Spring Veggie Garden Update

Tomatoes:

All of the tomatoes have been repotted in 3'' plastic pots and are enjoying the sun. They're not too thick yet, but their root systems are well developed, which should do them well this summer.

Cucumbers:

Cukes were planted on the date suggested below. Germination rate was 9/9 0r 100% in about 4 days. Next year, I will not plant so far ahead as they got very leggy, very quickly. A May 14 planting date would probably suffice for cucumbers. Or, alternatively, plant in compostable pots so as to plant directly in soil. I worry about their being able to handle the transplant from the styrofoam. Also, don't leave greenhouse lid on too long, as I think this is the cause of the legginess.

Zucchinis:

Planted on date suggested below. Slightly slower germination than cukes, but still within 5-6 days, and at a rate of 8/9 or 88%. Looking strong, and no real concerns. Same as cukes with regard to greenhouse lid.

Hot peppers:

Still very very small and weak. Not sure what the issue is, but I'm guessing not enough heat. Will transplant once it gets warmer into larger pots. Very slow growers.

April Expenditures:

279 kg of compost from the city: $20.00
Total Expenditures for April: 20.00
Total Gains: $0.00, much joy.

Les Oignons

(click for big)

These are my Red Globe Onions from Greta. If you look closely you'll see that there are about 50 little onion plants there out of a approximately 70 seeds planted. There are more popping up every day, so I'd say the germination rate is very good. I planted them on March 2, and they have been up for about 4 days. I simply stuck them in some potting soil that I had crumbled finely and moistened and placed in a danish package from the grocery store. Not a bad little greenhouse when stuck on the fridge. The key now is to strengthen them up. I'm not sure how to do this, but this blog (seems to be a Canadian from Brantford!) says that you can trim them back to 4-5'' to prevent them from getting too leggy. As you'll note from the pic, that's a concern. I'll wait a few days before taking the snips to them. G&E take note, we sent some of these your way! Get them started ASAP.

Red Globe Onions

Planted March 2, 2009

Germination rate: approx. 67%

Time to germinate: approx. 4-7 days

Concerns: leggy plants

Update (March 15, 2009): There are 48 viable seedlings. They are very thin and fragile after two weeks. Research suggests that I should keep them trimmed to 3'' to thicken the stems.

Update (April 5, 2009): Nicole accidentally killed all my onions by placing the germination tray on the top of the stove while the oven was on. Needless to say, the tender little shoots wilted beyond recognition. I replanted and now they are back at the same stage as the picture above. We might not get good bulbs this year what with being a month behind schedule. But, we'll see. Germination for second round of seeds was over 80% though.