Vegetable growing lessons learned, 2009
We're likely to have our first frost this week, so it will be the end of the season for a lot of plants. I thought it would be a good time to summarize what I've learned in my second year of trying to grow food.
- Starting seeds indoors didn't help me at all. I ended up with practically nothing to transplant in the outdoor beds.
- Seeds did a little better when I planted them outside in trays set against the south side of the house in April or May. Fewer seeds sprouted, but the plants lasted longer.
- Seeds are amazing. I dumped a packet of chamomile seeds from 2001 in a 4-inch pot in March. They sprouted thickly and died before I could transplant them. The pot ended up on the patio where it was watered just because it was near other pots. A whole new crop of seeds sprouted. Of those, two plants survived and are flowering now. Seeds are still sprouting in the basil tray.
- Quinoa (seeds) purchased in bulk at the grocery store will sprout.
- Quinoa sprouts beautifully in damp paper towels but not at all in a garden bed (I tried several times and also tried planting sprouted seeds).
- Planting garlic from the grocery store works great.
- Labeling plants with a permanent marker on plastic knives seemed like a good idea, but the permanent marker ink washes off.
- Cardboard boxes used as pots burst open at the seams and don't hold water. The bottoms rot so you can't move them.
- Wooden planters aren't much better than cardboard boxes for holding water.
- I have to see plants that need to be hand watered or I won't get around to watering them.
- Peas are good only if you pick them at exactly the right time. Same goes for corn.
- Plants in pots will be OK sitting in trays of water in the shade for up to a week without being watered. I wouldn't push it past that.
- Dig up (or mark) garlic plants before the tops dry up and disappear. (I meant to but didn't get around to it. I kind of remember where they were . . . )
- There's no reason to plant those "half-long" carrots. For the trouble, why not go for full size?
- Lots of potato foliage doesn't mean lots of potatoes.
- Rain washes away pollen, and heat slows growth.
- Zucchini isn't a sure thing.
- Store-bought corn plants grow the same as the ones planted from seed in the bed.
- You have to fertilize even if you have organic matter in your soil.
- A snake that goes belly up is dead.
- Plant the seeds I want to start early in trays outside.
- Plant the quinoa in trays, keep the seeds damp, and try to transplant plants into the beds.
- Keep everything that needs to be hand watered in one or two places where I will see it all the time.
- Avoid planning trips during the summer!
Posted by Laurel at 9/28/2009 12:45 PM 
Categories: Gardening, Growing Food, Cheapskate Gardening, Lessons Learned
Categories: Gardening, Growing Food, Cheapskate Gardening, Lessons Learned
Nice to do summary like this... of what we have gone through and lessons learned with the aim to better next time... ~bangchik
Reply to this
Thank you!
Reply to this
I share your frustration at failing to start seeds indoors. I'm not bothering this winter, either.
Found you listed on Blotanical. Hope we'll see you around there a lot.
Reply to this
Thanks for sharing the vegetable growing lessons. It was nice going through your blog. keep it up the good work.
Reply to this
very nice article
thank you for shearing this information
Reply to this