Gardening for Survival
 Primary Contributor
|
Lancer T
Blair, BS (ag) |
Planting
If
you are new to the garden scene, you may not know exactly what to
plant. Or how to go about planting what you want. you may not have
the tools to plant or know when to plant. Let us answer a few of
these questions, in the hope that a productive garden is the result.
Also keep in mind that what might work for your neighbor may not work
for you and that what is expressed here is by no means an absolute. You
will need to do your homework to see which method suits you the
best.
Under
the topic of planting we will discuss, what you will need, types of
seeds, growing conditions, when to plant, How to plant and What to
plant (primarily companion planting)
What do you need?
What do you need, is a simple enough statement. At the very basic implication it refers to seeds, plants, cuttings. And then your tools: Shovel, Hoe, Rake, and a knife or scissors.
Let us start with seeds:
What
ever you do, in these trying times, Do
Not,
I repeat, do
not
buy hybrid seed. As a matter of fact stay as far away from hybrid
seeds, plants and cuttings as possible. Even if your interest is not
seed production. The sequence of genes in a hybrid plant are being
copy written and huge seed companies are now starting to sue farmers
where the genes happen to pop up in the field. So to play it safe,
for health and finance stay away from hybrids and GMO (Genetically
modified organisms)
You
will want to plant seeds that are preferable of last year’s
production. If not last years then the year before that. However
take note that the older the seed, the less likely they are to
germinate. For the simple fact is that within every seed there is a
spark of life, and as time goes by it will eventually die out. But
most seeds are good for 3 to 5 years after production.
Plants
There maybe the possibility of buying open pollinated or heirloom plants at your local nursery, hardware, or feed store. If this is possible you may be able to skip the germination process. Which could save time and energy. But make sure you pick plants that are Not flowering. Plants that are flowering usually have wasted a lot of energy to do so, and they generally don’t transplant as well as some of their less showy sisters and brothers. Check for diseases, viruses and fungus. Never bring these home. Plants need to be of a good rich color and not tall or lanky. Sturdy stalks, no flowers, no curled leaves, no off coloring and no bugs. But of course this may not be an option if no stores are open for business.
Cuttings
Again cuttings can save time and energy. However they may not be available at the beginning of the season. Again use the same discretion in choosing your cuttings as in choosing your plants. But you may have a harder time seeing if the packing soil they are in has bad bugs, viruses, bacteria or fungus in it.
Shovel, rake and hoe
These
three implements are arguable some of the oldest tools known to man. A
larger then average garden may be put in with only these tools.
The
shovel can be used to turn the soil, dig holes, dig up plants, cut
roots below the surface, and incorporate humus, and other soil
amenities.The
rake is used to gather or spread materials on the ground. The
Hoe is used to disturb the soil and break the fine roots of
weeds. Plus all three may be used as a weapon of self-defense.
Types of seeds
Seeds
come in many different sizes, shapes and colors. The coconut, corn,
peas, beans, sesame, flax and pecans are all seeds. They all have
one purpose, to reproduce plants of their kind.
Above
all, when planting a garden that you wish to save seed from year
after year, buy only heirloom or open pollinated varieties. Do not
buy hybrids, most seeds at a feed store or from a seed catalog are
hybrids. Hybrid seeds will germinate and produce a fine healthy
plant, for one growing cycle. Many of these plants have been bred to
be exceptional in one area or another. That area could be disease
resistant or very productive, enhanced color or aroma. However they
were also bred so that the traits they expressed would not breed
through and be seen in the next generation. When you save seed from
a hybrid and plant it you are running a high risk of getting plants
look nothing like their parents, they probably will not be as
productive, or as colorful, they may even be stunted in their growth.
Buy
seeds that can be planted and saved year after year after year.
Growing
conditions
For
many plants in your garden, frost is a death sentence. But
thankfully this is not true foe many members in the lettuce, cabbage
and broccoli family. These plants may take a slight frost. This
fact extends our growing season. And can be planted as early as
February and March, depending on where you are. The rest of most
garden vegetables will be planted late April through early June. Again
this depends on the vegetable and where you live. You should
always follow the directions on the seed packages. If you plan on
having a huge garden you may want to consider a small green house or
several cold frames. These would allow you to start many plants
earlier then usual and can be used to harden off seedlings. There
are many good ideas and designs for green houses and cold frames in
garden books and magazines. You might be able to get second hand
glass (with chips and cracks in it) from your local glass shop. You
can usually find a way to use these. Remember adequate moisture,
sunlight and food is the requirements of every plant.
When to plant
I
prefer to plant using the signs of the moon. If you don’t fine. I
have proven this method to my self and I am quite happy with it. You
may purchase a calendar with signs on it or get and almanac.
How to plant
Basically planting boils down to seeds coming into contact with the necessary light “or lack of”, water and warmth. Some seeds prefer to have their seed coat stratified (scratched, Broken, bruised) to allow the inside of the seed to emerge. Many gardeners prefer to place their seeds either in a bucket of water over night or on a damp paper towel (if the seed is small enough). Some seeds may need longer then over night (24-48 hrs). This process speeds up germination. After the seeds have soaked up some water they may be planted in seedling trays or directly into the garden. Make sure that you read the directions on the seed packages. Some plants do not like to be transplanted and need to be planted directly in the garden
What to plant
This
question can be answered with 2 questions. What do you like to eat?
And what do you think you will need?
I,
myself believe that a good balanced will kick most diseases to the
curb. I also like a lot of flavor in my food. So in my garden there
are a lot of herbs. Not only do they add flavor to foods, but also
they can be used to keep a person healthy. You may want to look at
plants that you can use for trade. Such as tobacco or stevia. Whichever
routes you take you need to do your homework.
Companion planting
Companion
planting has been used for centuries to aid one or all the plants
growing together. Such combinations are: Soybeans and corn in
neighboring rows. Tomatoes and cabbages or tomatoes and asparagus.
These aid each other, the beans fix nitrogen for the corn. The
tomatoes drive of flies from the cabbages and asparagus.
If
you wish to plant a little closer try planting radishes and onions
with lettuce or tomatoes. Cabbage and garlic or spinach and
cucumbers work as well.
This
is by no means a complete list, feel free to experiment with
combinations. But remember you don’t want any thing that will
directly complete with each other. It might be possible to harvest
one before its companion really starts to grow.
Another
aspect of companion planting is the idea of using plants to attract
pollinators for their companions. Most plants used here are flowers. A
few are Dill, Mustard, Buckwheat and most wild flowers.
You
may use plants to not only attract pollinators but also to drive away
or kill harmful insects. What is so good about this, is that herbs
fill the bill.
Several
flowers will work as well. Tansy, penny royal, hyssop, catnip,
African and French marigolds all work to repel insects. In fact the
pyrethrum flower works so well that it was made into a commercial
spray years ago.
Please
be careful Research has shown that some of these plants have been
known to actually attract the cabbageworm moth. However a vegetable
garden with flowers and herbs scattered through out is always a
lovely sight and should be a healthy garden. That will produce
healthy and nutritious food for the gardener.
