This is a weekly look at what is happening in the school garden to assist teacher educators engage their students in agriculture. It can be used by garden students of all ages however!
After our cold snap this past weekend we have a warm start to the week. Below is the weather prediction for October made on September 30th.
This shows we will likely have normal temperatures and precipitation for the rest of the month.
When I look out at the rest of the fall, it shows a greater chance of warm weather, which should help our fall planted crops mature faster to get a harvest for the kiddos.
Soil temperatures are about 55 degrees in central Ohio right now and will stay that way through the weekend. That means you can still plant numerous crops in the school garden outdoors this week. I recommend that you direct seed lettuce, spinach, kale and other leafy brassicas, radishes, bok choy, cilantro, and carrots this week. If you have some other seed or questions about planting, send them to me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu
We have a little more time for spinach and kale if you cannot get them in this week. If you planted last week then keep watering the seeds until you get germination and then once or twice a week based on rainfall.
Indoors under LED lights you can start lettuce, kale, and bok choy for transplanting outdoors later or for an indoor harvest. If you want a refresher on seed starting check out this super quick and engaging Seed Starting Video.
If you have more time and really want a deep dive into Seed Starting, check out this recorded class webinar.
In your Aerogarden or other hydroponic systems, if you have not planted yet you can still start your herbs like your basil now. They should germinate and get started growing soon. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully. CLICK HERE for a link to Aerogarden herb care.
If you have any questions let me know. You are supported in your growing. Email me at mcdermott.15@osu.edu