Using weeds to tell you something....

As the weather warms up, our vegetables are growing quickly, and so too are the weeds.   Before pulling them out, consider looking to them to understand the state of your soil.  Remember that soil is your everything, take care of it, and it will take care of your plants.  Here are some common weeds and what they say about your soil:

1.     Purslane- Soil has very high potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, low calcium, and phosphate


2.     Crabgrass- Low calcium.

3.        Ground Ivy- Good calcium, good air content, good organic breakdown.

Next post will be a more exhaustive list! (since this post is just a 1, 2, 3 view :)  )

Transplanting Rules of Thumb

Now is the time when alot of us are transplating our baby plants from their containers into the garden. Here are some basics to consider:

1. Transplant on a cloudy, wind-free day or in the late afternoon when the sun has begun to set.  Soak the plant thorougly before removing from its container so the soil and roots stay as 'glued' together as possible.  Make sure to cradle the root ball as much as you can, and keep as much soil intact as you can.  The more root hairs get exposed to air they can die...and you don't want that....

2. In the area in your garden where you plan to place your new plants, scoop out a hole that is abit deeper than the container they were in (assuming you are moving your plants from a 2 inch cell pack).  Add abit of compost to the bottom of the hole to ensure the plant gets an added 'boost'.

3. Set the root ball in the hole, fill in with soil, and pack the soil down firm so the roots make good contact.  Give them a good soak of water by soaking the base of the plant. 

(Note if transplating tomatoes, follow these directions: http://123foodgardening.blogspot.com/2010/05/planting-tomatoes-trench-planting.html )

Planting Tomatoes - trench planting method

 

Try the 'trench planting' method for planting your tomatoes this year. By capturing more heat sooner you can pick tomaotes from the vine, 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule!
1. Scoop out a shallow 2-inch trench and sprinkle some compost on the bottom of the trench. Tomatoes are heavy feeders and need this extra supply of energy.

2. Stip off almost all leaves except the topmost cluster. The thick stem is going to be buried and will be converted into roots and will create a very sturdy plant.

3. Lay the young plant on its side in the trench. Gently press down the soil along the trench and cover everything except the topmost cluster. It may be at an angle, but don't worry, after a few days it will straighten out. Water thoroughly.

**note you may want to wrap a newspaper collar around the stem that is exposed in order to protect against cutworms. Cutworms are in the soil and wrap their bodies around young plants and literally 'cut them down' in one night!