Rainy days and Sundays always get me down when I can not garden!

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

WHAT'S A SPUD TO DO?

First grown in 1621, potatoes are the most popular veggie in the US.  A cool season crop, potatoes can survive a light frost. Plant in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked, 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost date.  Depending on the maturation date (time to harvesting), the goal is to harvest your potatoes before soil temperatures reach 60-70 degrees.  



You can purchase certified, disease free "seed potatoes".  (This will reduce the risk of caring over any diseases from the previous year).  However, I could not let this bag of potatoes go to waste, so I will take my chances.  

Pre-sprouted spuds will mature about a month earlier then using potatoes with just "eyes".  

Cut into 1" pieces with 1 to 3 "eyes" per piece.

Ideally, it is best to cut the potatoes about 2 days before planting.  This allows the pieces to dry, creating a "seal",  reducing rotting and disease.  

Potatoes like a slightly acidic soil of 6.0 pH or less.  I added some evergreens cuttings to the soil, and will side dress later on, once the plants are established.  

Dig down to a depth of 10" to loosen the soil.  Create 4" deep furrows, spacing cut pieces 12" apart.  Place pieces sprout side or "eye side" up, and cover with a couple of inches of soil.

I added a layer of leaves to help keep the ground warm.

I also decided to cover with weed cloth (for added warmth)  since we are expecting snow.

This area has been covered since February 9.  The ground has warmed up a bit, and the soil does not clump when squeezed.  However, we are about 20 degrees below normal, and snow is on the way.  I decided to put back the "cold frame" unto weather conditions improve a bit.  Once a week I will check on the progress and also give them about 1 to 2 inches of water.  





Tuesday, March 11, 2014

ADDING THE COLD FRAME GREENHOUSE TO MY "FRAME-IT-ALL" RAISED BED


Frame snaps together without tools!

Works with all FRAME IT ALL raised bed kits.

Slips into place

Inside view.

Roll up window with bug netting for air flow.

Greenhouse easily fits over the frame.

Greenhouse in the front with the veggie wall in the back.

Finished view!


https://www.frameitall.com/gardens-cold-frame-greenhouses

Sunday, March 2, 2014

"Honeybee shortage threatens crop pollination in Europe" By Matt McGrath Environment correspondent, BBC News

"In more than half of European countries, there are not enough honeybees to pollinate crops, according to new research."


Click on the link to read more......
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-25656283