Friday’s Top Story: Early Spring Planting

I’ve done it now, succumbed to peer pressure. Yesterday I did something that I never ever do,  I helped plant tomatoes . . . in April! I help plant tomatoes all the time, but in April, never.

Categorize this blog post in the category, Do as Renea says, not as she does. 

Knowing in my heart that it is too early to put delicate plants in the ground and realizing that Mr. Thomas, who never plants before May first, is probably right, yesterday (April 11, 2013) I followed Kelle’s lead and planted the seedlings she had sprouted for Billy’s garden. She’s the seed-sprouting queen, by the way.

I rationalize that the seedlings are heirlooms and perhaps stronger than other varieties. As Kelle said, the seedlings were tiny and “need to be in Billy’s dirt.” Truth be told, we needed to be in the dirt as well.

Tiny tomato plants are barely visible in the dirt.

April is a volatile month. The whole tale of March being a lion or lamb rings true, but here lately April is schizophrenic at worst, unpredictable at best. Just ask the folk in Colorado who are digging out from another blizzard. On the east coast, Mother Nature sends violent thunderstorms in April, like the one that happened within hours of yesterday’s planting. I’m not even going over to Billy’s today. I am confident the seedlings are heads-bent leaves covered with mud.

The storms also bring cooler temperatures, or the “winters;” Dogwood winter (when the trees are in bloom) and blackberry winter when blooms are just forming on the vine. The Dogwoods should be in full bloom in a couple of days and blackberries have another couple of weeks, meaning we could experience another cold-snap. This makes me, who track these kinds of things, very hesitant with respect to planting. And then there were the “signs.” The zodiac didn’t give the green light to plant until today.

At Billy’s, tomato-planting time means all hands on deck (and in dirt). Truly a joyful day.

But when helpers show up, it’s time to crank the tractor and get on hands and knees to plant, and say a prayer that this year we will be blessed with what Billy calls boocoos of tomatoes.

But, just in case, I have plenty of tomato seedlings at my house ready for May first.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

Follow Billy on Faceboook HERE

Footnote: “boocoo” is the Americanized version of the French adverb “beaucoup” meaning much or many.

 

Tomato Seedlings

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, and since there are many who -like me- still hold firm to the old ways and require a bit of a nudge, I submit the following images of tomato seedlings. I too was a loyal shopper, purchasing seeds from “those companies” you know them, I don’t need to list them. I used to grab seeds here, order them there, and wonder why in the world my plants didn’t produce.

The first photo is an image of Rutger Tomatoes. Billy’ prefers this variety. However, upon closer inspection notice the thin and spindly nature of each plant.

By comparison, on the right you will see the Cherokee Purples. If you read my blog regularly, these are the seedlings planted in a plastic shoe box and kept warm with Christmas-tree-lights. If you missed that post, click here to read. Tomatoes need hours and hours, and then a few more…hours of sunlight every day. Both the Rutgers and the Purples were planted at the same time. Both in my home, same care. I wanted a side-by-side comparison with the hopes of swaying Billy (and you) into growing only Botanical Interests seeds, instead of those “other companies.”

Rutger Tomatoes, One of Billy’s favorites

Cherokee Purple Seedlings. Planted same time. Notice thickness of stalk

Here is an image of the same plants today.

As you see in the image below, the Rutgers are still the same size. They have barely grown, while the Botanical Interest’s Cherokee Purples have sprouted new leaves. Considering the dreary weather, and frigid temperatures, I’m pleased with my Purples.

Please consider trying Botanical Interest’s Seeds.  In Georgia, seeds are available in Pike’s. Also, ask for them at Harry’s Supermarket. It’s time to start those seedlings. Happy gardening and remember to keep those hands dirty.

Update March 29, 2013 at 10:55 am. WOW. After receiving a comment that I had the same images, I have inserted another image today (difficult to hold one box over the other while holding the camera, and trying to snap the photo; but, I am quite offended that someone would think I am not honest. I guess the next allegation is photoshop). As you can see, side-by-side. I can’t zoom in (no extra hand), but you can see very little growth on the left, explosive growth on the heritage seeds. If you want to purchase genetically altered seeds, by all means, please do so. My goal has, and always will remain, teaching people living in urban areas how to grow food.  I have given away seeds and helped people plant gardens (all without compensation). Unless you are actively, hands on- trying to help people grow their own food, and until you take the time to personally get to know me, please toss negative comments toward someone else. What do I have to gain by manipulating anything?

Please, only sunshine and tomato seedlings here. 

The seedlings. Side by Side.

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

It’s a Gardening Record: Seeds Sprouted in THREE Days!

TOP NEWS STORY: Seeds Have Sprouted !

Today I intended to spend the day writing. Instead a took a peak at the seeds, thinking they might need a mist of water. Surprise, the seeds are up! Three days: a new record at my house for seed starting. For the skeptics I must share these two words: Holy Crap! That’s exactly what I said this morning when I checked my seeds.

Look at those Cherokee Purple tomatoes. Aren’t they precious?

Holy Crap, the Cherokee Purple’s are up!

See, heating the soil and adding Christmas Tree lights do work.

Holy Crap, the Brussels sprouts are up too!

First year growing Brussels Sprouts. I have some planted outside also.

Again, I must ask why in the world are you planting anything other than Botanical Interests Seeds?

Click the above link today, right now, and order something, anything.

Why are you fertilizing with anything other than Nelson’s Grow Best? I only soaked the seeds for about two minutes.

The proof is here.

If you’ve missed my other blogs you need to shred the newspapers.

Cook the dirt.

Plant the seeds Dear Ones…plant the seeds.

Next week I might try sprouting The Garry Farm’s Zinnias. Oh I can’t wait.

P.S. please subscribe to my blog. You’ll receive an email each time I post something new and exciting. I promise, my “news” will never feature the Kardashians.

My view through the plastic shoe-box this morning. BIG SMILES!

Renea Winchester is the award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. In 2012 she released Stress-Free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. 2014 will see the release of In the Kitchen with Billy: Farming, Friends & Fried Bologna Sandwiches. She is currently working on her first novel. She would love to hear from you. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Celebrating the Beauty of Mud Puddles

Atlanta, like many towns in the US, has been suffering from unseasonably high temperatures. Earth-baking, livestock-killing, water-evaporating heat that became more dangerous by a non-stop wind that cracked the soil and seared our skin. We have suffered this summer, worried, fretted and some of us have prayed for relief from the oppressive heat.

Thus far in the growing season, Billy’s farm has been blessed with a bountiful harvest. Blessed with a plethora of beans, corn, and tomatoes ripening on the vine. Unfortunately, as the harvest approached, temperatures rose. Beans died on the vine, tomatoes turned white and burned beneath the sun, and, if the truth be told, Billy Albertson got a little nervous.

“That’s the last of the water,” he said with a sigh, referring to one of six rain barrels situated sporadically throughout his property. “And your maders need watering.”

Shrugging off his concern I said, “Don’t worry about my tomatoes. They’ll be fine.”

Meteorologists called for rain, but Mother Nature was bent on showing us who is boss. Not only did she withhold the rain, she cranked up the temps to a dangerous 106 degrees.

The corn curled and turned brown. Billy and I worried. No rain came.

Until Saturday.

“Bring on the rain,” Billy said as I stopped by to pick my tomatoes and check out the desiccation status of my corn.

Overhead the clouds were darkening and dipping lower, giving us hope. An hour later, heaven opened and gifted us with a downpour.

free image courtesy 123rf.com

Like most children, I love mud puddles. Seeing a collection of water triggers something inside of me. I ride my bike through them, smiling at the splash…squish, tilting my head back as tiny droplets splash against my leg and stain my socks. This morning as the mud puddles in my yard began to disappear I took a stroll through my garden, smiling at the gift of glorious rain.

Though many may curse the rain for making their daily commute a bear, or ruining their planned activities, when I step outside I see that the earth is actually smiling. Tree frogs sing and birds bathe with wild abandon. Even immature tomatoes cling to drops of moisture, unwilling to release the moisture into the earth.

Rain. Blessed rain has finally arrived. Drops that replenished my red-neck rain reclamation system. Most parents will recognize the purple bucket. What once housed stuffed animals, now sits beneath the eve of the house and collects water.

When my grandmother was alive I remember her declaring the arrival of  “dog days,” meaning the rainy season which arrives during the middle of summer. This season of hope is gifted to us, a treasure for weary gardeners that signal it’s time to rest up before fall planting.

Those with pitiful looking tomato plants, take comfort. Tomatoes will bear fruit up until frost. Walk bravely into the garden with a pair of scissors and lop them off at the top. This “trimming” process actually stimulates new growth. You can also root the trimmings. Refer to this blog posting to learn how. For those wanting to plant a late crop of beans and “winter greens,” the Farmer’s Almanac reports July 24-27 are the best dates to plant above ground crops. Root crops (turnips, radish, beets, and potatoes) can be planted, July 10, 13, 14, 17 and 18.

Let us be thankful for the rain and pray for those farmers who are suffering without any. Until next time, remember to keep those hands dirty.

Renea Winchester is an award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes and

Stress-free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author.

Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com or http://adviceforauthors.wordpress.com

 

A Farmer: The Biggest Gambler Around

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It was just a blink ago, a short couple of weeks that Atlanta experienced several days of soil soaking rain; afterward, we basked beneath a cool breeze and tolerable temperatures. However this morning as June bugs fly across the lawn I sense a change deep in my bones.

A drought is coming.

I can feel it in the stillness of the air, hear it in the silence of the birdsong.

Heat. Oppressive heat has rolled into Atlanta and brought with it not a hint of rain.

Rain is the lifeblood for farmers such as Billy Albertson. With more and more “city folk” depending on his fresh locally grown produce, the garden this year was full of promise.

Today, with new beans developing and tomatoes just about to turn red, the growing season is in jeopardy.

“If we don’t get some rain by next week, all will be lost,” Billy told me this morning when he rang the phone at 7:15 am.

Farmers don’t take the summer off, and they certainly don’t allow the helpers to sleep in.

“I know, which is why I put out the Pray-For-Rain sign,” I replied, equally concerned.

Most people would ask, “why doesn’t he just water the garden?” Those are the people who have never planted 250 tomato plants, people that do not understand that nothing, absolutely nothing compares to Heaven-sent rain drops.

Bless their hearts.

“I guess we could trickle some of that reclaimed water down the corn stalks,” Billy says more to himself than me. “That might help.”

He and I both know that it won’t. Once the Georgia clay starts cracking, only God can soothe the soil.

Cracks in the soil form as the earth begs for rain.

At my home, I snake a hose from the heat pump to my garden.

Billy doesn’t have that luxury; for you see, he doesn’t have air conditioning. Even though he is in the middle of the city, his water source is a well. If he used a hose to water vegetables, he wouldn’t have anything to drink. The water he uses on the garden comes from reclaimed rainwater, which is why the Pray for Rain request is a plea, a hand-on-knees cry to the One who makes the rain.

Please, please send us some rain.

Won’t you join me in asking for a few drops from heaven?

Renea Winchester is an award-winning author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. Learn more at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Enjoying the Rain

It’s a rainy day here in Atlanta. A day like most others, where I wake and immediately scan the mental “to-do” list. Today, was bean-picking day at Farmer Billy’s. But alas, since I do not watch television (too much politics), I missed the local forecast and altered my plans with the darkening clouds.

For those visiting my blog for the first time, I wrote a book titled: In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. The book is about the last farmer in Roswell, Georgia. Not to brag, but it’s a pretty good book that was nominated for several awards and recently earned me the Author of the Year award from the Atlanta Pen Women Association. Your favorite bookstore can order it, or, Billy and I will personalize a copy when ordered through my website.

Today, there would be no farm visit. With the family gone and the house empty, I turn on the music and stand still waiting to steep the perfect cup of tea. Sometimes, all of the wrongs seem right when the tea is perfect. Personal time…something rare these days.

Realizing the many people curse the rain for interfering in their daily activities, as the drops began falling I grabbed my camera, curled my hands around the mug, and for a moment was very thankful. My tomatoes still have a long way to go before they look like this, but these things take time.

Click here to view a short video of the gentle rain falling. So far it’s a great year for gardening. As you can see my planter is bursting with tomatoes.

Chickens aren’t happy when rain falls; “mad as a wet hen” comes to mind. As I fed my chickens (on the front porch) I captured my view of heaven raining down this drippy yet glorious Atlanta morning.

Enjoy their video view from my front porch by clicking here.The ocassional chirps are from my girls. I hope you enjoy your day.

Remember: I am giving away a $10.00 gift certificate for Botanical Interests to my 100th follower of this blog. Click “RSS feed” at top. $ 20.00 for the 200th follower. Feel free to share my blog with others. Thank you for stopping by.

Renea Winchester is an award winning author visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Fresh from the Plant Sale

It’s a miracle…an honest to goodness, bona-fide miracle. I returned from the plant sale without purchasing anything.

Well, I exchanged plants so that technically isn’t a purchase. The Roswell Garden Club held their annual pass-along plant sale at the Smith Plantation. In addition to being on the grounds of the plantation, the weather was beautiful. I had been asked to bring tomato plants from Billy’s garden and some of that super-duper organic fertilizer from last year.

A traditional part of the annual sale is the procurement of Hyacinth Beans which Mrs. Moses sprouts. For those unfamiliar with the bean, visit Botanical Interests here to purchase a pack (or ten). This bean makes the perfect “cover” for a hideously ugly downspout.

I plant mine in a container and allow them to climb the drab brown exterior.  You can also plant them directly in the soil at the base of an arbor or trellis, or as Susan Coleman shows, at the mailbox. Isn’t that a great idea?

As the sale came to a close club members, knowing of my connection with Billy Albertson, allowed me to take several Ace 55 tomato plants home for free. I have no idea what this tomato would look like, but as y’all know by now, I love providing homes for unwanted animals and plants alike. I am happy to take the plant and if it produces share the tomatoes.

According to TheTomatoGarden.com I am in for a treat. In the photo provided from their website, Ace 55 tomatoes take a while to develop. Expect fruit in 75-80 days (I wonder why they didn’t call them Ace 75, but I digress). I should also expect each tomato to weigh 10 to 12 ounces.

image fromthetomatogarden.com

Now we’re talking ! As you can see, this is a monster, weighing in at 12.5 ounces. According to the website, this particular variety is also an heirloom.

I can’t wait to make a space for it in my garden; or as Billy says, “lemme make a row.”

Whether it be flower or veggie, get outside and enjoy this beautiful day. And remember, keep those hands dirty.

Renea Winchester is a member of the Roswell Garden Club, the Atlanta Writers Club, the Georgia Writers Association. She is the author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes, and Stress-free Marketing: Practical Advice for the Newly Published Author. She is currently working on In the Kitchen with Billy. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Your Redneck Greenhouse

To all my newbie garden friends, this post is for you. If you are starting vegetable seeds for the first time, please, please step away from the Home and Garden supply store. You have everything you need to start seeds in your own home.

Most of us have plastic containers lying around the house that look like this container. One only need to add a layer of shredded newspaper, (that is damp enough to be soggy), then add a layer of potting soil.

Containers of this nature become “instant greenhouses.” Placing them on a heating pad for a couple days will heat the soil enough to expedite germination. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can “cook” your soil in the oven. While the soil will not retain heat, it will be warm enough to stimulate germination.

Please. Step away from peat pellets and those seed starter cups one finds in the store. They will not work.

Pass on these peat pellets, and other implements that simply aren't worth the money.

Here’s why: either the seeds will germinate and take off like a rocket, (which results in a weak plant), or the seeds will be so strong they will  become root bound in the container, which means damaged roots upon transferral to the real garden.

Either plant directly into the ground and cover with plastic, or use this “red neck” greenhouse I suggest.

Also: the following plants will never transplant well: carrot, corn, okra, lettuce, kale, and any other “greens.”  Plant them directly into the soil where they will spend the summer.

Those that do transplant well include: beans, peas, peppers and tomatoes.

Back to the redneck greenhouse. In this photo notice how I  have placed newspaper into the bottom of the container.

Notice a layer of soggy newspaper in the bottom?

There are NO drainage holes. That is because the top of the container has a gap wide enough to allow air curculation. I chose this container because I can easily remove the lid and allow air inside.

Newspaper provides much-needed moisture beneath the seed. This is important because as the seed germinates it will seek moisture. Moisture beneath the seed encourages a strong root. Moisture above the seed encourages the root to grow up (meaning upside down).

The container is sitting on a heating pad. Notice how moisture is already condensing on the side of the container. This is heaven to a seedling.  Once seeds emerge water by using a spray bottle (a recycled cleaning bottle will work). Do not pour heavy water on delicate plants, they will break.

Now here is the tricky part, when it is time to transplant into the seedling’s permanent home, one might be forced to remove the bottom of the container in order to protect delicate plants.

How many seasoned gardeners have broken plants trying to remove them from containers? How many seasoned gardeners have killed their plants by pouring water on top of them?

This is why, if at all possible, it is best to plant directly in the garden. Nothing is more frustrating that investing time nourishing delicate seedlings only to kill them when removing them from containers. Happy gardening and remember to keep those hands dirty.

Renea Winchester is an award-winning author of the book In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com

 

Small Garden, Big Results

It is said that good things come in small packages. That saying rings true when it comes to raised beds. I am just now discovering the glory of gardening using raised beds. If y’all will remember only last year this area with a disaster: filled with roots, honeysuckle and vinca. Today, thanks to multiple applications of mushy shredded newspaper, worms have come and transformed the soil into a thing of beauty.

A heavy incorporation of chicken manure helped also. Looking at the photo, one might imagine this bed large.

However, looking again, you will see this bed is a little bigger than a yard stick ! This is “fall lettuce” which was planted around January. Lettuce likes cooler temperatures. Soon I will have to either shade the area, or pull up the lettuce.

It hurts me to pull up any plant.

Also in this tiny space, is a row of spinach. Beside the spinach is a row of carrots planted just yesterday. (Because Mr. Coleman’s bunnies love carrots). This raised bed will use every single ounce of space.

Don’t be afraid to turn a small space in your yard into a “big” garden. Upcoming plans call for the incorporation of another “bed” for onions and garlic. Ideally, you can grow lettuce in the same area. Since garlic and onions “die back” in the summer heat they can both share the same gardening space as lettuce and other greens. Effective managing space and seeking every ounce of sunlight is something I am forced to do in my limited area.

Tiny raised bed=BIG harvest

Renea Winchester is the author of the book, In the Garden with Billy: Lessons about Life, Love & Tomatoes. Her book is traditionally published and available in independent bookstores and online. Visit her at www.reneawinchester.com. Follow the happenings at Billy’s by liking the In the Garden with Billy Facebook page.

And remember, keep those hands dirty.

 

Tough Love for Delicate Seedlings

Those with an incurable case of spring fever who are eager to get a jump on planting the garden this year, have already sprinkled seeds and begun the process of daily monitoring (stalking) the container for the emergance of life.

Seeds have emerged and begin to turn toward the sun.

Seeds respond by erupting from the soil, unfurling delicate, pale leaves and then – in some cases – collapsing in a weak pile of death. That, my friend, happens because tender stalks cannot support the weight of new growth. Simply put, in order to urge seedlings along we must “toughen up” or “harden off” these delicate sprouts.

The easiest way to do this is with a common heater most of us keep beneath our desk in the office. Some heaters are equipped with fans that blow cool air. If yours isn’t, set the temperature on the coolest level possible.

In the photo below, notice the humidifier behind the seedlings. The addition of steam or moisture (if a cold water humidifier is used) increases humidity levels in the room. Reflective paper ensures that not one single ray of sunlight is wasted. These two tricks make plants happy.

Position the fan so that it blows directly on the plants, then turn it to the lowest setting. While the plants sway and move beneath the force of circulated air, they will not break. In fact, the base of the plants will thicken.

Seedlings placed near a window, versus those grown beneath direct (overhead) light, require daily rotation as each plant automatically seeks the sun. At the end of each day, give the container a quick quarter turn and allow the fan to blow on the plants for a half hour.

Soon your babies will be ready to face the outside world.

Renea Winchester is the author of In the Garden with Billy: Lessons About Life, Love & Tomatoes. Like the page on Facebook (HERE) for up-to-date happenings on Billy’s little strip of land.