Mount Holly Newsflash- Saturday, April 11, 2020- morning edition

Mount Holly Newsflash - Saturday, April 11, 2020 - Morning edition The weather today in Mount Holly -Mostly sunny, with a high near 39. West wind around 17 mph. Archived Newsflash emails can be read at:   https://mthollynewsflash.blogspot.com _____________________________________________________________________________ Do you: Have interest in growing a vegetable garden this year, but do not know where to start, what to grow and when? Want to be more self-sufficient but do not have the area to start your garden? Have knowledge about gardening in Mt Holly and want to share? Mount Holly Community Cares would like to form a group for sharing gardening knowledge and experience and possibly creating a community garden! If you are interested in participating in any capacity, please let us know via email at mthollycommunitycares@gmail.com . Also, please email us if you have or know of a site that would be suitable for a community garden (ideally ¼ acre or larger). ____________________________________________________________________________ Mount Holly Gardener                         by Jim Corven* This new series is about something positive that we can be doing during these very peculiar times.  Despite COVID-19 and uncooperative weather, spring is officially here and gardening season has begun.  These weekly articles will address timely gardening topics through the season in Mount Holly.  If you have ideas to contribute or questions to ask about a local gardening topic please email me at mhgardener@vermontel.net and I'll try to include them in an article. Last week I described some of the early pruning and fruit tree protection that can be done and it's still not too late for that. Despite recent weather we are about 2 weeks ahead of last year so it's not too early to get started growing.  I also hope you will begin keeping your own garden journal, as described last week, it a great way to record all the positive things you're doing now and next year you'll know when to do them again. Start your seeds.  Now is a great time to get your favorite garden vegies & flowers started.  There are many ways to start seeds successfully; these are my suggestions but let me know your best ideas. Most annual plants (tomatoes, peppers, etc.) need about 6-8 weeks of growth to be in best condition for transplanting in May-June so let's get them going.  Early broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, zinnias, marigolds, etc. can be started in mid-April.  Plants that only need a 4 week head start (cukes, squash, greens, etc.) can be started later. First things first.  Your seedlings have 4 basic needs to become healthy plants ready for transplant: 1) warmth, 2) soil, 3) light, & 4) moisture.  Containers can be almost anything, small pots, 4/6-packs saved from previous purchases, paper/plastic cups, or open trays.  It's Important that they will last for at least 6-8 weeks of watering and can drain.  Peat pots & cow pots are biodegradable but tend to dry out so you have to watch them.  Place your containers in a water tight tray so you can water from the bottom (not the top) and catch surplus water. Soil. Seeds will grow best is a very light soilless seed starting mix.  I don't recommend standard "potting mixes" or garden soil (all too heavy).  Moisten the dry mix well in a bucket several hours before filling your containers so it's thoroughly moist and isn't so fluffy & dusty.  Fill your containers inside a buck or tray (less messy) by gently packing in the soil with your thumbs and fill so the soil is level with the top (depressions will hold moisture that promotes damp off mold).  Plant seeds according to the package instructions (usually ¼ in. deep).  I plant 2 seeds per cell/pot when using last year's seeds with lower germination rates).  Extra seedling can be culled or moved to empty spaces. Light. If you have enough space in south facing, sunny windows you can use that but additional light will produce better growth.  Florescent fixtures with cool white or full spectrum grow light bulbs work well.  Newer LED fixtures are even better but pricey.  As bright as they seem, florescent fixtures are much weaker that natural sunlight so need to be within 4-6 inches of the plants.  An adjustable plant stand is really useful and I can give you a very economical (less than $20) DIY design using PVC pipe that accommodates 4 full large flats if you email me a request for it.  (See the image below) Seedlings will need 14-16 hours of light per day so a timer is helpful. Heat. Unless your home is kept very warm, it is really helpful (but not required) to have a source of warmth under your containers for vigorous germination.  Heat mats for germination keep the soil about 20 degrees warmer that the air and are a worthwhile investment.  They available from most garden centers, cost about $25, and last several years with care (don't fold them!).  Your heating pad for sore muscles are probably much too warm and not water resistant so not recommended.  Your mat can be removed after full germination has occurred (usually 7-10 days) and used for the next set of seeds. Water.  If your soil mix was well watered you probably won't need to water again until the seeds emerge.  The easiest way to keep the soil moist and warm during germination is to place a clear plastic cover over your trays.  Once you see about half the seeds up you should remove your cover so the soil surface can dry out periodically.  I like to water young seedlings from the bottom letting the water soak up from below to keep the surface from being so wet that surface molds (damp off) get started and kill the young seedlings. Lastly, but very important… be sure to LABEL all of your plants!  Things get moved around and it's hard to tell what is what 2 months later.  Of course, enter all your plantings (dates, varieties, how many, etc.) in your garden journal. Next week we'll discuss more about growing your own plants, dividing perennials, & your questions. *Jim Corven,  Fenn Farmstead & Gardens, Mount Holly.  Recently retired professor of sustainable organic agriculture, Master Gardener, beekeeper, international agriculture development consultant.  mhgardener@vermontel.net Our diversified farm is located in Mount Holly and we are dedicated to providing a local alternative to commercially produced factory food. OUR FARM STAND We appreciate everyone who has stopped by our farm stand over the past few weeks. We are beyond grateful for your continued support. We will continue our curbside service. You can find our complete product price list on our website or by clicking the price list button below. Take a look at what we've got and let us know what you'd like. Orders can be paid by credit card prior to your arrival at our farm stand. You can order by calling between 9am & 5pm at 802.259.2250, or by sending us an email to (plewfarm@gmail.com). Click for price list WHAT'S FOR DINNER Grab your slow cooker or your instant pot and one of our pork shoulders, and you'll be set for dinner for a few nights! Start with bbq pulled pork sandwiches (one of our family favorites). Use your leftovers for nachos, as a topping for pizza, and we've even made a shepherds pie with our leftovers. The possibilities are endless and delicious! CSA MEMBERSHIP RE-OPENED! We are happy to announce that we have re-opened our CSA membership. By joining our CSA membership, you pre-pay now for a seasonal supply of products. We have a limited number of shares available for purchase. Applications must be filled out completely and returned with payment. We accept checks or cash. Complete details and membership form found here! WE'RE ALL HERE FOR YOU! NEW THIS SEASON ... We have partnered with several of our farmer and market friends and will be working on stocking our farm stand with more stuff!! Be on the look out for bread from 3 Bears Bakery, produce from Evening Song Farm, Alchemy Gardens, Radical Roots, & Dutchess Farms. Dried beans and vinegar from Yoder Farms. Not to mention soap from Vermont Bacon Soap. Check out our current product list to stay informed of what we have available. FREE SHIPPING Visit our website for free shipping on all of our maple products. Send a taste of Vermont to your family and friends. THE MARKET We will not be at the indoor farmers market for the remainder of the winter season. We invite you to visit us at our farm stand. Curbside service details found here. know your food ~ know your farmers STAY CONNECTED AND FOLLOW US Questions? Contact us today: 802.259.2250 www.plewfarm.com plewfarm@gmail.com Kevin & Patti Plew, Owners, Operators, Husband & Wife! 1966 Healdville Road - Mount Holly, VT 05758