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Ep 54 | Starting from Seed: Towering Giants

Ep 54 | Starting from Seed: Towering Giants



What will your garden grow in 2024? This week, the gardeners explore how to cultivate the juiciest tomatoes, the spicy kick of peppers, the sweet crunch of corn, and the wholesome goodness of peas and beans. These plants are quite often focal points of any vegetable garden and can be a lot of fun.

Tomatoes

Think of all the things you could make with tomatoes. They’re truly one of natures juiciest fruits and so versatile in sauces, burgers, or as a tasty snack. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours too! You can grow the more traditional cherry and Manitoba varieties, or you can go more specialty with the Roma, Brandywine, and Old German varieties. Tomatoes can be grown in garden beds, pots and even hanging baskets, but make sure they receive a fair amount of sunlight to support their high production needs.
Starting From Seed
Start indoors for best results, or direct sow outdoors for a later harvest
Companion Planting
Consider planting them near flowers so pollinators will find their small yellow flowers. Also consider planting with basil, lavender, or onions to help deter bugs.
General Requirements
Sun symbol" Emoji - Download for free – Iconduck      Plant in an area with full sun and with nutrient rich soil.
Fertilizer Basic Miscellany Lineal Color iconFor best results, use either a vegetable targeted brand or a general purpose. Have a calcium based fertilizer on hand should you need to battle blossom end rot.
Water drop Detailed Rounded Lineal color icon     High production plants may require more water depending on growing conditions.
Gardening - Free farming and gardening icons     See how tall your plant will grow and consider a tomato cage to support.

Peppers

Is there any other vegetable that can add both a subtle freshness to a salad and offer a kick the face full of spicy? The pepper offers a diverse flavour profile. You can grow a traditional coloured bell pepper and jalapeno. You can also dive into specialty hot pepper varieties like Ghost Chili and Carolina Reaper.
Starting From Seed
Start peppers indoors for best results, or direct sow outdoors for a later harvest
Companion Planting
Consider planting them near flowers so pollinators will find their small yellow flowers. Be aware that peppers like to rob nutrients from other plants. They do well in pots on a fertilizer program.
General Requirements
Sun symbol" Emoji - Download for free – Iconduck      Plant in an area with full sun and with nutrient rich soil.
Fertilizer Basic Miscellany Lineal Color iconFor best results, use either a vegetable targeted brand or a general purpose
Water drop Detailed Rounded Lineal color icon     High production plants may require more water depending on growing conditions.
Gardening - Free farming and gardening icons     See how tall your plant will grow and consider a stake for support. Consider having a frost blanket on hand for frost.

Corn

Did you know this vegetable tastes just as great raw as it does cooked? It’s sweet, crunchy, and a staple at any summer barbeque. Corn does really well in a garden bed so it’s roots can grow to support it’s tall stalk. Start corn inside from seed for best results, or direct sow outside for a later harvest. While you can grow the family favourite yellow variety or get adventurous with pink varieties!
Companion Planting
Try planting these with peas and squash, otherwise known as the ‘three sisters companion planting’. The peas with grow up the corn, and the squash will provide ground cover.
General Requirements
Sun symbol" Emoji - Download for free – Iconduck      Plant in an area with full sun and with nutrient rich soil.
Fertilizer Basic Miscellany Lineal Color iconFor best results, use either a vegetable targeted brand or a general purpose
Water drop Detailed Rounded Lineal color icon     High production plants may require more water depending on growing conditions.
Gardening - Free farming and gardening icons     May benefit from a stake during the early stages of growth.

Beans

You can grow beans in the bush varieties or the pole/runner varieties. Pole beans are iconic as they can be trained to climb netting, trellises or even hang down in a hanging basket. Bush beans are more compact like a tomato plant. Both require the same care, so it’s dependent on your space and lifestyle needs. There are traditional green bean varieties, but you can also venture into purple and yellow varieties or ones that feature an impressive texture like the Borlotti bean.
Starting From Seed
Direct sow outdoors following the last frost.
What is inoculant?
inoculant is a beneficial fungus that will improve germination in peas and beans. Mix your seeds with the inoculant and plant as normal.
General Requirements
Sun symbol" Emoji - Download for free – Iconduck      Plant in an area with full sun and with nutrient rich soil.
Fertilizer Basic Miscellany Lineal Color iconFor best results, use either a vegetable targeted brand or a general purpose
Water drop Detailed Rounded Lineal color icon     High production plants may require more water depending on growing conditions.
Gardening - Free farming and gardening icons     Beans can climb on netting, trellis, or pre existing structures.

Peas

As a kid, you may have has a pea shelling party at harvest time. Peas are iconic. This veggie can be trained to climb netting, trellises or even hang down in a hanging basket. You can get shelling peas or edible pod peas depending on your end goal.

Starting From Seed
Direct sow outdoors after the last frost.
What is inoculant?
inoculant is a beneficial fungus that will improve germination in peas and beans. Mix your seeds with the inoculant and plant as normal.
General Requirements
Sun symbol" Emoji - Download for free – Iconduck      Plant in an area with full sun and with nutrient rich soil.
Fertilizer Basic Miscellany Lineal Color iconFor best results, use either a vegetable targeted brand or a general purpose
Water drop Detailed Rounded Lineal color icon     High production plants may require more water depending on growing conditions.

Gardening - Free farming and gardening icons     Peas can climb on netting, trellis, or pre existing structures.

Common Bugs, Diseases and Predators 

Bugs

With tomatoes, peppers, corn, peas, and beans, you’re mostly going to be concerned with the more ‘generalist’ bugs. They may deplete the sugar of a plant, lay eggs in it’s leaves, or chow down and weaken a plants structure. This will include things like aphids and spider mites. Thankfully, there are control sprays on the market that can control their populations in your garden. Be sure to read the instructions as some products are not suitable for vegetable gardens, and some products need to be used a certain length of time prior to harvest. Also, please note that general sprays may also target beneficial bugs like ladybugs, spiders, and pollinator bees.

Live Predator Bugs

Why would you want buy more bugs to eliminate a pest problem? It’s essentially the circle of life. Your garden is in a state of imbalance. You’ve introduced lots of delicious veggies which now acts as a beacon to bugs that and now you’re lacking the predator bugs that feast on those bad bugs. Bugs are just looking for a food source. Once the infestation is taken care of, those predator bugs will either die off or move on to find more bugs to dine on. By introducing beneficial bugs to your garden, you’re investing in a “one and done” solution, your protecting your harvest and family from chemical sprays, and you’re helping out the neighborhood so the problem doesn’t just come back. We bring in a variety of beneficial bugs for both indoor and outdoor applications including ladybugs, parasitic nemotodes, praying mantis, and the thrip reaper…. orius insidiosus by bioline.

If you’re interested in learning more about predator bugs, visit our website.

Predators

Birds, squirrels and deer will find all of these veggies very delicious. Consider physical barriers, like netting, to deter them from feasting. You can also try scent-based deterrents, like Plantskydd. You place it on the soil and critters will avoid the scent and avoid your food.

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Calcium Nitrate:

Mix Ratio: Apply ¼ teaspoon per 2 litres once a week. I full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended preventing blossom end rot and calcium deficiency in tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, pumpkins, zucchinis, and cannabis. It is also highly beneficial for all leafy greens and cruciferous plants (cabbage, Brussel sprouts, broccoli etc.).

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Iron Chelate

Mix Ratio: Soil drench – apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix ratio: Foliar spray - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 4 Litres of water once every 4 weeks. A full scoop makes 24 litres or 6 gallons.

Recommended for correcting iron deficiency in a variety of plants grown in high pH soil. Iron deficiency is diagnosed by the yellowing or pale colour of the plant leaves, especially in young growth.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

High Drainage

Moisten Thoroughly before use: (optional) Peat moss can be water-repellent. Before use, thoroughly wet the soil.

Potting:

Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Fill the pot with the moistened soil, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more soil.

Firm the soil gently.

Watering:

This is crucial! Water frequently, especially during hot weather.

Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil.

Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is low in nutrients, fertilize regularly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

Consider Amendments:

For plants that prefer more moisture retention, you can add a small amount of coco coir or vermiculite to the mix.

Important Notes:

Overwatering: While frequent watering is necessary, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Plant Selection: This type of soil is well-suited for seed starting as well as plants that prefer well-drained conditions, such as cacti, cannabis, succulents, and some tropical plants.

Adjustments: You may need to adjust your watering frequency based on the specific plant and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight).

Alberta Blend

Moisten the Peat Moss before use: (optional) Peat moss can be hydrophobic (water-repellent) when dry. Before using it, thoroughly moisten it. You can do this by placing it in a container and adding water, then squeezing out any excess.

Mixing: (optional) Our Private Label Alberta Blend comes ready to use, expertly formulated for your plants, either indoors or outdoors.

If you're using this mix as your own base, combine it with worm castings, volcanic dust, vermiculite, etc. to improve nutrition, drainage and/or aeration.

Potting:

When potting your plants, ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Fill the pot with the moistened potting mix, leaving enough space for the plant's root ball.

Gently place the plant in the pot and fill in around it with more potting mix.

Lightly firm the soil around the plant leaving ½ inch to an inch of space at the top for watering.

Watering:

Because peat moss retains water, be careful not to overwater.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Fertilizing:

Since peat moss is nutrient-poor, you'll need to provide your plants with regular fertilization.

Use the correct fertilizer according to the plant's needs.

20-20-20 Houseplant Complete

Mix Ratio: For all houseplants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week once every week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

It is highly recommended to start your houseplants on a fertilizer regime, but only while they are actively growing. Houseplants tend to have a period of dormancy (normally winter, however poinsettias, Xmas cacti etc. are exceptions to this rule) and whilst dormant they should not be fertilized.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

22-6-15 Plus Herb and Leafy Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all herbaceous and leafy vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This fertilizer is ideal for all leafy vegetables and for herbs. This product can be used year-round if you grow herbs indoors.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

20-12-28 Tomato and Fruiting Vegetable

Mix Ratio: For all fruiting vegetable plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water once a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Use this fertilizer on planting day and push right through until the plant either stops producing or reaches the end of season. In the case of transplanted seedlings this fertilizer should be used after the 2 feedings of Js - Jump-Start & Transplant.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

10-52-10 Jump-Start & Transplant

Mix Ratio: For outdoor summer plants apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Normally two applications, one at the time of transplanting, the second application can be done one week later from the initial fertilizing. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

Mix Ratio: For seed starting - apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water. Do not over water seedlings, feed every 2 weeks until transplanted outside. Feed them at the time of transplanting outdoors, then one more feeding a week later. After that start using the correct fertilizer for type of plant. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

 e.g. Vt Vegetable: Tomato and Fruiting for tomatoes, F3 Flower flower flower for bedding out/annual plants.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

4-5-28 Perennial Complete

Mix Ratio: All perennials (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks from spring to late summer. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your perennials. For existing perennials, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. new shoots etc.). For new perennials we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

28-14-14 Plus Trees and Shrubs - Fruit and Flower

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water per week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

14-7-21 Tree and Shrub Leaf & Needle

Mix Ratio: Trees and/or shrubs (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water every 2 weeks. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your evergreen/coniferous and deciduous trees and shrubs.

For existing trees, we recommend starting to fertilize when you see active growth (i.e. bud break, new shoots etc.).

For new trees we recommend that you start fertilizing at time of planting and go through to mid August.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

15-10-30 Flower, Flower, Flower

Mix Ratio: Outdoor plants (in warm seasons) apply ¼ teaspoon (1gram) /per 1 Litre of water twice a week. A full scoop makes 12 litres or 3 gallons.

This formula is professionally blended for all your annual plants. We recommend starting to fertilize at time of planting outdoors and go through to first frost.

Caution: Do not exceed the recommended amount. Keep out of reach of children and pets.