The Gardening Code

The Gardening Code Jillian | The Gardening Code
Crack the code on your best garden yet!

02/11/2026

After one of our surprise early snowfalls in 2025, we found a few eggs cracked from freezing — the yolk and white expand and the shell just can’t keep up. Cool… but not ideal. Cracks = higher bacteria risk and a sign your coop needs better insulation.

So we insulated the coop that same day- more bedding and plywood to break the wind. Winter homesteading keeps you on your toes. 🐓🔥

01/27/2026

Chickens can usually handle the cold better than the heat. Even so, I’m taking precautions to prevent drafts which can cause frostbite and lower the chickens’ immunity. They also seem to really appreciate an extra helping of fresh food, but just like the summer there’s no food in the coop overnight to prevent rodents.

01/20/2026

Why this happens:
This is most often caused by peat-based seed starting mixes. Once peat dries out, it can repel water instead of absorbing it (yes, it’s a controversial ingredient, but very common).

How to fix it:
• Pre-moisten your seed starting mix in a larger container before filling cells
• Break up and mix the soil inside the cells, then bottom water
In either case, make sure the entire mix is evenly hydrated—not just the surface. Additional amendments like compost, vermiculite, and worm castings can change and hydrate the soil mix structure- that comes with its own pros/cons.

Why you shouldn’t ignore it:
Uneven moisture can lead to slow or failed germination, dampening off, weak roots, and stressed seedlings.

Happy gardening 🌱
Source- UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County

The cool season veggies are loving this rainy weather. I’m about a month behind on spring vegetables and flowers because...
05/17/2025

The cool season veggies are loving this rainy weather. I’m about a month behind on spring vegetables and flowers because I started a bit late and didn’t plant under row cover.
Here’s some of what’s pictured: chamomile, snap peas, brassicas, bread seed poppies, garlic, berries, lots of volunteering flowers like calendula, sun flower, and pansy.
I also started a small native-ish + rose garden this spring. It also functions as my kitchen herb garden.

Some of the harvests in the past ~month as I am insisting “this is the LAST harvest of the year”. With the exception of ...
11/11/2024

Some of the harvests in the past ~month as I am insisting “this is the LAST harvest of the year”.
With the exception of a few carrots and some chard… I really think I am done for the season.
Emotionally/mentally I am ready for a break. Now I’m doing the not so fun prep and clean items- moving compost, removing grass for wildflower beds, planting garlic, cleaning equipment, ect.

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The Woodlands, TX

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