Don't Let Spring Weather Trick You - Transitioning To Warm Weather Crops

While parts of our country are battling snowstorms and freezing temperatures, we have enjoyed warm sunny days, and our thoughts migrate to planting warm weather crops. We dream of the day when we can fill our plots with corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and okra, to name a few.  Below are some articles and videos to help guide transition to a summer garden.

http://www.ucanr.org/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=20498

While we have experienced some warm days, we must not rush into planting summer crops just yet.  Cold temperatures cause warm weather crops to stress, weakening their immune system, leaving plants more susceptible to disease and low productivity.  Most articles reference "last frost date," a marker that is not applicable to our planting zone.  Night time temperatures may be a better guide for when to start planting summer crops.  UC Master Gardener Program blog offers some points to consider before planting summer vegetables in the garden.

https://cafarmandgarden.com/warm-season-crops/?ref=site

This article by California Farm and Garden is based in San Diego. Much of what is said is applicable to our area since San Diego is in the same planting zone (Zone 10).  There is a list of warm weather crops with suggested months to plant in the garden.  As mentioned, you may want to start summer crop seedlings ahead of time to gain growing time.

https://www.ufseeds.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-UrbanFarmer-Library/default/dw1d715b80/images/content/Planting-Zone-9.jpg

If you would like a visual, scroll all the way down to the end for a colorful chart on when to plant and harvest common vegetables.

Gophers In The Gardens

Telltale signs of gopher activity are a frequent occurrence in the community gardens.  If you see a loose mound of dirt in your plot, there is a good chance there is gopher activity below.  Another sign of gopher activity in your plot is when you discover your vegetable plant is healthy one day, and suddenly wilted or gone the next day. 


In an effort to control gopher activity in the garden, please help by:

1. Report any loose mounds and/or sudden wilted plant activity in your plot to your area inspector or the chief inspector.
2. Do not disturb any gopher traps that are set in the gardens.
3. Do not fill any trap holes.
4. Keep gopher trap holes dry - WATERING GOPHER HOLES DOES NOT HELP! 

Thank you for assisting with gopher control.

Weed Management - "Nut Grass"

Nutsedge, also known as nutgrass, seeks out the moist, poorly drained sections of your yard. Its leaves are grass-like and yellow-green, while the spiky head is purple or yellow. It's a tough weed to control because it grows from tiny tubers, or nutlets, that form on roots and can grow 8-14 inches deep in the soil. Getting rid of this weed can be accomplished but it requires diligence and patience on the part of the gardener.  Learn more from this article from SFGATE.

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/kill-nutsedges-vegetable-garden-40243.html

Strawberries, Anyone?

As warmer weather is upon us, visions of gardens abundant with vegetables and fruits dance in our minds.  To keep gardening exciting, how about planting something you have never planted?  I have recently enjoyed salads at a fast food chain that contain strawberries and blueberries. This has inspired me to grow strawberries this year.  

Click on the link below if you want to know how the ins and outs of planting strawberries. 

https://strawberryplants.org/4-secrets-to-growing-loads-of-organic-strawberries/

                                                           

Organic Gardening Basics

Beneficial information for any gardener!

Everything you need to know to get your Spring/Summer Garden off to a great start. In a four part series, you tuber NEXT LEVEL GARDENING wants to give you all the info you need to start strong and learn all the basics of organic gardening! The material is very informative.

Part 1:    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwCojS5gv70&list=RDCMUCcJceGUaevGlP7s2xzL9akA&start_radio=1&t=3

- Soil Type, Problems and Fixes ​ - Soil PH & Fixes ​ - Fertilizer Basics ​ - Watering Basics ​ - Pest & Disease Control ​ - Weed Control

Part 2:      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_XmUKSB4aI​

-Growing Zones / Hardiness Zones: ​ -Average First and Last Frost Dates ​ -Garden Placement​ -Raised Beds vs. In Ground Beds​ -No-Dig Gardening​ -Containers

Part 3:     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCWPUZMpPHg

-Cool Season vs Warm Season Crops ​ -Start Indoors or Out? ​ -Grow Light Basics:​ -Hardening Off​ -Seed Storage

​Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft9oBxsgao0

This video covers several different ways to start seeds including three different seed starting mediums. Included is a variety of purchased and re-purposed containers and seed starting trays.

Delicious Kale & Brussels Sprouts Salad

What's a gardener to do with all that kale growing in the garden?  Here is a very yummy kale and brussels sprouts salad that's tried and true!  I have made this salad many times and my little nieces and nephews LOVE IT!  I have substituted sliced cabbage for the brussels sprouts and it is just as delicious!  I hope you will give it a try!

Recipe from Bonappetit Magazine-

bonappetit/recipe/kale-and-brussels-sprout-salad

DIY Projest - So Simple!

Garden stakes are a great way to secure row covers and netting in the garden.

Here is a simple way to create your own garden stakes.

Easy huh?

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