What’s an axis deer?
Delicious!
Technically they are considered exotics. Years ago they a bunch escaped out of one of the high fences and they have proliferated. We use to have a large herd out here, but during the severe drought (2011) they disappeared from our area. They are just now coming back.
They are originally from southern India but were introduced into Texas as game many years ago.This is what they look like all grown up.
2 Likes
That’s a really pretty deer, actually. Usually deer look particularly plain.
1 Like
CL - I thought you were West but that looks South…
@TriednTrue Vicarious? Get in there son! Start with a clay pot of tomatoes or some herbs.
2 Likes
They are very pretty. The ice storm was very hard on them. One ranch in south Texas said they lost 2,000 due to the cold 
Some people here don’t like them because they feel they are an invasive species.
I am 54 miles from the heart of Texas so I am almost smack dab in the middle. In the hill country.
1 Like
Oh wow, 2,000 is a LOT to lose. Since they’re from India, they must not be cold-weather compatible.
I can see where people are coming from with not liking them but, as long as they aren’t destroying the ecosystem or food chain, I don’t see a problem.
1 Like
A clay pot is feasible for me. Although my yard is around 2/3 acre, the soil SUCKS. It’s gypsum and part powdery, part solid, and lacking any nutrients other than what tumbleweeds need. It’s absurd to have a decent sized yard for being in town but unable to plant or grow practically anything in it.
1 Like
Raised beds are an option. An easy, cheap solution is a plastic kiddie pool and some potting soil. A couple bush tomatoes, some peppers, garlic and onions. Bam… salsa garden!
2 Likes
The kiddie pool is freakin’ brilliant! I have chicken wire I can use to keep my pack of pooches out. Thanks for the idea!
1 Like
I use kiddy pools after my raised boxes rotted.
Got my parents hooked on them and they have like 6 now.
@TriednTrue Buy ones with holes for a discount and drill plenty of holes to drain.
Set up a trellis or get wire growing cones(?) For things to climb on.
2 Likes
Do you think raised boxes made from cedar would have any effect on insects and their impacts?
I used untreated softwood (probably fir or pine) and it was not up to the task after several seasons. Even though l put a plywood bottom and set on blocks, to keep rot or ground creatures / weeds out.
That said cedar is considered better againt rot. And the wood is supposed to be unappealing to boring insects. We have beetles that come in over the top here and attack the stem. I use marigolds and my mother swears by rosemary and mint.
But often just have to neem oil or physically squish these squash bugs.
Long answer but my grandfather wss the farmer. I’m just a rookie, having forgotten so much of the knowledge he gave me 50 years ago.
3 Likes
We got a nice rain shower night before last so I got the garden cleaned up yesterday and the first round of tilling done. Getting ready to plant. Running a little behind this year.
1 Like
That looks perfect!
1 Like
Perfect size!
Did the plants really take several years to produce?
Definitely. They are several years old. I usually only get a couple at a time.
2 Likes
You guys know my boxes are fallow this year, so quit withholding the pics…
1 Like