Row by Row Episode 241: Spring Gardening Tips
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'Tis The Gardening Season! Tonight we're addressing some of the most asked gardening questions that we get this time of the year! No matter if it's over the phone, emailed, or on social media, these are our Top 10 most-asked questions (for 2023 that is). We're showing you how to step up your tomato plugs if you aren't ready to transplant in the ground just yet, talking seedless watermelon germination, and much more! Join us and let's grow together! 1.What do I do with plugs if I'm not ready to plant? Put your plugs individually in a container or pot at least large enough to hold the plug and a bit of soil, such as a red solo cup (with draining holes punched in the bottom) or something of similar size. The roots of the plug will grow to fill the pot/cup as it grows. Keep them in the sun until ready to transplant to your raised beds or in-ground plots 2. When do I start fertilizing my plugs? Fertilize your plugs once the seedlings develop their first “true” leaves. As seedlings grow, their first one or two leaves are “seed” leaves, which were the part of the stem surrounding the germinating seed. The leaves that grow afterwards are “true’ leaves, having the appearance and function all future leaves will have. Fertilize these seedlings with either our Complete Organic Fertilizer as directed or our Dr. Joe’s Tomato & Vegetable Bubble Tablets. 3. What do I do with potatoes with potential frost coming? What about other seedlings? We recommend using a frost protection cover to protect your tomatoes, peppers, or squash if it gets below 40 degrees F, and your potatoes if it gets below 30 F. Brassicas should be fine at 20 degrees F. 4. When do I need to start my roselle? Start your roselle indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or direct seed after the last frost in your zone. Roselle is susceptible to frost so do not plant directly until the soil is consistently 75 degrees F or above. 5. Why won't my seedless watermelon germinate? Seedless watermelons grow from hollow seeds that are very susceptible to rupturing of the cell structure, making them finicky to germinate. Wet your soil and warm it with a heat mat the day before, and after you plant your seeds, DO NOT WATER until the seeds begin to germinate. The soil temperature needs to consistently be between 80 and 90 degrees F or the seeds will get too cold to germinate. 6. Why are my Shelby, Hossinator, and Red Snapper tomatoes taking so long to germinate? Pelleted, primed seeds germinate differently than regular raw seeds do. Pelleted and primed seeds have been carried through part of the germination process already, and therefore do not act the same as regular seeds do. Regular seeds are more forgiving to improper watering and uneven moisture. The coating on pellets splits when exposed to water, allowing the seed within to germinate. Watering properly and consistently is the only way to ensure the pellets split open fully while also having proper respiration. 7. Can I still plant brassicas? In most cases, yes, you can still plant your brassicas now. 8. Why is my brass siphon mixer not working? The brass siphon mixer does not work with mist nozzles because they do not put out enough water to soften and run the fertilizer through. 9. Can sweet corn & field corn cross pollinate? How can I prevent cross pollination? Can I plant 2 varieties of sweet corn at the same time? Yes, it is possible for field corn and sweet corn to cross pollinate, so we recommend not growing them at the same time together. Instead, wait until it is warm enough, then plant sweet corn, then wait 3 to 4 weeks before planting field corn. Same principle with two types of sweet corn: grow them 3 to 4 weeks apart to avoid cross-pollination. 10. When will the Thom Multiplying Onions be available? They will likely be available in April, once our seed crop grows large enough bulbs. If you are currently growing your own multiplying onions, however, you are probably good to go on harvesting them.