Vegetable Seedlings in the Garden

On this week’s episode, the guys talk about growing vegetable seedlings in a greenhouse. Greg explains how this can be tough for someone who is at work all day because the greenhouse and the plants inside it will need repeated supervision. Unless some automated systems are used, it's not very realistic for those who are away from home during the day. They discuss how vegetable seedlings need a constant environment and to avoid sudden changes in temperatures. In their greenhouse, this is done by opening the windows based on the outside temperature. They talk about grow lights and how they should be put directly on top of the seed tray initially and slowly elevated as the plants grow. This will prevent plants from becoming leggy as they attempt to climb to the lights. Travis explains that they don't use an automatic watering system, but that those are extremely handy if you're going to be away for a prolonged period of time. He also suggests having a spigot at the greenhouse to better utilize a fertilizer injection tool like their Brass Siphon Mixer. This tool allows you to easily water and fertilize vegetable seedlings simultaneously.

Show and Tell Segment

On the show and tell segment, Greg has some English peas that are maturing in his garden. He mentions that the plants are loaded with blooms and he's been harvesting the pods as they are ready. They explain that English peas from the home garden taste so much better than those bought at the store and that they are also great to eat raw. Travis brought a few Bolero carrots from his garden. They are not as large as he would like yet, but they are slowly getting there. They also discuss the taste difference between homegrown carrots and those purchased at the grocery store. Greg has had a little bit of a worm problem on his collards so he sprayed them with some B.t. fertilizer.  The guys are about to start pulling onions in the vegetable garden. When the onions get big enough it can sometimes be hard to get in the garden to clean the area up. However, the guys like to use the Short Single Tine Cultivator which allows you to weed and cultivate in between the onions easily. The guys also look forward to carrying a good supply of elephant garlic and shallots coming this Fall.

Viewer Questions Segment

On the question and answer segment, they answer questions about corn earworms and suggested crops for a first-year vegetable garden. Greg explains that planting early is one of the first keys to success against corn earworms. Travis also mentions that applying Spinosad Garden Insect Spray to the silks and tassels a couple of times a week will also take care of the earworm problem. For a first-year vegetable garden, Travis recommends using the KISS principle -- Keep It Simple Stupid. He explains that one should strive to do 3-5 crops really well versus doing 10 crops unsuccessfully. Once you perfect those crops then you can move on to other crops. He suggests growing potatoes, okra, beans, cucumbers, or squash that are relatively easy to grow to start for your first-time growing in the garden.

Tool of the Week

Short Single Tine Cultivator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XidQz9NS1BI