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Post by loamlump on Mar 11, 2006 8:30:01 GMT -5
I was just wondering what was going on with the Walking Stick Kale I sent out last spring.
Any news on their survival?
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Post by JackiMac on Mar 14, 2006 13:12:31 GMT -5
You know...I really do need to pay more attention to things! Loamy, I got your Walking Stick Kale in the last package you sent me...meaning the "birthday" box you snuck thru the post office  I did plant some and they were doing so good...thru all the rainy weather,then drought and even when I neglected them they were going strong...then...I got a puppy. That puppy is now a full grown golden retriever with energy to spare!  But...Jazzy took those walking sticks down  I'm trying again this year, planting out of her reach...she now has a 100' run in the backyard and I have relocated my garden spots. I am sorry,I should have said something earlier. I originally started them for my brother...he was going to need a good walking stick but he ended up buying 3 or 4 expensive ones then he passed away before I could harvest these...BUT!, my husband would like to try one...hoping we can grow one just right for his height...it's tough finding one to fit over 6' and comfortable to hold as well I guess I am planting plenty so he can take his pick (it will take about 2 yrs or so...he is so patient  ) and I promise to keep you updated. Jacki |
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Post by loamlump on Mar 15, 2006 8:14:54 GMT -5
How tall were they before Jazzy got them? The best I ever got was just over 5 foot before winter came along and killed them. That's why I sent them south - it is said that these biennials can go to 12', as long as you keep the older leaves harvested.
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Post by JackiMac on Mar 15, 2006 10:32:05 GMT -5
I don't really know exactly. I am 5'7" or close to it...depending on how I am feeling that day but they did get maybe 2 inches taller than me. Our winters are generally pretty mild...we do have freezing temps but it won't last longer than a week at most and mulch is very helpful. It hasn't snowed here in...maybe, 15 yrs. I mean REAL snow...more than a flurry or half an inch that melts when the sun comes up ...darn it!  Coming from Washington and seeing 5 feet snow drifts and using snow shoes to go out and cut our christmas tree every year...it's kind of a let down but I can't get my husband to move someplace more..."climatic"  He IS a southern fella after all  Anyhow, I am replanting my kale this weekend...our last frost ( in my opinion...and THAT's ALL that matters ROFL) has already passed us by so I think we are safe...I hope. Jacki |
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Post by feather on Mar 29, 2006 10:29:29 GMT -5
I'm in NC Loamy, if you feel they will do well here I'll try some for you.
Feather
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Post by ogkitt on Apr 2, 2006 12:56:29 GMT -5
Hey Loamy, I didn't start any last year. I felt it was too late.
But I just got my grow lite set up and started a few things last week. The little walking stick kale are all ready about 3" tall and there are 6 of them. Unfortunately, I will not be able to save seed as I'm in the same zone as you. Just hopin' to get some walkin' sticks for the family.
Kitt
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Post by loamlump on Apr 3, 2006 14:06:59 GMT -5
Kitt, if you can overwinter them (three feet of mulch), they should survive. It's worth a shot since they grow tallest in their 2nd year.
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Post by loamlump on Apr 3, 2006 14:09:42 GMT -5
I have a small amount still in my possession but have no room to grow myself. I will try and get them over the border so Feather can have a go at them.
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Post by wandak on Apr 3, 2006 21:39:57 GMT -5
I wrote a note on the yahoo site but I am going to try them again this year. Wanda
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Post by bagins on Apr 4, 2006 22:40:34 GMT -5
i'm going to get a couple out of the box you just sent. the rest i will send on to banker. are they like beets and produce seed the second year?
bagins
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Post by ogkitt on Apr 5, 2006 6:51:42 GMT -5
OK Loamy, don't laugh.......3 FEET of mulch? Like around it's base? Never tried anything like that, but would be willing to.
Kitt
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Post by loamlump on Apr 8, 2006 12:50:37 GMT -5
That would be 3' out from the plant base and at least three feet thick over the top.
There is another way, however, it requires a good deal of work, especially with a plant that could be 5+' by the end of the first growing season:
Uproot the entire plant, pot it up in a tub big enough to accomodate the roots, trim off growing leaves and over winter it in a cold but frost-free place - maybe a garage?
This technique can be used for most biennials, carrots, beets, etc. I do not have such a cold yet frost-free place.
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Post by ogkitt on Apr 10, 2006 12:17:43 GMT -5
OK, I'm really feeling stupid.....but I'm gonna ask anyway.
If the walking stick kale gets to say 5 feet in the first year, then how do I mulch 3 feet over the top of it? I've never mulched anything but my flowers (short) and last year I mulched over the swiss chard I'd grown. But that was only 1 foot over the leaves, so say about 2 feet tall. I have no idea how to mulch something over 5 feet tall.
Kitt
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Post by loamlump on Apr 11, 2006 9:19:21 GMT -5
My suggestions are straw bales; a huge pile of leaves and soil held in place with a tarp; build a very large dog house; get an elephant to sleep next to it.
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Post by ogkitt on Apr 13, 2006 19:38:02 GMT -5
Now where did I see that wandering elephant?? Surely he would like a good home with a big back yard, hmmmm. LOL
I love ya Loamy but IF the kale grows and IF I can get any of the lazy men in this family to help me, I think I'll try for the leaves and someway to hold them up.
Kitt
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But...Jazzy took those walking sticks down 
I'm trying again this year, planting out of her reach...she now has a 100' run in the backyard and I have relocated my garden spots.
) and I promise to keep you updated.
