Yes, it is that time again. Why? because some things, like onions and asparagus, can be started as early as January. then I start the flowers..then the peppers, tomato and basil. this will run up into April when we start planting-onions, parnsip, pea, etc.
I'm investigating hybrid seed this year. Why? because drought does not explain dying zucchini, or a lack of bean pods on the green beans. I am attempting to find improved types with heirloom parents.I figure disease resistant types while I keep improving the beds will work, in the long run. I do have saved seed of several veggie and flower types...I might add, good compost is one of the cures for disease. it allows a better balance of organisms.
Here are some ideas I am "noodling"
"Jade" and "Knight"pea and "Crockett" beans;"Big Beef Beefsteak" and "Country Taste F1" tomatoes,parsnips "javelin" and "gladiator", Cucumber "Fortune F1". Heirloom pumpkin, as they did fine-though powdery mildew resistance in butternuts, etc are possible; perhaps improved Dill...just type those trademarked names into your search engine and you should find lots of delightful seed companies.
I need a lot of flowers. nasturtium and calendula,cosmos and cleome (to bring the bees!) . and herbs and onions. I am going to expand the polyculture beds. As well as setting aside more room for beans! ( my niece loves roasted green beens...we cannot grow too many!) This means the peas and beans and onions get a reduced role ( or different ground for main crops)' but i want to expand the multiplier onion bed. I love the darned things.
Doubled the garlic grown..such a treat...Dugansky and Inchilium Red, and indeed the organic starts proved useful; no disease. the bulbs are just beautiful; flavor intense., should be even bigger this year.
The Tomatoes are going in to bigger planting pots. think Whiskey barrel or bigger.Might prevent uh-puppy playing damage. this probably does mean having to buy some soil for the first year(we have 2 bigger planting pots so need at least 4 more). I don't think you can overspend on such a basic part of the garden. Organic..good balance. May even give in and get specialized Tomato soil ( and might do the same for peppers; big pots of peppers. also to get them up from puppy teeth. had lots of them but didn;t get to eat them)
I do like Caribe potatoes and will order new stock for the potato bags. ( pale yellow; yummy) it was so hot i don;t think the bags were given a fair trial. All produced though not as much as i would have liked. the bags are filled with compost and mineral supplements,then comfrey and nettle leaves, then straw for the last few inches.
the big projects are placing vines around the new arbor ( ground covered with compost, minerals and lime, cardboard and straw) we think Ken;s Red kiwi vines, a clematis for the darkest corner..and perhaps morning glories or trombocini vines for fill in this first year.And completing moreof the apple tree polyculture.
I'd like more cherry bushes,currents, and nitrogen fixers around the apple trees; which did very well in spite of drought, with their flower and comfrey companions.We'll see if the medlar and jujube made it. I will say the berries are FABULOUS and should produce well next year.So pretty with all the leaves turned red...so happy in their bed of straw.
and do consider making soil blocks instead of all those plastic pots. I really think it improved the veggie starts tremendously.Don;t forget lime and minerals in your beds and compost...and things should be GOOD!
as far as those seed companies; some of my favorites
Johnny's Seeds
Southern Exposure
Kitchen Garden Seeds
That should get you started! don;t forget Park's, Burpee, and Harris.
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