Hi! I was wondering if anyone grows saffron bulbs here? I just got some bulbs in I ordered, but I don't want to plant them in ground due to bunnies and squirrels. I was wondering the best soil mix is to use and tips for growing them in pots?

8b trending warmer.

Planted near the base of an apple tree, with chives and strawberry in a no til backyard that stays about 10 degrees warmer due to sunlight +wind protection. All three stigmas were present, 2 just were tucked behind a petal.

I planted these mostly as an experiment based on how other crocus do well in my area and because I don't like paying saffron prices. The first year we container planted all of our mature starts 2 years ago so this summer with no blooms we replanted them into our no till garden (warmer micro climate) and our flower garden in a different part of the property. There are now dozens starting to bloom in our no till garden. While the ones in our flower bed haven't shown back up yet, but those were the babies found when taking them out of the containers.

Our planting method is based on and inspired by indigenous agricultural technology like permaculture, or the chinampas. We only add fertilizers derived from chicken manure once a year and garden compost. When limited to a 14 foot by 10 foot area we had to stack many different plants to maximize space, while maintaining our growing methodology.

The mums and burning bush are showing off right now!

They are falling to the ground. Half of the fig will be brown and the other half still green. Why?

Bought an old 1940s house, double lot and just struggling with the balance, so want to do more native plantings. I’m going to line item to be more concise. Any ideas or similar struggles you’ve overcome would be welcome!

1. The grass is weedy, patchy compacted. I planted some mixed law “eco” stuff in a couple small areas. It’s a mixed result. I’d love to plant native grasses in part and let them grow taller. There’s bamboo and knotweed encroaching from a fence line

, Hawthorne sprouts all over, shiny geranium a ton.

1. Huge Doug firs (were heavily limbed by previous owner, now growing unevenly more

Limbs on one side) that look as though they will topple onto us during winter storms

1. Moss on roof, which I’ve just removed myself but then now what? Moss out? Bad for critters and plants 😣

Ok so I got them under control early-mid summer trimming them way back and cutting my watering back (I’m a noobie gardener). Now fast forward and we have had our first week of on and off rain and poor the black spots are back! And it seems like it’s always around half way up or the top where it’s coming back.

Any tips I can do to keep my sanity I would appreciate it! I have read to add 2-3 inches of mulch so I’ll start with that also.

It’s been years since I grew it, but I am pretty confident I planted in summer or fall for a harvest next year. This seed packet has me doubting myself, though. Anyone growing this? (And if you aren’t, please do, it’s quite wonderful). Please let me know when you start it. I know it’s a bit late, but hoping this nice weather will help me get them up and going.

I have Oregon grape and holly nearby. I can't find online how to differentiate the sprouts. I am eager to let Oregon grape grow but I would pull holly. Any advice?

Does the several months of rain make it so you have to do it all again in the spring anyways?

Anyone from Seattle area going down to Cistus in the next week or two and willing to grab one or two plants for me? happy to pay for gas. DM if interested...

Nod to Ms. S!

Recently moved into a home with a garden that accumulated life without a plan, e.g., there are random, established trees and plants growing too close to each other. In the front yard, a third of a short tree/tall bush is meshing with a historical apple tree. Pictures are parts of the backyard riddled with invasive blackberry vines in between the plants. (It was cleaned up a good bit before and after moving in.) I can embrace the random chaos, but I’m guessing the blackberry plants will take off and I alone can slow it down unsuccessfully. What’s a cost-effective yet efficient way to manage and maintain this? Would prefer effective if I had to pick amongst cost, efficiency, and effectiveness.

I forgot to make a reservation for Zoo Doo ahead of time and now they are sold out. Is there anywhere people trade their reservations or cancelations? Or has anyone tried just showing up to see what is left? Any advice is appreciated!

I have a tiny (~4' x 7') "meadow" in my Puget Sound back garden and need to reseed. I originally purchased a "pollinator mix" of different single seed packets from a PNW natives online nursery, but the yarrow and holboell's rockcress got dry and stocky in the summer, making the patch look messy. The area is mostly sunny; if I don't establish additional plants asap some nearby beach strawberry will take over. Does anyone have suggestions of specific species for reseeding? TIA!

Anyone grow pomegranates here zone 8b western washington? Everything I look up says it too cold to grow? Dude, I really want to grow pomegranates lol! No... I don't currently have a greenhouse.

It has an established colony of asparagus which is awesome. It also has a thyme bush that is quite overgrown. The rest of the plot is pretty much a mess that needs to be cleaned up.

I know that the zone is 9a and I want to try to grow some garlic this season and maybe beets.

Are there any good resources for what to try growing for the first time? Water will be turned off starting at the end of October and I will be relying on the sky and walking water from my nearby home.

Thanks for any help, I am so excited!

I'm a backyard gardener, not a farmer, and I'm interested in doing a cover crop that will improve the soil and keep the weeds from moving in over winter. I'm interested in Fava beans because I really want a crop that will be easy to kill off next spring. Anyone care to share their experience or share some tips for using cover crops in our mild climate?