February 2012

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This week I waned to talk a little about Season Extenders and how they can also be used in the Spring.  If you want to get an early jump on the Growing Season, Extenders will also help in the Sprintime.

But first I want to talk about a post I saw on www.agardenforthehouse.com.  The author is a very active garden writer and has put together a very extensive list of plant varieties coming from Seeds owned by Monsanto.  As you will see from the list, even when they don’t grow these plants, Monstanto has boght rights to many different varieties you see commonly for sale in the garden centers and big box stores.  They are not necessarily GMO plants, but I don’t believe it will be long before Monsanto copyrights all these and prohibits any of us from saving our seeds, much like they have done and are doing to the commercial agriculture seed market.

I don’t know about you, but I printed out that list and it’s now on my personal Banned List.  Read his article and make your own decision.

http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2012/02/forewarned-is-forearmed-veggie-varieties-owned-by-monsanto/

From Farmer Fred

Farmer Fred, a Garden Show host in Sacramento California, describes some tips for getting your garden started, but most importantly he talked about a great place to get your soil tested for a very reasonable price.  Univ of Massachusetts Testing Service.  Check out his Blog article for more details.

http://farmerfredrant.blogspot.com/2012/02/tips-for-starting-your-first-backyard.html

 

Ways to Extend the Season

There a re number of ways to extend the season, so we can get started earlier in the Spring.  In this episode Scott and I discuss some of the more popular methods.

Row Covers

• Agribon – 3 different types of protection
• Plastic – Most heat producing, be sure and get Ag Grade plastic as it lasts longer in the Sun.

Low Tunnels

• Same material as Row Covers
• Slightly Higher
• Needs Ribs for support
• PVC
• Electrical Conduit
• Fence Top Rail Tubing

High Tunnels

Green Houses

Cloches

– Milk Cartons, Litre Soda Bottles, etc

Winter Sowing – New Method -Photos and article at   http://www.agardenforthehouse.com/2010/12/winter-sowing-101/

User Email

Scott in the UK mentions the Food Saver is very Pricy in the UK and has found another brand that is much more affordable in the UK.  I also pointed out that you can find better prices on the storage bags online than direct from Manufacturers.

The important thing is to realize how great a tool the Vacuum Storage units are.  They work with everything to preserving produce to packing full meals ahead of time to allow for great meals that are simple to prepare for busy families.  Thanks Scott!

Aaron and Rachael Johnson ask about plastic in a Raised Bed

to help protect the life of the boards.  I am not real comfortable with the plastic breaking down in the soil, and there are other ways to extend the life of Raised bed boxes.  Lumber such as Redwood or Cedar work best, or coating the inside of the boards before filling with Mineral oil.

Secondly, even if a board wears out, its a simple matter to replace if you use decking screws rather than nails to hold the bed together.

What Do I listen To ?

Many times I am asked what I listen to on my mp3 player.  So this month I am providing a list of my favorite gardening podcasts.  Please give them a try if you might be interested.  If you sign up, please let them know you found them through the GrowingYourGrub Podcast.

 

The Selfsufficient Gardener – http://theselfsufficientgardener.com/

Gardenfork.tv  – Eric Roschow  http:\\www.GardenFork.Tv

GreenhornGardening -  http://www.greenhorngardening.com/

Farm-Dreams.com – http://farmdreams.libsyn.com/

Chicken Thistle Farm Coopcast – http://www.chickenthistlefarm.com/coopcasts/

 

 

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