My Gladiolus Graveyard : What Went Wrong? : Dame Edna Challenge POSTPONED : Flower Hill Farm

[@kaymill5565]

This is what gardening is all about. We win; we lose; we persevere. Thank you for the transparency.

[@terryhenderson424]

As a toddler I can remember people talking about crop rotation being more omportant for flowers than veggies.

[@shawnsg]

Everyone who's ever been in a long-term relationship heard that tone and felt that stare when she asked if he was about done with the saw.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

100% It was one of THOSE mornings.

[@ElderandOakFarm]

Hahaha! Yes! My neighbors are always cutting their grass or using some sort of machinery when I go to start filming too! 😭

[@crystalphillips7856]

Can you do a video on exactly how you are going to condition/ treat the soil? That would be amazing!

[@kathrynburgess8987]

Looks like mine this year. 3rd year also. Beautiful ones the last 2 years. Im going to rotate planting places too from here on out.

[@rechelleday408]

I love how you said “thank goodness I grew all kinds of things”. I fully agree! I also found my customers liked the diversity every week! They loved learning about the new flowers! Plus keeping it to only a few flowers is boring!! Thanks for telling your story. The good, bad and sad parts!!! You’re amazing!

[@janetbicker3840]

Would love to hear more about your use of nematodes and predators next spring. Sending good wishes and positive vibes your way for a successful glad crop next season!

[@christophertaylor9826]

Love your humor when things so wrong. Keep the videos coming.

[@amysoussan9185]

You could try running chickens in the gladiolus area once they're cut down, to thin out the thrips.

[@shammydammy2610]

They're pretty small for chickens to eat. And gladiolus are poisonous.

[@floydblandston108]

The excess rainfall early this summer was a maximal test for *everything* here this year. Every rot, mold, fungus, or insect we have was in full effect. Go with the flow, Possum.

[@45jessiemad]

I'm so sorry Nicole! 😞 crop failure stinks. Completely understand your pain. I started over 1000 ranunculus 2 weeks ago, and my husband turned on the heater in the room they were stored. So almost every single tray molded. 😭 Thankfully that was only half of them that I had started. You also made me order 500 or so more glads then I planned for spring 2022. 🤣

[@FlowerHillFarm]

UGH yea, always expect the unexpected in farming! Mold is the worst on baby plants!

[@DragonflyArtz1]

I use Cinnamon sprinkled on top of my (large pots) soil, rake it in about 1" deep with my fingers to get rid of nesting bugs (usually nest in the top inch of soil). Mainly for Aphids, gnats and fleas. It works great for me. I don't know if it works on Thrips. But you can buy a large bottle of Cinnamon at Costco. Cinnamon also promotes root growth so it can also be sprinkled on your bulbs. You can test it on some Thrips and see, maybe? Just tryin' to help. I use it everywhere now. I love the stuff. Peace.

[@sharoncalatayud8658]

I also use cinnamon as a deterrent for any deer, squirrels or others from munching on my tulips!! It works but you have to reapply after a strong rain. To me it’s worth the few applications and then the critters get the hint

[@DragonflyArtz1]

@@sharoncalatayud8658 Good to know. Making note!

[@Botruc]

Oh, I'm so sorry for your gladiolas! But don't lose hope! I had exactly the same problem with thrips last year. I grow around 150 glads and they were all destroyed by these stupid bugs! I still kept the corms and over wintered them (doing nothing special). Before planting, I threw them in a bucket filled with soapy water in which I added an insectiside against thrips and other 'sucking insects' and left them for 1 hour. I let them dry and planted them in the same spot as last year (also fearing that the trips might have laid eggs). However, this year they were splandid!! No thrips at all!! I sprayed them once with a 'bio' insecticide just to be sure but otherwise have done nothing in particular. I was a bit puzzled by the thrips sudden disappearance so I looked up a bit more about them. Apparently, they really do not like wet soil, and will only lay eggs in dry soil. Last year was super dry and hot and this year super wet and cold. So in the end, I am not sure if everything I've done to counter the thrips mattered or not. Next year however, I will be sure to water them on most days and quickly hose down their leaves. I am sure it will keep them happy!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you!

[@JAYNEmM1962]

Yes castill soap works wonders too.

[@cindywhalen5768]

Your hair looks very beautiful on this video! You are a beautiful fun lady. I truly enjoy your videos!

[@kimjapinga6550]

So sorry to hear about the glads. Your ability to roll with the punches is inspiring. What the thrip…..

[@bt60613]

Oh no!! NOT the Dame Edna Challenge. That’s hysterical. I saw her live several times. Never laughed so hard in life. RIP Dame E.

[@johnathonnagel]

Sorry you had all those troubles with thrips! I work with field crops and thrips are everywhere! So yes I think you are right that the infestation came from your environment rather than the corms.

[@melissacarreira461]

Funny timing- I received my “What the thrip?!” shirt today! (Along with a FHF tee and an incredibly thoughtful bday message 😍) I feel your pain to the core. Dealing with an insane invasion of Asian jumping worms here. I’ve gone through the five stages of grief over them. Hang in there, and keep pushing through. You are such an inspiring, bright light Nicole! 🌈🌼

[@gardeningonthewestforkwith8994]

My heart is sad for you . The work you put into such lovely farm . Life is hard and you see the bright side which is what it takes to garden . Forward , always forward ,everywhere forward. Thanks for sharing the downs and disappointments as well as the successes.

[@ilsija]

We always treating gladiolus bulbs whit insecticide before putting them in ground, we loose some to trips, but luckily not much. But we grew them only for about 5 year's. My friend lost almost all gladiolus last year, but this year was successful for her. Many grovers uses insecticide atleast 2-3 times per season we don't like to use it too much because it could affect bees.

[@carrolbaskin2847]

That's heart breaking. I'm happy you have such a good attitude about it and looking at solutions! 😭💔

[@Hala12122008]

Girl! you almost made me cry with this video😥! There is always another chance, you will be OK - God bless you💝. Hala from Canada...

[@oooops537]

Rock on sistah Gardena. Love your Realness. and your beautiful flowers and info. Thank you.

[@norinenagle6730]

Thanks for explaining why you threw out all the gladiolus a while ago.

[@christyleitner5949]

I'm sorry you lost most. I lost over vfc 2,000 and this year. Every single one 😔 never had a problem before. I already threw half away and have the rest to dig still. Glad I saw this ❤ I'll dig these treat and store! Thank you so much for your amazing videos!!

[@lmnoqrst4067]

Hope you're treating the soil in the new planting spot too

[@charlottegeeraert5895]

Gardening is an act of faith every year I love your sense of humour Oh btw you will make an awesome dame can't wait

[@wildbirdfarm]

Would love to hear how you are planning to treat the soil. I also had no usable glads this year…thanks thrips!

[@sunflowerflight]

I had thrips on some of my dahlias this year. I hope that they don’t overwinter because I would like to grow some glads next year in the same area. The last time I tried growing glads in a different flower bed, the plants failed to thrive. My husband thinks we had cutworms in our soil. Here’s hoping next year is a better year for growing glads for both of us!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I hope so too!

[@kelleyspiller5330]

My first year with thrips. It’s unbelievable how fast and sneaky those jerks are inside my dahlias. Would love updates on how you are treating your soil. 🤞🏼

[@larrytrudeau7964]

I had a Thrip problem a few years ago on Gladiolus. With diligent application of Spinosad I completely eliminated them. They came in on some Glads I ordered as they are not a native to my area. However, once introduced they can continue to live on corms that remain in the ground overwinter, deep enough to not freeze and kill thethrips.

[@StormWarningMom]

I was wondering what happened to that challenge. What a bummer about the glads!! What the thrip were they thinking?? lol Anyways, hope next year's crop will be amazing and you have great success with the glads. Cheers! :)

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you!

[@laurabaughman1272]

Thank you for sharing this failure! You give me inspiration and courage to share my own failures ☺️

[@leftright1606]

sorry for your loss, but thank you for sharing the lesson. And wish you a beautiful and healthy growing season next year

[@gretchenkaszuba734]

I feel your pain!! 😔 first year for my cut flower garden.... Groundhogs got my sunflowers and tall marigolds. Thrips were all over my Dahlias which I've never grown before. Leaf Hoppers on all my Zinnias. But I still loved growing everything.

[@SuperBlakes2]

Little buggers. I have had thrips on my gladiolus every year I have planted them. All in 3 different properties. I'm giving them a go again in my current garden. They are beautiful when they don't get thrips. 😭Sorry about your loss

[@lisak1570]

All my Dahlias were hit hard by thrips. Because I am in California, I usually overwinter them in the ground. This year I’m digging them up and treating them with diatomaceous earth. I’m just a backyard gardener so I don’t have an alternate place to plant them. I’ll probably do them in pots for the next season and try and treat the soil with nematodes etc. Looking forward to Dame Edna next season. Time flies!

[@lyla.aisle.of.blooms]

Omg I’d forgotten about the Dame Edna challenge!

[@fraukeg.facchini2691]

Nicole, I am so sorry for your crop failure. That is such a disappointment and loss for you. Thank you for sharing it because it is a warning to all of us who grow gladiolas. Best wishes for another crop in another spot next year!

[@jeanneamato8278]

I’m so terribly sorry for the loss of your glads.

[@meb280]

I feel your pain. Same problems, with hungry rabbits thrown in for good measure. Years one and two absolutely beautiful blooms. The last two years the blooms would not open, turn brown and wilt. Now I know it’s the thrips!

[@FaithandFun-w6q]

Lovely upload friend 🥰 Well done! Thank you for sharing..🙏💖

[@alissaeyre8302]

So sad!!! I hope the corms are healthy and you can get beautiful blooms next year! My glads didn't do well because we had such record breaking heat, plus a terrible drought! I've saved all my corms and I'm really looking forward to trying again next year!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

It was just an awful year for some crops! Fingers crossed for next season

[@sherylgardiner7]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[@LaceyLace_]

That's super upsetting 😡 😭 Fingers crossed next year will be better!

[@findmethrifty8396]

Even in backyard gardens, too many of the same species in one location will be detrimental to any plant health. Maybe space the gladiola patches farther apart with other flower patches in between? Hopefully that could slow an infestation down to be treatable. Especially when some flowers are more disease or pest resistant than others :)

[@fuubar21]

Growing a variety is absolutely essential! You're doing the right thing :-) You give me hope for spring!

[@tiffanyslager4369]

Yes diversity is resilience! Sorry about the thrips, truly are the worst tiny little suckers. I know you will soldier on, and continue to inspire us all 💕

[@jessiemcbride3465]

So sorry about the glads! How frustrating!

[@clairegill7891]

I feel your pain! 😩I was the one who sent u a pm about losing all of my glads 😔 I’m only a beginner so I had no idea about thrips but I do now 😒 I ripped all of mine up and threw them all away because I just couldn’t look at them anymore! They looked awful! I Felt like a complete failure 😣

[@marcusseidel6824]

I had also thrips on my gladiolas ...planted them arlund trees in my street ....100 gladiolas. Was also sad. I will refresh soil and will choose another beauty ...love gladiolas nevertheless. Whish you the best for next year ...2022 will be a happy gladiolas year for sure.

[@altheab.8907]

So sorry to hear about the gladiolus. Hope the corms will make it. Pests in the garden can be so heartbreaking. May the thrips go away and never return!

[@ritajames7797]

Wishing you more success this year. Sorry you had such a loss last year. Hope to see another video soon showing your success.

[@jenniferhoffman5100]

Love your channel! As a vegetable farmer I recommend treating your new patch for the glads with the same corrective measures. Pests move under pressure, and you don't want them setting up shop in your new patch. Maybe plant a trap crop on the infested patch so they "stay and die". Good luck!

[@elizabethsmyth7769]

I almost cried watching you walking through the graveyard...

[@LisadeKramer]

Wow, prayers for next year.

[@mayfieldmanor5344]

How disappointing! We had so much rain this year all my glads had rust. I did not even have any flowers. It was really bad. Hang in there.

[@jessicaeiss2541]

Hi Nicole, just happened to watch this now.... thrips was my biggest problem with my dahlias last year, and I didn't think my glads were great either, so now I'll have to watch for thrips on them. Have you used horticultural oil or Captain Jacks? They're both organic sprays, and the HO worked really well on the dahlias. Hope you have a good year with them this year.

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

I see thrips very early on in the season on my roses. Within a few weeks they're gone. The only thing I can think of that is taking care of the problem is, 1-Weekly bt spraying 2-Ladybugs 3-Tons of yellow jacket wasps . I don't let them nest on my property but welcome them otherwise. Just btw, anyone telling you to grow a monoculture is not understanding much about soil health and beneficial insects. The more of a variety you have, the more beneficial insects you'll bring in. Now I do have a massive problem with spider mites. Weekly spraying helps for sure, but it's so bad, that next year I'll be ordering from Arbico Organics to help take care of the problem.

[@findmysoulgarden914]

That totally sucks... when in doubt don't give up, try try again!!!! Plant the Glads in a different spot for next year. 😊😊😊✌️

[@yoclark2723]

I'm so sad to hear about your crop failure. Sending hugs.😞

[@apexacres8968]

I had the same problem this year. They were all just destroyed. I’ll try one more time then I’m done.

[@VanessaLong]

ugh... what a horrible loss. I just grew them for the first time and now I'll be keeping an extra-close eye on them next year. You're so inspiring and growing something truly beautiful down there. I just pulled my dahlias today and one had crown gall and I only recognized it because you shared what happened last year. Thank you for continuing to share your journey - even, and especially, the not-so-great parts.

[@shanlynwebb]

That’s just awful what’s happened to the Glads. Really sad. I think the bulbs should be ok. Chin up🍀

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you

[@Artzenflowers]

Oh! CUTE hair tho! Sorry about the glads. 😞 you’re such a trooper though. Hang in there Nicole!

[@coloradotulips]

Hi Nicole, some gladiolus varieties are less resistant to thrips. Robinetta, Alba, Green Star, Live Oak. I’m staying away from Charming and Charming Beauty - In a 2021 study, they came out the worst of 14 tested varieties.

[@oranjmusemeyer968]

I guess I am lucky, nothing bothers my Glads. I do absolutely nothing to them except water them when they are th thirsty. I don't dig them or anything, it's also one the few things the gophers don't even bother with trying for dinner! I love them!

[@melbawilson7697]

They are beautiful my problem something eating them leaves full of holes I use cinnamon no more problem it might work.

[@adayinthelifeofarancherswi2985]

I love your personality!! 👌❤️

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you!

[@BrittanyS143]

I love your intro💞 Yes, it's an absolute beautiful flower! Them white ones are my absolute favorite!! You have a green beani you wore last winter can you share were you got that beani from please? Could they of laid eggs in them corms before you even ordered any?? They could of came from anywhere really. You will have a great 2022!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I made the hat

[@alyssa0411]

I had a ton of Gladiolus planted in my front yard. I had the same issue. The flowers were wilting before even fully blooming. It was such a disappointment. Some made it and they were pretty but it seemed like even the lowest flowers wilted within a day or two. They were definitely struggling.

[@Wicked1TN]

First off, your hair looks amazing!!!! Second, I also lost all of my glad's this year. I am in 7A, so mine over winter in the ground. The only problem with that is they all bloom at the same time. Which is nice when you have buckets full of them to give away to friends and family. But then you just have the leaves to look at for the rest of the season. All of the new bulbs I planted had issues from the suppliers, (way under sized bulbs, fingers crossed next season is better). I love the enthusiasm that you put into growing flowers! Thank you, for such great content.

[@sheilaanderson912]

So sorry about your Glads :( but I'm glad you are giving up. As one of the military mottos says, "adapt, improvise and overcome". I look forward to seeing what happens next year.

[@DebOfAvondale]

Oh man! I'm so sorry, future bestie!! I had been wondering if I missed the Dame Edna update and now I understand. I cant even fathom how hard it was losing such a massive crop that you were looking forward to so much! I only recently watched the video of you planing them and showing the bulbs you selected. You were so excited. I feel confident that you are right in moving them away from that soil. Im sure you will have a great crop next year and your love for Gladys will continue to (dare I say) flower. :)

[@TheFinFarm]

I had the same problem with my gladdies this year. Total devastation of 2K corms planted. So disappointed. I also pre-treated my Fred Nagel corms with DE. I hope your crop rotation works for you! I am going to try the same thing. Xo!

[@cherigreen4471]

Great positive attitude! I wish you lots of success in the coming year!

[@gaynachapman5751]

Well, I'm sorry about the glads! I got my Flower Hill Farm hoodie today and and am loving it 💕

[@FlowerHillFarm]

I'm so glad!

[@mihaeladog7187]

I like your hair 😇. It’s nice getting cold and we can let the hair down and get rid of ponytail 😂. Outsmart the bug , yes it a reality , bugs are “ smart” , not smart but very well equipped to survive. If dooms day comes and we all disappear guess who will stay : the bugs 😬.

[@bewiththebees5835]

I also lost all of my glds to thrips. I never had them before. I think they came in a order I got this year. I will try again next year.

[@kristincochran4658]

I always thought the same thing..you need to grow everything to make the best bouquets all season long..you grow girl

[@HoneyAppleFarm]

Man, that sucks. Our beautiful pumpkin plant was destroyed by a bug infeststion, and it was maddening that we couldn't do anything. Fingers crossed for a bountiful, healthy Year 4 Glad crop!

[@rhondakieffer1666]

Love the HAIR!

[@amandasenn7475]

Gladiolus are supposed to be deer resistant. I just bought a 12 pack for $2 at family dollar! The best ones I ever grew were red and white mixed like a candy cane!

[@lindalagarce8996]

Oh wow! I’ve never heard of this, how do we treat the soil? I have them in a cut garden and just planted them this past summer. Hugs and love from Texas!

[@micktheflowerchick4880]

Omg girl SAAMMMEE! Complete crop failure on the glads for me too 😭

[@dentednj]

Or you can cover the buggy areas of soil with heavy black plastic for a year and let the sun sterilize that area. I wonder if maybe as a flower grower that may be an idea to keep your beds clear in the most inexpensive way. Moving that black plastic down the garden every year to a new section. Worms will come back after you remove the plastic.

[@vf-114jock2]

Question: I have some glads in a raised bed. I think drainage may be a problem. Following a heavy rain - A shoot was about 3 days from popping the buds and then went brown. Now it looks like all the blossoms are seed pods. Am I crazy???

[@dacmiracristea6183]

Can you replant the bulbs next year if you had rust on them current year? I have like 40 of them for my little garden, but they were a mess. It was my first time planting them 😢 Can you treat the bulbs in any way for fungus, is this needed?

[@michelleh4588]

Damn I thought mine had some sort of virus, but they looked exactly like yours. The flowers had weird white scars running through them when they finally bloomed. Damn thrips!

[@rajishmaharaj7552]

Real sorry your glads got hit so bad by the thrips. Fingers crossed you can annihilate those thrips. Next year will be an even better season for you.

[@radmilamiljanic5977]

So sad, but a part of the growing process, you'll be fine next year:))

[@valiumsurbanjungle2041]

I'm really sorry for what happened... I've had some issues with a lot of plants this year, and especially bulbs (my Dahlias are just blooming!!) but it was probably due to our insanely high temperatures which lasted for weeks on end. My most trusted horticulturist had advised me to spray everything with "summer oil" (I'm guessing some type of horticultural oil) once the foliage was up in spring and another one in early summer, just before the first buds opened (I'm guessing in your climate it'd be late spring and mid summer?) and in spite of the weather, I didn't have a lot of bug issues (besides my nemesis Icerya). If you'd like I can look up the active ingredient of the oil (it's the most common oil in Greece), so you can find an equivalent one and maybe try it too with everything else next year. Best of luck!!

[@ihopeugrow]

Poor glads. But I love your hair!!!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Thank you!

[@eileenmc8808]

So sorry possum! Love the Dame! Good luck with your glad efforts.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Much appreciated

[@canadiangirl5159]

None of my Glads came up. I blamed the drought and heat wave up here in Alberta, in May/June, that didn't stop through August and September. Hopefully next year will be better. Although, my lavender loved it.

[@sunflowersteve3940]

Holy cow, that was a Thripapalooza going on.

[@FlowerHillFarm]

It was so bad! It definitely acted like a trap crop though and they avoided everything else!

[@ElderandOakFarm]

I understand your frustration with the saw! 😩 when I really need to film a lengthy video, I'll have my husband take the kids out, & then all my neigh or decide to bring out all the lawn mowers, weed eaters, saws, etc. & then the train goes by every 30 minutes, etc. I have neighbors on either side + across from me & a church behind me! (That's currently constructing a new shed) I want to buy a property with a little more land, just so I don't have to worry about all the noise! But I also dream of a (at least a) back yard view of a large field and then just a forrest-y area behind it... no houses/buildings!

[@marydrew3568]

Nicole- I lost my entire crop of Gladiolus this year to thrips! I planted about 300 corms and got 6 blooms, which didn't even look correct. I got the green leaves/shoots, but no more flowers. I decided to cut my losses and pull all of them and decided to never grow again. I just cannot stand another summer where I have to watch pests destroy a lovely crop of flowers. It is like watching them eat dollar bills, or should I say $100 bills. I'm sorry you also lost yours. I think you should see if moving them will deter the pests. I believe if you have thrips where they were planted, you have them more widely in the soil. I'm super sorry. ::raises fists to the sky!:: DANG THRIPS!!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Such a bummer!

[@everafterflowerfarm]

Ugh so sad. I’m sure you were so disappointed. Hope this year is better!!

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Me too!

[@juliepuhr9806]

Thank you for your honesty

[@FlowerHillFarm]

Always!

[@suzntrott]

I grew several gladiolus too & I had a thrips as well. This was my first time growing them, and I had bought the corms from Longfield gardens. I planted most in new pots & also a few in the ground. All of them looked like they had thrips. When I dug out the corms, I did not see any thrips, so I am confused.