Avoiding Transplant Shock

The threat of frost is past, which means it’s time for planting out tomatoes, peppers, and all manner of warm-weather crops here in Virginia. While planting out is certainly not rocket science, and plants can recover from much rough treatment, there are some ways to ease the transition for them, keeping them happier and healthier and ultimately leading…

Asparagus, Part 5: They’re In!

Eight weeks ago, I started 30 Mary Washington asparagus seeds between two damp paper towels. Potted up, 12 of those became healthy little ferns, and now they’re continuously sending out new shoots, each one a little bigger in diameter than the last. (We might finally be up to a hair’s breadth!) Since the apple trees…

The Plants Must Go!

Since last week, I’ve begun to worry about my indoor nursery…that it’s getting a bit crowded. Particularly in the brassica department. The lowest shelf in the picture to the right is the brassicas about ten days ago. They’re in 2″ pots (which is small), but they’re growing up a storm. I planted the seeds Jan….

Planting the Cold Frame

I was very proud of myself this winter when I finally got a decent cold frame built—and from all repurposed materials, which didn’t cost me a penny. I was even prouder when last week I took the temperature of the soil (with a meat thermometer!) and discovered it was five degrees warmer than in the…