r/GardenersJapan

I recently read a novel (半島へ by Inaba Mayumi) where the protagonist often refers to a "24 seasons calendar" (二十四節気) in order to do her gardening.

The calendar supposedly mentions when to plant flowers of all sorts, bulbs, crops, fruit trees, etc ; when to harvest those, and overall seems like a very complete and useful guide, while also showing traditional and poetic aspects of the passing of seasons in Japan.

I was wondering if any of you guys were using something similar ? Or maybe, would you happen to have recommendations about comprehensive gardening guides / calendars specific to Japan ?

I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to gardening, but I also enjoy it.

I enjoy the experience more when I actually put the seeds in the soil and watch the entire process.

But, on the annuals (specifically for veggies and vine stuff) I think I'm putting the seeds in too late (my tomatoes and cucumbers are just now at the size that they probably sell at the store to grow lol).

Looking ahead to September/October, what's something I can sow now (and even keep it indoors) that could get ahead of the game come fall?

PS-I currently have beet and Brussels sprouts seeds (either of these good to sow now/soon?).

I bought a mint plant because I thought it might be interesting. But I have no use for it and as I was told they are prolific. They grow like a mofo. I'm gonna toss the fkr.

But before I do, does anybody have any ideas how it can be used?

For the record folks, the son of a bitch is in a pot.

So back in the states we would rarely get wasps/hornets in our area. When we did, jet sprayed them into oblivion…nest and all.

I have a small piece of lawn that I’d like to put a portable pool and BBQ grill on those rare nice weather days for the family. However, every now and then I see HUGE wasps or hornets (not sure what they are) flying around doing their business.

Fear unlocked: the little toddler and/or old grandma are out there having fun and BAM they get stung or swarmed on. We don’t see any nests around and they seem to come from one direction and leave another.

What do you all use to keep wasps/hornets/other flying death machines from an area that you are using outside? I just bought some sprays and coils (that you burn and they give off some kind of incense?). Would that be enough for a couple of hours out in the garden?

Or other ideas that you all have done or know about?

Thanks!

As the title says. Something is cutting through the main stem of my some of my basil plants. What is the culprit, i have planted in a raised-bed herb garden I made this year from cedar. They are being cleanly lopped at ground level. FWIW I'm in Tohoku.

I took some video when I first started my allotment, and some more on the solstice. It's so cool to see the contrast between the bare earth and my crops! Two days after June filming, I dug up my potatoes and did a big weeding session. My biggest mistake was transplanting sweetcorn instead of direct sowing and thinning smaller plants.

Not sure how much I'm going to be able to achieve through the summer as I'm in my second trimester of pregnancy so will struggle with the heat, but at the end of summer I'll plant some daikon and other winter crops.

What's happening in the garden this week that's got you down? Share your stories and you just might find some helpful tips to make sure your downfalls don't repeat themselves!

Please be civil in all comments.