I'll add some warm weather veggies to the top for those that don't eat in season- I'm about ready for some tomatoes myself...it's almost time to start them!
I've spotted a few aphids here and there, in the tunnel- a sign my soil needs the nitrogen washed through it- I've recently discovered that I need to be winter watering once per week to move it through the soil- even though I don't fertilize in winter there is residual nitrogen and the only way it gets moving through the soil is by rain (not gonna happen in a tunnel) and watering. Up to this point I've stopped watering come Nov. because it's not necessary. Now after reading up on my aphid sighting in one of Eliot Coleman's books, looking for a solution, I know now he started watering on sunny mornings all through winter, just to be sure there is no nitrogen build up- and then aphids. I don't know how I missed that bit of info reading his book the first time! Time to reread it. I choose to investigate the soil when there is an issue- everything starts with the soil- ends with it too ;). I also spotted a lady bug the other day- so hopefully she's taking care of business!
While out in the tunnel today I spotted a new arrival. Magenta Spreen self sowed, along with a bunch of pansy.
Fitting name for this edible green- the pink or magenta color in the middle comes off on your fingers and it's pink! I tried this food crop last year and it said to watch it carefully as it can become invasive- glad I spotted it now. I'm not sure I live this crop- the jury is still out, but it does add a little something different to my salad- something I'm always wanting to do since I eat them almost daily and year round.
Happy Gardening,
Tessa (aka dirtdigger)
3 comments:
I learned something new today but I'm not sure I totally understand - aphids mean there is something in the soil that needs to be addressed? If that is the case my yard is a mess, or does this only apply to the hoop house?
Magenta Spreen is new to me, how do you like it? I find it difficult to keep up with the greens in our garden, which means we don't eat them enough. It was a sad moment when I realized this.
You are correct, Barb. Any time you have an insect or disease that is not at an acceptable level, as they all should be there in moderation both good and bad (referring to bugs), the problem is in the soil. Insects don't attach healthy plants, so if your plants aren't healthy, something is not right in the soil for that plant. Putting anything on it is a band-aid.
Aphids are a sign of too much nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen is washed through the soil naturally with rain, or with your watering. If you're growing in a hightunnel rain is not going to count- so nitrogen can build up- especially with a lot less watering in winter.
In the garden it is the same- there is an imbalance. I discovered this as when I found some aphids (last year too) and in the same spot in the same bed I went to the master Eliot Coleman. His Winter Harvest Manual had this answer.
Hope this helps! And thanks so much for stopping by- see you on G+
Oh and to answer your other question.. not sure how I like the Spreen, it's pretty, that's for sure. I'm always trying to find interesting greens for my salad as I eat them daily, year round. I can attest that my health is much better for it too.
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