Grow Your Own – One Door Falls, Another Zippers…
by John Weckerle
It is early yet for planting, as the weather forecasts warn – with temperatures predicted to fall into the mid-thirties tonight, tomatoes and peppers could once again fall victim to the late frost that has felled so many of the delightful nightshades planted in mid-May, much less earlier. Planting anything but the cold-hardiest crops would seem a fools errand at least until (in our experience) the weekend before Memorial Day. However, we have marched forward, because we now think we can get away with it. We finally got the greenhouse assembled, shown here at about 85% complete (more pictures when planting is complete):
We’ll note that the sides and top have been tightened down and the ends have been fixed as well since this photo was taken, which required a bit of creativity. The sides roll up to the first seam from the bottom as seen on the right-hand side here, allowing (along with the screened vents on the ends) for air circulation during hot weather. We’ll be publishing a final review of the ShelterLogic greenhouse hear shortly, but we will stop short of endorsing it to the general public, especially that segment of it that is less crazy than the denizens of New Mexico Central headquarters. We will also note that the trees in the left-hand side of the picture may be in for a tough summer. Sorry, guys.
Planting inside technically began last year, as we have some kale that made it through the winter and is providing some early harvest. This year’s planting, which began today, thus far includes:
- Tomatoes: Brandywine, Big Brandy (a first generation hybrid), Grandma’s Pick, and Rio Grande
- Summer Squash – Zucchini and Yellow
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Chiles (New Mexico 6-4 [mild] and Sandia [hot]
- Bell Peppers (red, yellow, green)
“In the ground soon” (which means we already have them and can pop them in after work during the week) plants include leeks, shallots, Blue Lake green beans, and wax beans. Next weekend we’ll likely pick up jalapenos, perhaps some lunchbox peppers, and eggplants. And where have we gotten all of this, and where will we get as much as possible for the rest of the season?
Parker’s Farm and Greenhouse, of course. Located at the eastern end of Church Street in Edgewood, New Mexico, Parker’s is a great source of locally (for the climate) appropriate and healthy plants – vegetables, herbs, trees, and ornamentals . Everyone there seems knowledgeable and glad to answer questions and offer advice. They are open beginning at 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays from April through July. This year, as in every year, Parker’s gets our highest recommendation for quality plants. And, of course, while you are there, take some time to stroll through the lovely gardens and pond area that highlight their horticultural expertise; on its own, it is well worth the short drive.