May 2010
laying in soaker hose
Hopefully by now you’ve got your garden plot tilled (wouldn’t be able to do this without my mantis!) and soil amended or at least tested. If you have had poor results in a particular area, soil testing is a great way to see what your soil lacks. Now that your planting spot is ready, your planting plan plotted, watering zones and choice of delivery made (I use soaker hose under weed block) and some seeds started or some cole crops (cabbage, lettuce, kale, mesclun, snow peas) already planted. My Garden Report May 6 to current. Spring means beautiful flowers – the wonderfully aromatic scent of Iris blooming! Both the tall and short varieties are just about peaking, as are the grape hyacinth. Vegetable wise the snow peas are loving this cold, rainy weather. The radishes and lettuce are ready to thin. The garlic seems to be especially happy this year. The swingy May weather is having some effect on the tomatoes, the insulators (water filled tube surrounds) go open during the day and close for any sign of frost – the problem is the tomatoes have grown all the way to the top of their surrounds. The tomatoes are ready for their first feeding – but will time the fertilizing after the tomatoes have had a couple of “open surround” days. Will feed the snow peas and radish’s (after thinning) at the same time. Will have to replant green beans – the hard frost of the 6th finished them off with enough damage they will not recover (BooHoo) but the good news is there is still plenty of time to start beans from seed. Check out the horseradish – the silly thing must think its beyond spring – its already trying to bolt!
Horseradish Blooms!
You know spring is here when the ants start showing up – means the soil temperature is coming up. Ants do have some benefit to the soil by increasing the content of sand particles increasing drainage without affecting soil PH. See the complete article for Organic Tips for when the Ants come marching in here. Sprays, blockades , deterrents are all mentioned in this easy to follow article. Lemon juice, baking soda vinegar are all organic ideas for deterrents. Citrus oil, cinnamon and chalk are all used as barrier deterrents. Sprays range from capsicum, garlic to dish soap. Interesting idea’s all – I currently have a batch of hot pepper/garlic oil brewing – will report on its effectiveness. Check out the article for general pest management sprays here.
Take advantage of your local resources! Local Botanical Gardens (Ogden and Utah) offer excellent classes on everything from lawn management, pruning to general gardening. The classes are informal and wonderfully insightful as they are based on “local” experience. I attended the hanging basket class last year, it was very fun and the selection of plants was impressive and varied. Classes are also taught locally at the Water Conservancy gardens, check their site for classes on best watering practices and perennial recommends for local areas.
Are you looking forward to fresh herbs from your garden? The thyme, oregano and rosemary are all tender ready – The oregano is already at guerrilla stage – If anyone has any ideas I would appreciate comments on how to contain oregano????
Volunteer Oregano!
Alternative options to support local agriculture besides home gardening is to join a CSA. CSA?? Yup – community supported agriculture. Generally they are local farms that offer a weekly delivery of produce for a predetermined sum. You can see if there is one close to you on this page. Community gardens are another great alternative to adding local, organic produce to your menu. Generally, you rent a plot and tend it. All the gardens provide water, weed disposal and lots of local expertise. Plots are very affordable and can be a fun and informative family project. Check here to see if there is a community garden near you. Drumroll……can you hear it??? That is your local farmers market getting ready to start up. Always a great place to pick up weekly, local, organic produce. Click here to find your nearest Market and enjoy experimenting with fresh and new varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruit!
Almanac guidelines for mid month to mid-June (remember these are GENERAL guidelines)
13th-14th Favorable For Planting Beans, Corn, Cotton, Tomatoes, Peppers, And Other Above Ground Crops.
15th-16th Any Seed Planted Now Will Tend To Rot.
17th-18th Most Favorable For Planting Corn, Cotton, Okra, Beans, Peppers, Eggplant, And Other Above Ground Crops. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Gardens.
19th-23rd A Barren Period. Good For Killing Plant Pests, Cultivating, Or Taking A Short Vacation.
24th-25th Excellent Time For Planting Corn, Beans, Peppers, And Other Above Ground Crops. Favorable For Sowing Hay, Fodder Crops, And Grains. Plant Flowers.
26th-27th First Day Excellent For Planting Above Ground Crops. Second Day Favorable For Carrots, Beets, Onions, Turnips, And Other Root Crops. Both Days Good For Planting Cabbage, Lettuce And Other Leafy Vegetables, And For Planting Seedbeds.
28th-30th Do No Planting.
31st. Plant Late Beets, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, And Other Root Crops.
June 2010
1st. Plant Late Beets, Potatoes, Onions, Carrots, And Other Root Crops.
2nd-4th Poor Days For Planting. Kill Plant Pests, Spray, Fertilize, Do General Farm Work.
5th-6th Favorable Time For Planting Late Root Crops. Also Good For Vine Crops. Set Strawberry Plants.
7th-9th Cut Hay Or Do Plowing On These Barren Days.
10th-11th Good Days For Planting Root Crops.
12th-13th Seeds Planted Now Tend To Rot In Ground.
14th-15th Plant Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers, Corn, Cotton, And Other Above Ground Crops On These Most Fruitful Days. Plant Seedbeds And Flower Garden