School Garden Week of November 28th, 2022

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!

First up a weather report to get us through the week for planning on our season extension:

There may be a day or two in this weather forecast to get inside the season extension to take a look at the crops. If it gets warm on a day, like 45 to 50 degrees at least, then you can pop the top with your students to see how the plants are doing. Make sure to cover up tightly when done.

Looking a little further ahead, it is supposed to stay close to normal temperatures through February with a larger chance of increased precipitation.

There should be enough precipitation that the crops under the row cover will not need watered.

Outside in the raised beds:

I have been getting questions about what can still be planted outside.  We are likely done with planting in the raised beds. (See Below for a potential!)  Many folks have stated that they did not get good germination.  The warmer than normal weather made germination tricky unless the beds were watered daily until sprouting.  The heavy rain we had the other day may cause some delayed germination under cover that we will find when we are able to pop off the covers.  Make sure that when we get to the cold weather you do not uncover your beds on a cold day so that you do not shock your seedlings.  It should be above 45 degrees minimum to pop the top and it is better done around the middle of the day so you can re-cover, and build heat back up for the overnight lows. I do not see many good chances in this weather forecast.  Keep those beds covered tightly so they will maintain a beneficial microenvironment under them.

I know that some of you did not get a chance to plant outside due to many reasons.  While it is unlikely we can plant, there may still be a chance.  When you get your bed set up with soil added, but have no plants,  place the row cover and plastic over the bed to keep the soil warm.  I will be watching to see if we get a tiny planting window and will let you know.  It is likely the only day this would work would be tomorrow, Tuesday the 29th, and only if the soil is pre-warmed. 

Inside under LED lights:

I think that planting under LED lights can be done, but only if you are able to take the plants home over Christmas break.  Hopefully everyones plants came through the long break ok.  If you have questions, please email me, and send me pics as well.

I keep my bok choy about 4 or so inches under the lights. Up to 6 inches away is OK as well. Those are some pretty powerful lights for growing greens.

 

This is bottom watering technique. The pots you have (I have six packs) are placed in an inch or so of water (with fertilizer if needed) for a half hour or so to take up water from the bottom. This fully hydrates all the soil in the pot. After a half an hour or so, take the pots out of the water, drain the water our of the bottom tray and place the spacer tray and pots back in the main tray to drain. As your plants grow,  they may need watered more often.  I need to water mine every three days now.  For the two inch pots, you probably need to water at least 1-2 times per week.

Inside in the Aerogarden:

How did everyone’s hydroponic units do over break?  Hopefully they came through fine and you have had a bunch of growth.

The Aerogarden website has a tremendous amount of content to assist with maintenance of the units, troubleshooting problems, or how to take care of the plants in the system.  CHECK IT OUT if you are having problems.