There is no better time to start your very own Victory Garden!
Today more than ever we are all working toward bettering not only the environment we live in, but our world. We are learning how to stay active while being asked to “stay home”. For some people this is easy, for others this is very difficult. We are taught early in life that actions speak louder than words. In light of COVID-19, I couldn’t think of a better way to stay active and involved then to encourage everyone to start their very own Victory Garden! During wartime, Victory Gardening was encouraged not only to provide food when food was scarce, but to encourage people to support their community. Some studies show that a “good-size” beginner vegetable garden is about 16×10 feet and could feed a family of 4. Doesn’t that sound doable?
April 1st is here and I’m sure you feel you’re already falling behind. But let me assure you, you still have time. Star Nursery is working hard to continue to provide herbs and veggies so you too can plant a Victory Garden. As long as they are available to us, we will continue to provide a nice variety in our stores. That being said, I would like to provide a list of transplants that still have a good chance of establishing before we get too hot. So, while we have some time, the sooner you get them planted, the better.
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beans, Beets, Bell Peppers, Cantaloupes, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Okra, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Pumpkins, Radishes, Squash (Zucchini) Some even recommend waiting longer to help prevent squash bugs, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Watermelons. And don’t forget the Marigolds, they add color as well as act as a natural pesticide.
Below you will find helpful reference information regarding some specific “Warm Weather Vegetable Gardening”. And as always, you can find this and many more helpful garden advice on our website https://starnursery.com under “Garden Advice” as well the Star Nursery Garden Center mobile device app.
We are temporarily suspending “Dr Q’s House Calls” until further notice. However, we believe it’s important we continue to provide advice should anyone need it. Therefore, please email us at Housecalls@StarNursery.com provide as much information as possible, including pictures and we will be in contact with you.
Join us as we “Dig for Victory” amidst COVID-19. We want to hear from you, we also want to see your progress. Use the #StarNurseryVictoryGarden
Excerpt from Star Note #205 WARM WEATHER VEGATABLE GARDENING
PERENNIAL FAVORITES:
Artichokes (March to May). Grown from transplants; tough, attractive and tasty. Harvest buds when tight and plump. Flowers are spectacular in dried arrangements. Use hose to wash off aphids.
Asparagus (November to January-roots; March to April-seeds). Seed make strong plants in one season. Plants take 2-3 years to produce in quantity. Prefers rich soil and regular water. Cut stems to ground when plants turn brown in winter.
FAVORITE ANNUAL VEGETABLES
Beans (March to July). Grown from seed or transplants. Salt-sensitive; flush soil regularly. Chinese long beans (asparagus beans—seed only) are the most heat tolerant of common beans.
Corn (March 15, July 15). Grown from seed. These are the two best dates. It can also be planted in between. If planting after late July, use short or mid-season varieties (65 to 80 days). Plant in blocks rather than rows, since row-grown corn pollinates poorly here.
Cucumber (March to August). Grown from seed or transplants. Armenian (burpless) cucumbers are more heat tolerant and less likely to turn bitter. Grow on fence– tie fruit to support and to prevent curling (use old pantyhose); harvest when no more than a foot long. Plant bush varieties to save space.
Eggplant (March to July). Grown from transplants. Oriental (Japanese) and white eggplants produce better in summer heat than traditional varieties. Plants do well in semi-shade; watch for spider mites.
Lettuce—leaf (All year). Grown from seed or transplants. Leaf lettuce like Black Seeded Simpson can be grown all year. Plant every 2 weeks for a good, regular crop. Best with PM summer shade.
Melons (April – July). Grown from seed or transplants. Give plenty of water as melons develop. Cantaloupes and other musk-type melons don’t transplant well and do best if started from seed. Watermelons are good either way. Overhead sprinkling is not recommended.
Okra (April – May). Grown from seed. Pick small pods every day to keep from getting tough and woody.
Peppers (March – July). Begin with transplants or seeds. Make sure soil is warm before planting; use black plastic to warm it up if necessary, in early spring. To aid in setting fruit, some gardeners recommend pinching off any fruit already on transplants before planting. Give regular water and good drainage; plant deep.
Radish (All year). Grown from seed. Gets pithy and hot fast, so plant small amounts every two weeks for regular supply.
Spinach, New Zealand (April – August). Grown from seed. Similar to regular spinach, but more heat tolerant. Endures salty soils.
Squash (March – July). Grown from transplants or seeds. It’s important to water beneath leaves. That prevents mildew and allows you to use Sevin Dust to control squash bugs. Popular varieties are Yellow Crookneck, Zucchini and Spaghetti.
Tomatoes (March – May; August). Grown from transplants. The smaller-fruited varieties like Sweet 100, Red Cherry, Patio, Yellow Pear and Roma tolerate the heat better. Beefsteaks are generally disappointing. Heartland and Heatwave are larger-
