown produce. I have never had a green house, and I am sure I have much to learn. I wonder if it will be all right to message you when I get to that point? It sounds like you have nice set up for indoor gardening. I am curious of what kinds of vegetables you grow indoors?

@astrochuck Sounds wonderful. You must be a quick learner

Two I can think of our creamed corn and pork and beans

@astrochuck no, but I do have some beans I can sell you. You just plant them, climb up the vine, and there you will find the golden pork.

@PappyOnWings That would be nice if you could plant corn and beans and have them grow already processed into creamed corn and pork &beans

I would love some seeds. These sound wonderful. Are they best fresh or can they hold up to canning/saucing?

@Crimson67 Aren't black tomatoes great? They are savory

@misstuffy Every vegetable is best fresh, but tomatoes can well. We used to make salsa every year. There are tricks that I am happy to share the few I have.

@Leutrelle Ive been canning most of my life but I find some varieties hold up better than others, some are better suited to sauces and so on. I would love to hear any tips you have because I can always learn something new!

But in what location?

@RavenCT In my back yard in Tampa, Florida.

@astrochuck Believe me I know! lol
I'm was thinking "Farmer's Almanac?" but they have it by region.

I can remember my Dad having a huge veggie garden - and you have got to follow the seasons and know what you are working with for soil.

@astrochuck The bank in my Hometown still gives it out!

@wordywalt You can grow year round in Florida. Plant your broccoli, and cabbage, and peas in the winter in a cool spot.

@astrochuck My grandad was a farmer in Pa., and used the Farmers Almanac. If I remember he planted the frost sensitive crops after the first full moon in May.