It's a new year, the perfect time for fresh starts, and resolutions that might need a fresh start next year. For those who resolve to grow a bountiful garden this year the time to start is now. Onion sets and seed potatoes are already here, as well as our first selection of 100% non gmo organic seeds, including basil, chives, cilantro, carrots, pole beans, and lettuce. Information on how to plant and care for onion plants, seed potatoes, and seeds can be found below. Everything you need to get started can be found this week at Green's.
Crystal wax white bermuda, red burgundy, Texas 1015 and yellow granex are considered to be the best varieties for growing in Texas. Onions grow best in 9 to 10 hours of sun, in loose, composted, well drained soil with a regular watering schedule. Not soak and dry, soak and dry. Dust a little all purpose organic plant food in the hole to get them off to a running start. Plant your transplants to cover all the white to the green leaves.You can pull the onions at any size that suits you. They should be mature when the tops begin to turn brown and droop.Stop watering at least one week before you pull them. Don't wash them, just brush off excess dirt and tie by the tops into small bunches and hang in a cool dry place to cure.
Chives are just a tiny member of the onion family. When the chive patch gets too crowded, thin them by pulling the older ones and using the whole thing. Even the sprouted seeds taste great on sandwiches and in salads. A garden bonus, Chive's put on pompoms of pretty white flowers that bring honeybees to your garden.
Sharon A. Martin
Plant potatoes in late January thru February. Select certified seed potatoes. Cut in chunks with 2 to 3 eyes. Allow them to dry on paper towels for 4 or 5 days, and then dust with sulfur.
Everything old is new again. Planting under straw or hay has been around for many years. This is a no dig, clean, easy way to plant potatoes. To build your potato pit you will need cinder blocks, cardboard, straw or hay and compost. Begin with one row of cinder blocks to make an inside measurement of 4 foot square. Lay the cardboard inside making sure not to leave gaps for weeds to grow thru. Wet the cardboard thoroughly. Place potatoes on cardboard, 4 rows of 6. Cover 8 inches deep with a 50/50 mix of straw, compost and water. Place two more rows of cinder blocks staggering the seams to compensate the walls of your pit. In three to four weeks you will see sprouts popping up. When the sprouts are eight to twelve inches tall, cover 2/3 of stem with 50/50 mix and water this layer. Repeat layering until mix is about two inches from the top of wall. Make sure tubers are well covered and not exposed to light. Exposure to the sun will cause them to turn green. The green part is toxic and not edible. Two to three weeks after plants have stopped blooming you will be able to collect 'new' potatoes. When the tops die down in July pull the whole plant to find a bounty of mature spuds.
Bonus! The wall of your potato pit can be used for planting herbs and flowers that ward off the bad bugs and attract predators and pollinators. Just fill the holes in the top of you cinder blocks with organic potting soil and pop in the transplant. Alyssum attracts tiny predator wasps. Oregano deters white flies and flea beetles. Thyme attracts bees. There is room for chives, basil, mint and marigolds. Plant rue in the corners to keep the cats away.
Sharon A. Martin
Growing a garden from seed is a fun and rewarding experience. It's not hard as long as you keep vigilant and know what the seeds need.
Seeds respond to water, light, and temperature. You should plant your seeds in the right place, and with enough space for the mature plant. Here they will will receive most of the signals they need to grow on their own. When the seed comes into contact with water it begins to absorb it. This signals to the seed its time to wake up and grow. Seedlings are most vulnerable in their early stages of life. During this time consistent moisture is vital. After planting seeds should be watered gently but thoroughly. Moisture should be maintained consistently but not to the point of soggy soil. You can use any type of moisture retaining mulch. Just be sure to check daily that the mulch isn't preventing the seedlings from emerging. You can find more information about the specific plant, and germinating your seeds on the Botanical Interest seed packet.
GREEN'S PRODUCE AND PLANTS 3001 W. Arkansas Ln. Arlington TX 76016 www.greensproduce.com
