Cold weather seed instructions
Transcription
Cold weather seed instructions
2015 GARDEN RESOURCE PROGRAM COOL WEATHER SEED INSTRUCTIONS These seeds are all cool weather crops that can be sown directly into the garden. They do not need to be started indoors. You will receive additional seeds intended for warm weather planting at the Hot Crop Distributions on May 14th or 16th. VARIETY: Name of Variety (F1 indicates that it is a hybrid) (days to mature) and description QUANTITY: Information on the estimated space each packet will be able to plant. SOWING: Appropriate time to sow, germination notes, and information for continuous seeding. SPACING: Appropriate seed spacing and depth. NOTES: Other information gardeners might need to know. All Greens Mix VARIETY: ‘GRP Mix’ (21 days) A beautiful mix of greens including Mizuna, Red Mustard (Scarlet Frills and Red Giant), Tatsoi, and Tokyo Bekana. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 16 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Cool weather crop. Sow in early spring or late summer. SPACING: Gently shake the packet to mix the seeds. Sow about 5 seeds every inch, 1/8 inch deep, in rows that are 2 inches apart. NOTES: “Cut-and-come-again” harvest by cutting individual leaves when they are 3-4 inches tall, above the growing point, but leaving the plants in the ground for re-growth and additional harvests. Young leaves make great additions to salads; older leaves are excellent stir-fried. Flea beetles are fond of many of the varieties in this mix. Using row cover can help to reduce damage. Arugula VARIETY: ‘Arugula’ (21 days for baby, 40 days for full size) A delicious salad green that gets spicier as the weather gets hotter. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 15 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Cool weather crop; sow mid-spring through late summer. Sow every three weeks for a continuous supply. Arugula will have a sharper flavor in the summer months. SPACING: Sow about 5 seeds every inch, ¼ inch deep, in rows that are 2 inches apart. NOTES: See All Greens mix notes Beets VARIETY: ‘Detroit Dark Red’ (60 days) Classic red beet with good size roots and tasty greens. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 6 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Cool weather crop, but does best slightly later than radishes and turnips, when soil has thawed well and warmed some. Sow mid-spring through late summer, sowing every two weeks for a continuous supply. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every inch, ½ inch deep, in rows 4 inches apart. Thin to 1 plant every 2-3 inches if you want fewer, larger beets. If you thin, toss the baby leaves into a salad for a tasty addition. NOTES: Beet greens are edible too! Prepare as you would other greens like chard, kale, collards, or mustard. Carrots VARIETY: ‘Nelson’ (F1) (56 days) A good variety for sowing early and harvesting during warm or hot weather. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 7 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Sow in early spring through mid-summer. Because of their long roots, carrots grow best in deep, loose, rock-free soils. Keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Be patient as carrots can take as long as 3 weeks to germinate. SPACING: Sow ½ inch apart, ¼ inch deep, in rows 2-4 inches apart. After seedlings emerge, thin plants to between ¾ and 2 inches apart, depending on how large of a carrot you want. NOTES: Keep them well-weeded, as carrots will easily be taken over by weeds. Make sure to cover the tops of carrots that are exposed with soil to keep the carrot tops from turning green. Late season carrots can stay in the ground for much of the winter. Even if the green tops die or turn brown, go ahead and harvest the roots - they will be sweet! Like many veggies, carrots are sweeter when grown in cooler weather than in the heat of summer. The Garden Resource Program supports over 1,400 gardens and farms across our community and is made possible through the collaboration of hundreds of community-based organizations and residents. The 2014 Garden Resource Program is coordinated by Keep Growing Detroit. For more information please contact 313.757.2635, email keepgrowingdetroit@gmail.com, or visit www.detroitagriculture.net Collards Lettuce VARIETY: ‘Champion’ (30 days for baby, 60 days for mature leaves) Dark green color with long, broad, wavy, tender leaves. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 16 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Collard greens are hardy and can withstand light frosts. Sow in early spring and late summer. SPACING: Sow seeds 1 inch apart, ½ inch deep, in rows that are 2 inches apart for baby leaves, or 12 inches apart for full-sized plants. NOTES: Flea beetles are common pests of collards. Using row cover can reduce damage. VARIETY: ‘GRP Lettuce Mix’ (28 days for baby mix, 55 days for full size heads) A mix of lettuces in different colors and textures including Outredgeous, Black Seeded Simpson, Parris Island, and Rouge D’Hiver QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 16 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Cool weather crop – if grown during the summer, it often bolts (goes to seed) or is bitter. Lettuce sprouts very poorly in temp over 75 degrees. Begin sowing lettuce in early spring. Lettuce can be grown in the summer if it is well-shaded. SPACING: Gently shake the packet to mix the seeds. Sow about 5 seeds every inch, 1/8 inch deep, in rows 2 inches apart for baby mix. For full size heads, thin to 1 plant every 8 inches, in rows 8 inches apart. NOTES: Lettuce needs sunlight to germinate, so cover seeds with only a very light sprinkling of soil. “Cut- and-come-again” harvest by cutting individual leaves when they are 3-4 inches tall, above the growing point, but leaving the plants in the ground for re-growth and additional harvests. Harvest early in the morning or in the evening in order to avoid bitter taste. Mustard Greens VARIETY: ‘Southern Giant Curled’ (21 days for baby, 45 days for full size) Bright green leaves can be used young in salads, or cooked when fully mature. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 16 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Mustard greens are hardy and can withstand light frosts. Sow in early spring and late summer. SPACING: Sow seeds 1 inch apart, ½ inch deep, in rows that are 2 inches apart for baby leaves, or 6 inches apart for full-sized leaves. NOTES: Flea beetles are common pests of mustard greens. Using row cover can reduce damage. Shelling Peas VARIETY: ‘Premium’ (60 days) Sweet, crisp, 3 inch pods. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 8 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Peas are a cool weather crop. Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Sow in mid to late summer for a fall crop. For faster germination, soak seeds in water for no more than 24 hours before planting. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every inch, 1 inch deep, in rows that are 1 foot apart. Vines will grow to about 2½ feet and can be grown with or without the support of a trellis. NOTES: This variety is a shelling pea, meaning we are harvesting for the peas, not the pods. Wait to pick until the pods are nicely swollen, about 3 inches long. The flowers and young shoots are also edible, so pick a few and add them to your salads! However, be aware that each flower you pick will decrease the yield of pea pods. Snap Peas VARIETY: ‘Sugar Sprint’ (65 days) Sweet, crisp, 3 inch pods. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 8 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Peas are a cool weather crop. Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in mid to late summer for a fall crop. For faster germination, soak seeds in water for no more than 24 hours before planting. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every inch, 1 inch deep. Vines will grow to about 2½ feet and can be grown with or without the support of a trellis. NOTES: This variety is a snap pea, meaning that the entire pea pod can be eaten. Wait to pick until the pods are nicely swollen, about 3 inches long. The flowers and young shoots are also edible, so pick a few for your salads! However, be aware that each flower you pick slightly diminishes the yield of pea pods Spinach VARIETY: ‘Space’ (F1) (39 days) A tried-and-true variety of spinach good for spring, fall, and overwinter growing. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 10 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Spinach is a cool weather crop which germinates well in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Sow again in late summer for fall crop. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every inch, ½ inch deep, in rows that are 2 inches apart for baby spinach, or 1 foot apart for full-grown plants. NOTES: Spinach is a great crop for experimenting with season extension! Spinach planted in the late summer or early fall should stay alive all winter long, under row cover or even just under the snow, and be ready for harvest all winter long and into the early spring of the next year. Radishes VARIETY: ‘Cherry Belle’ (30 days) A good smooth red-skinned bunching radish. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 7 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Sow in early spring through late summer. Radishes are a cool season crop, among the hardiest of all vegetables. They should be planted slightly later than peas. Sow seeds every 2 weeks to ensure a constant supply throughout season. SPACING: Sow seeds 1 inch apart, ½ inch deep, in rows that are 2-4 inches apart. NOTES: Flea beetles are especially fond of radishes. Row cover can be used to prevent damage, but they usually grow fast enough that damage won’t affect them. Harvest on time for crisp radishes- they will turn tough if they are left in the ground too long. Their greens are also edible! Try blending them with olive oil and garlic for a spicy pesto. Swiss Chard VARIETY: ‘Bright Lights’(28 days baby, 55 days full) Produces a wide array of vibrant colored leaves and stems. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 15 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Chard prefers cool weather, but is one of the more heat-tolerant greens. Sow in spring through late summer. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every 2 inches, ½ inch deep. Thin to 1 plant every 4-6 inches for larger leaves. Sow every 4 weeks for continuous harvest. NOTES: Each chard seed will sprout 1-3 plants. When harvesting, you can cut each leaf individually, or cut across all stems at once. Be sure to leave the growth point and enough baby leaves so that the plant can keep growing, and you should be able to harvest from the same plant 2-3 times. Aphids are a common pest on chard leaves. Row cover can help keep the plants pest-free. Plants can also be blasted with a heavy hose spray to clear aphids from the leaves and base of the stems. Turnips VARIETY: ‘Purple Top White Globe’ (45 days) A classic turnip that can be grown for its greens or its root. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant up to 30 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Turnips are a cool weather crop, but will tolerate warm weather. Sow turnips early in the spring through late summer, sowing every few weeks to ensure a constant supply. SPACING: Sow seeds 1 inch apart, ¼ inch deep, in rows that are 6 inches apart. Thin to 1 plant every 2-3 inches for good sized roots. Do not thin if you only want to harvest the turnip greens. NOTES: Flea beetles are fond of turnips; using row cover can help to reduce damage. Turnip greens are edible too! Prepare as you would other greens like chard, kale, collards, or mustard. To store turnip roots, chop off greens first, then keep roots in plastic in a refrigerator or a cool corner of the basement at roughly 40 degrees. Cilantro VARIETY: ‘Santo’ (50 days leaf, 90 days seed/coriander) Santo is a slow-bolting selection grown for its leaves. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 12 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Sow in spring or late summer. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous supply. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every 2 inches, ¼ inch deep. Thin to a spacing of 1 plant every 4 inches, in rows that are 4 inches apart. NOTES: To harvest leaves, cut straight across stems, leaving the growth point intact. Leaves will regrow for another harvest. Harvest early to avoid plant going to seed, though it can also be grown for the cilantro seed, known as coriander. Chamomile Dill VARIETY: ‘Common Chamomile’ (60-65 days) Good yields of small, sweet-smelling, daisy-like flowers. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 20 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Sow in spring though late summer. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous supply. SPACING: Gently sprinkle seed into 2 inch wide bands, ¼ inch deep. NOTES: Harvest flowers continually to stimulate more flower production. VARIETY: ‘Bouquet’ (40 days for leaf, 90 days for seed) Delicious, mild leaves that will bloom into yellow flowers. QUANTITY: Each pack will plant about 50 feet in 1 row. SOWING: Sow in spring though late summer. Sow every 2 weeks for a continuous supply. SPACING: Sow 1 seed every 2 inches, ¼ inch deep, in rows that are 4 inches apart. NOTES: To harvest leaves, cut straight across stems, leaving growth point intact. Leaves will re-grow for another harvest. Harvest early to avoid plant going to seed, though it can also be grown for the dill seed. TIPS FOR SUCCESS: PLANTING SEEDS DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN PLANT SEEDS AT THE RIGHT TIME! Make sure you plant seeds when it is the right temperature outside as defined for each variety above. Below is more information about how to make sure you get crops in the ground at the right time as it can be hard to interpret “early spring” sometimes! • “Sow after danger of frost has passed”: This means these seeds might not germinate well or rot in the ground if they are planted before a frost. The average last frost date in Detroit is May 10th, but can vary greatly from year to year. Pay attention to weather reports! • “Sow in spring through late summer/early fall”: This means these seeds can be sown repeatedly throughout the • summer for a continuous harvest. Pay attention to the days to maturity and plan for enough time for them to grow before the first frost. The average first frost date is October 9th in Detroit, but can vary greatly from year to year. • “Sow in spring or late summer/early fall”: This means these are the “cool weather” crops which don’t do well in the summer heat. Plan for two separate plantings and harvests. Some of these crops actually taste better after the first light frost of the fall. PREPARE A PROPER SEED BED Make sure the soil is free of weeds that could compete with slower growing vegetables. Remove any rocks and use a rake to make it as smooth as possible. This ensures that all seeds are at the same depth, makes it easier to water evenly, and provides an even and smooth seed bed for consistent seed germination. MAKE SURE TO MAINTAIN GOOD MOISTURE Check the seeds daily to make sure they are getting enough water, but be aware that seeds do not need to be wet constantly. Watering in the morning is better than evening to avoid fungal issues. Once plants have germinated keep a consistent watering schedule. One thorough watering per week is a good rule of thumb; this means watering until the soil is moist 4 to 6 inches deep. DON’T GIVE UP! Some crops can take a long time to germinate. Carrots are famous for taking as long as three weeks. Don’t give up and replant too soon. If you have done everything else right, it is often just a matter of waiting. THIN CROPS THAT NEED TO BE THINNED Plants need room to grow! For some plants it is a good idea to plant too many seeds, in case not all of them germinate. When they are baby-sized, the extras need to be removed (thinned) so that the others have room to mature. Gardeners are often reluctant to thin crops because they cannot stand killing their little babies, but if you do not thin them they ALL suffer. Thin out so there is enough room for the plants to develop. DEVELOP A GOOD CROP ROTATION Moving crops to different places in your garden each year helps to keep insects and disease at bay, as well as keeping soil from being stripped of its nutrients. Crops should be rotated according to their family. GET A GOOD REFERENCE GUIDE Find a book to go to whenever you have questions! A great FREE reference is Johnny’s Selected Seeds catalog. You can get one by calling 1- 877-JOHNNYS or check them out online at www.johnnyseeds.com.