I started expanding this garden in early April from five to nine beds. I did not use a tiller. Instead, I carefully removed the sod which was used in two other areas of the yard left bare from tree/stump removal the year before.
This year, I am using non-hybrid seeds, also known as heirloom seeds, in lieu of commercial seeds. The advantage is that you can save seeds from the previous year's crop for planting. The commercial seeds are good for only one year, and seeds that are produced will not grow plants at all, or if they do, they are likely to be poor producers.
I started some seeds indoors-- Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers and escarole. I learned the hard way that tomato seedlings should not be introduced to direct sunlight abruptly. I also learned that starting beets and escarole indoors is a waste of time and effort. The tomatoes are now in the ground, but stunted. Next year I will stick to tomatoes and cucumber starts indoors only, and I will certainly "harden" the tomatoes gradually.
Seed planting into the ground-- Peas, beets and summer squash on about May 12, followed by bush beans on the 18th or so. The beans are beginning to show as of this post.
At this point I am simply placing grass clippings around plants that are large enough. The pea trellis is next on my list. The tomato cages will come into play when the plants get about 3 or 4 inches high.
This year, I am using non-hybrid seeds, also known as heirloom seeds, in lieu of commercial seeds. The advantage is that you can save seeds from the previous year's crop for planting. The commercial seeds are good for only one year, and seeds that are produced will not grow plants at all, or if they do, they are likely to be poor producers.
I started some seeds indoors-- Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers and escarole. I learned the hard way that tomato seedlings should not be introduced to direct sunlight abruptly. I also learned that starting beets and escarole indoors is a waste of time and effort. The tomatoes are now in the ground, but stunted. Next year I will stick to tomatoes and cucumber starts indoors only, and I will certainly "harden" the tomatoes gradually.
Seed planting into the ground-- Peas, beets and summer squash on about May 12, followed by bush beans on the 18th or so. The beans are beginning to show as of this post.
At this point I am simply placing grass clippings around plants that are large enough. The pea trellis is next on my list. The tomato cages will come into play when the plants get about 3 or 4 inches high.
No comments:
Post a Comment