Ouch!

Edna wrote:
> In article <loadnUPs2OySbYbVnZ2dnUVZ_rSrnZ2d.RemoveThis@earthlink.com>,
> "m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"
> <"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> Edna wrote:
>>> I've been trying to grow California poppies in front of my fence
>>> (from seed), and so far they've only come up in one little section.
>>> I probably started them too late this year, though--maybe I'll
>>> have better luck next year.
>> The trick appears to be to turn over the soil *thoroughly* before
>> raking in the poppy seeds.
>
> I turned over the dirt all along the fenceline. The only difference
> between where they sprouted and where they didn't was the soil. The end
> where DH dumped a bag of topsoil sprouted nothing, while the end that I
> filled in with heavy clay-ey stuff from another part of the yard popped
> up a bunch of poppies. I guess they don't like nice dirt
>
>>> I recommend sending your brother out with a shovel to do the heavy
>> work. :> The area my brother turned over before poppy-ing is the
>> area where the poppies came back strongest, in the second year.
>
> I usually send my husband out to do the heavy turning, while I work on
> the edges.
>>> <snip>
>>>> I do need more daffodils, though. I just don't feel like feeding
>>>> the gophers and deer with them. *GGG*
>>> Deer don't eat daffodils. At least, that's what I've always heard.
>>> I can't tell you about gophers, though. We have raccoons and
>>> squirrels, and I'm not sure who is responsible for digging holes in
>>> the pots I have on the porch.
>> Check your dogs and your children. :> I found the Lost Boy digging
>> holes in my pots, a time or two.
>
> Our dog doesn't have access to the front yard (since it's not fenced),
> and I'm pretty certain my kids aren't sneaking out at night just to dig
> in the dirt So, it's either some local form of wildlife, or perhaps
> someone else's pet.
>

I vote for the squirrels. I know that they dig around my neck of the woods.

'wyrm

Edna wrote:
> In article, <"m_thomas[numBksInLastHrldMage]"@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> Edna wrote:
>>
>>> I've been trying to grow California poppies in front of my
>>> fence (from seed), and so far they've only come up in one
<snip>
>> The trick appears to be to turn over the soil *thoroughly* before
>> raking in the poppy seeds.
>
> I turned over the dirt all along the fenceline. The only difference
> between where they sprouted and where they didn't was the soil.
> The end where DH dumped a bag of topsoil sprouted nothing, while
> the end that I filled in with heavy clay-ey stuff from another part
> of the yard popped up a bunch of poppies. I guess they don't like
> nice dirt

Ah. That's not a problem I have in my back yard... no husband to dump
large heavy items anywhere. I tend to dump nice dirt in small, not
very heavy quantities. :>

But, yes, I think some of the wildflower species actively don't like
too much nitrogen. Great, from the point of view of a lazy gardener.

>>> I recommend sending your brother out with a shovel to do the
>>> heavy
>> work. :> The area my brother turned over before poppy-ing is
>> the area where the poppies came back strongest, in the second
>> year.
>
> I usually send my husband out to do the heavy turning, while I work
> on the edges.

That's the ticket!

<snip>
>>> and squirrels, and I'm not sure who is responsible for digging
>>> holes in the pots I have on the porch.
>>
>> Check your dogs and your children. :> I found the Lost Boy
>> digging holes in my pots, a time or two.
>
> Our dog doesn't have access to the front yard (since it's not
> fenced), and I'm pretty certain my kids aren't sneaking out at
> night just to dig in the dirt So, it's either some local form
> of wildlife, or perhaps someone else's pet.

Neighbor's dogs is a possibility. How many Chihuahuas in your
neighborhood?

But, yes, the racoon/opossum option might be the way to go. Or
chipmumk/squirrel. I think they're more active your area than mine.
Lucky you. :>

--
Megan
Journeyperson Dancing Barbarian
Keeper o' the FAQ: http://home.earthlink.net/~m_thomas3/abml/