Garden Update and Thinning 101 April 6, 2015

Our winter cover crops are coming in well. Recall how we planted two different ones. Spring is here despite the twenty-degree temperatures during the last weekend in March. 4/6/15

Here is the crimson clover. Soon it should flower. Recall how crimson clover is a nitrogen fixer, which means it actually grabs nitrogen out of the air and places the gas in its roots. The plant simply adds fertility big time.  4/6/15

The tips of the broccoli and cauliflower are being enjoyed by some critter. We are still investigating.  4/6/15

The lettuce bed looks great. Who is ready for salad? At this point, we can harvest any of the outer leaves and the plant will continue to do well. 4/6/15

The asparagus is putting up some healthy ferns. Since we are not harvesting any this year because it was just planted, all we can do is watch. In general, the plant is a beauty.4/6/15

Soon the sugar snap peas should reach their trellis, but it does not feel like that time will be anytime soon. 4/6/15

Here is our army of onions. Look at the size difference from our last post. 4/6/15

Ah-ha, it appears as if we have a pest. Can anyone identify it? 4/6/15  

 The garlic is simply doing wonderfully. 4/6/15

THINNING 101

Two beets too close. 4/6/15

One beet is better than two beets when planted too close.  4/6/15

Here is an example of lettuce, that if left alone, will not grow well.  4/6/15

Here is a better example of how lettuce seedlings should look. However, I believe we missed one.  With thinning, it is imperative to go over rows repeatedly because seedlings are easy to miss. You could let them grow larger, but then the competition retards their growth. 4/6/15

Here are two cilantro seedlings that will hamper each other’s growth. Even at this stage, they smell like cilantro. 4/6/15

As gardeners, we dislike killing plants, but it is necessary. This one cilantro will grow into a healthy plant. 4/6/15

 Yes, getting down like this to thin is necessary. Sometimes scissors work well to with larger plants. 4/6/15

Here is our tomato in its Wall-O-Water after experiencing a twenty degree night at the end of March. Notice, it even has a flower. The water is heated during the day and radiates all night, keeping it warm. Even the ground around this plant will be warmer. 4/6/15

Here is our control tomato plant that was next to the tomato in the Wall-O-Water. It is a goner.   4/6/15