| The Blackberry Lane Gardens |
| Blackberry Lane Gardens Cool weather is lingering, and the question I'm asked most often is "What can I plant right now?" There are many flowers available which can tolerate temps to 25 degrees. We have Supertunias, Superbells, osteos, lobelia, and pansys which are in full bloom and have been outside, or in our unheated greenhouse since mid-March. These plants are great choices for a splash of color on the deck or porch now. The Supertunias and Superbells are hybrids from Proven Winners. They require no deadheading, and will bloom continuously until October or November with minimal care. Last year was the first year we carried these petunias, and we have already had customers requesting them again this year. Warm season veggie crops, such as tomatoes, squash, peppers, and melons require night temperatures to be around 55 and soil temps to be about 60 degrees for good growth. These warm season crops will not tolerate frosts, so if you plant before May, be sure to have a back-up plan. Many enthusiastic gardeners have a hard time resisting early planting, especially of tomatoes, but for success, April planted tomatoes will need a little extra care. After purchasing your tomato plants they will need to be hardened off, or gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions. While doing this, prepare your soil. Some recommend covering the tomato bed with black plastic to warm the soil. I usually skip this step since I don't like using black plastic. Watch the weather and when there are several nights with temps in the mid to high 40's set the plants in the garden and protect with wall-of-water, tomato cages wrapped in plastic, or buckets to turn over the plants when the temps fall too low. We have several varieties of tomatoes available this year, including some hard to find heirlooms. Oxheart, Ponderosa Red, Mr. Stripey, and Marglobe are worth the time and effort required to grow heirloom types. Many of the most common tomato diseases can be avoided with careful watering. Blossom End Rot is caused by calcium deficiency. However,it is not actually a lack of calcium in the soil but rather an inability of the plant to use the calcium due to lack of moisture in the soil. Most of the fungus diseases are soil borne, so avoid splashing soil onto the leaves of the plants. There is a excellent article in the latest issue of Organic Gardening describing a method of planting and watering which eliminates fungus diseases. For any of you who must plant your tomatoes now, we have Early Girl, Marglobe, and Brandywine, all garden ready. Actually, I will be planting a few of these as soon as weather permits because just the thought of fresh tomatoes in June is so very enticing. Hopefully by the time this is published our weather will be warmer and you have all had a chance to dig in the dirt. Happy Gardening, Paula Sherwood, Blackberry Lane Gardens |
| Newsletter APRIL 12TH,2009 |
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| Blackberry Lane Gardens Crane, Mo. 65633 1-417-723-8272 1-417-723-8271 fax Regarding the contents of this page please contact us at :admin@blackberrylanegardens.com |