Garden University: February 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Tomatoes Already?

Well here it is the middle of February and the tomato plants are already making their way into the big box nurseries. Today I saw the first tomato plants at a brand new nursery in Folsom. But it is far too early to plant your tomato plants outside. If you want to baby some tomato seeds indoors at least for the next two months then you could consider planting some tomatoes under a grow light and on top of a heating pad. Other wise don't buy your tomato plants yet. I believe it is unethical for companies to sell plants like these so early in the year. They know or should know that most likely these plants will die. The average gardener is not going to be able to provide the care these vegetable plants are going to need this early in the year. This can lead the customer to buy new tomato plants in the coming weeks and months. Worse than all this, it will lead some gardeners to give up on trying to grow a garden after failing once or twice, they may wrongly blame themselves for their plant's death. I sometimes wonder how many gardeners have given up this great hobby just because big box stores stock the wrong plants at the wrong time of year. Many large chain stores pick plant varieties based on population, we in Northern California end up shopping stores with plant varieties for Southern California. Your best bet is to stick with a small nursery where you can get to know the owners and the employees that have a vested interest in the community. They will carry plants for your area because they know they will see the next time they come into the store. Managers of big box stores never come in contact with the customers so they never hear about the consequences of their bad decisions.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

What is OMRI?

Founded in 1997, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. When companies apply, OMRI reviews their products against the National Organic Standards. Acceptable products are OMRI Listed® and appear on the OMRI Products List. OMRI also provides subscribers and certifiers guidance on the acceptability of various material inputs in general under the National Organic Program.

Pomegranates

Ambrosia Pomegranate
Angel Red Pomegranate
Austin Pomegranate
Granada Pomegranate
Sweet Pomegranate
Utah Sweet Pomegranate
White Pomegranate
Wonderful Pomegranate

Beware of Weed Cloth

Garden Tip #1

Beware of Weed Cloth

Weed cloth is designed to let water through and keep roots out. But water can only penetrate the cloth slowly. Most of the water will runoff and possibly away from the plants you want to water. It is important to use a drip-system in areas where you have a weed cloth barrier. It is better to water your plants at a slow pace that the weed cloth can keep up with, this way your plants get the water and not your pathways.