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Vegetables & Herbs: Garden to Table

Vegetables & Herbs: Garden to Table
I’ve heard lots of excitement on our social media and in our greenhouse about growing veggies and herbs this year. Seems like people are really getting into the kitchen and are looking forward to using some homegrown goodness in their recipes! Even for myself, I’m looking forward to using my new Vegebag to grow some yummy cherry tomatoes! I’ve also got a strawberry plant, and even started some peppers and peas from seeds a couple months ago! It’ll be nice watch them grow and harvest them!!

I thought now would be the best time to dive in the veggie world with our resident expert, Janette.

Q: “What are the most popular veggies?”

This year is a very bizarre year. It seems like every vegetable, herb, and fruit are in high demand! Usually we see tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, garlic, lettuce, herbs to be the most popular. Tomatoes are by far the leader in popularity though and there are so many different varieties and sizes you can go with.

Q: “Can I grow Basil?”

Basil can be very hit and miss here in Calgary. Any temperature deviation can cause it to wilt and die. Too much water can effect it negatively too. I recommend growing it in a pot so it can easily be brought indoors. Veeeery tricky. Better to be grown inside in a controlled environment using grow lights and trays. The nanodome kit is a great product for growing basil.

Q: “When can I start my veggies?”

The standard for planting outside is Victoria Day weekend, however you’ll want to start early ones like kale, spinach, snow peas, and broccoli from seed outside (depending on weather) as these are hardier and do well in the cooler temperatures. Use frost blankets, and veggepods  for greater success. Of course, you can also grab some already started plants from the greenhouse here and plant them straight into the garden if you’d rather skip the teedy seed step.

Q: “Veggies for shade?”

You can go with arugula, lettuce, spinach, carrots, kale, and potatoes! They are all good in the shade! A fun rule of thumb is that your large leaf veggies are best for shady locations. Anything that is a heavy producer like cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, etc need more sun.

Q: “Are bees important?”

Bees are possibly the most important insect on the planet. They are very important for the pollination of blooms especially in tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. I have witnessed gardens with little to no pollinators and their success is always low. Plant loads of flowers, especially at different heights (sunflowers, hanging baskets, window boxes, etc) to attract the bees in. Also, don’t be afraid of dandelions, clovers, bell flower! They are a major early source of food for these critters, and you can always weed them out after the bees have had their fill.

Q: “What herbs attract bees?”

Any flower will attract bees, but like anything, some are better suited than others. Lavender, borage, mint, oregano, sage, thyme, and rosemary are some of the most common. Even if you don’t particularly like to use them, a basket or two of these throughout the veggie patch will pay dividends come harvest time.

Q: “Can I mix flowers with veggies?”

Always mix them. Not only for the fun you can have in aesthetics, which is an art in its own right. Google “Potagers”. They are incredible and have major benefits. Alyssum attracts hover flies which feed on aphids. Cosmos bring in bees and green lace which feast on wings aphids and thrips. Lavender can help repel deer. Marigolds repel bugs above and below the soil and rabbits. You could ward off some major threats without ever having to purchase and use a pesticide!

AMAZING INFORMATION! I’m gonna go buy some flowers to go with my veggies this year. Who know? Big thanks to Janetter for her wisdom this week.

Next week: Perennials 101: Building an Established Yard

Happy Gardening!

Brandi
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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.