We've all struggled to grow watermelon at some point. Many of you may not even want to try and grow watermelons because of all the stories of struggle but we are here to tell you...it's easy! With the right tools and knowledge, we will have you growing watermelons successfully!

Types of Watermelon

Seedless: Seedless watermelons were developed in the 90's to have small edible seeds. Typically produce 10-20-pound fruits and mature in 85 days and require a pollinator variety. (Tailgate, Harvest Moon, Summer Breeze, Tripe Play, Treasure Chest, Captivation, Yellow Buttercup,

Icebox: Specifically bred to be small enough to fit in a refrigerator and feed one person or a small family. Round fruits average between 5-15 pounds and mature in 75 days. (Sugar Baby, Black Tail)

Yellow and Orange: Specifically bred to be small enough to fit in a refrigerator and feed one person or a small family. Round fruits average between 5-15 pounds and mature in 75 days. (Tender sweet Orange, Yellow Doll, Orangelo)

Picnic: The largest watermelon variety weighs in between 16 and 45 pounds. Makes a great option to feed large crowds. Oblong fruits will mature in 85-90 days. (Crimson Sweet, Sangria, Georgia Rattlesnake, Moon and Stars, Charleston Gray, Carolina Cross 180, Jubilee, Jamboree, Congo, Dulce Fantasia)

Seed Starting Dates

Wondering when you should start your watermelon seeds for your zone? See the list below:

Zone 10 - 12/15

Zone 9 - 1/15

Zone 8- 2/20

Zone 7- 3/15

Zone 6 - 4/1

Zone 5 - 4/20

Transplanting Your Watermelon Seedlings

Once your watermelon seedlings have at least 2 sets of true leaves, the weather is warm enough for the soil to maintain at least 70°F, and the plants have a healthy root system, your seedlings are ready to transplant into the ground.

The most important thing to remember when transplanting watermelons is to take extra care with the root systems. They are very delicate and disturbing them could result in the loss of your plant.

When the plants can easily be pulled from the seed tray cells, that is a good indication that they are ready to go in the ground. If they don’t come out of the trays easily, that’s okay. You can help them out by very gently pushing them through the hole in the bottom of the 162 cell seed starting tray.

Watermelon Seedling Planting Depth

Row Spacing – 4 to 6 feet

Plant Spacing – 2 to 3 feet

Planting Depth (Plants) – Soil Level

When choosing a spot to plant your watermelons, make sure it it has full sun and won’t be shaded by other plants.

Product of the Week:

Black Mountain Watermelon

Orangeglo Watermelon

Lilly Crenshaw Melon

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/6o1as-OyXRs

Small space gardening is growing in popularity and is becoming more of a necessity in these trying times. What can you grow in raised beds? What can you grow in containers? Tonight, Greg and special guest, Tracy with Sakata Seeds go over the Best vegetables you can and should grow in your raised beds and containers.

Container Gardening: Plants that work well for containers

The Little Birdy Series includes a great selection of compact, determinant plants. These are great for hanging baskets, containers, grow bags, and raised beds. Rosy Finch, Yellow Canary, and Red Robin

Peppers

Lola Banana Pepper

Arapaho Cayenne

Ruby Delite

Lemon Delite

Orange Delite

Cinder Jalapeno

Orange You Sweet

Right on Red

Yes To Yellow

Lettuce

Red Tide

Green Tiger

Red Dragon

Herbs

Dill

Large Italian Basil

Santo Cilantro

Okra

Green Fingers

Jambalaya

Beets

Kestrel

Merlin

Broccoli

Green Magic

Godzilla

Vegetables for Raised Beds

This also includes all of the seeds from the Container gardening list above.

Summer Squash

Green Zebra Zucchini

Cometa

Determinate Tomatoes

Shelby

Hossinator

Bella Rosa

Roadster

Product of the Week:

Seed Starting Supplies

New Seeds for 2022

Root Pouch Grow Bags

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/ewpMy-dP1mg

One of the most popular vegetables in the United States is corn, especially sweet corn. Scientists believe people living in central Mexico developed corn at least 7,000 years ago. It started from a wild grass known as teosinte. Tonight we discuss when to plant, where to plant, water requirements, and much more.

General Information

Sweet corn is a warm-season crop and must be planted after the soil warms and there is no more danger of frost; at least above 55 degrees F. (13 C.). If you plant super sweet corn, be sure the soil is at least 65 degrees F. (18 C.), as super sweet corn prefers a warmer climate.Plant the corn seeds about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in the row. Space the rows 2½ to 3 feet apart. After the plants are up, thin them to 1 foot apart. If you plant them closer, your corn will have small, poorly-filled ears. Plant in full sun

Part 2

Sweet corn must self-pollinate or pollinate by a similar variety. Wind moves corn pollen from the tassel at the top of the plant to the silks of the ears, and to lower parts of the plant.Always plant corn in blocks of at least four rows. Corn planted in a single row will have much of its pollen blown out of the row, and will produce ears that have blank areas where kernels did not form.If you garden in an agricultural area, try to plant your sweet corn 300 feet from the nearest cornfield. Large acreages of field corn will produce so much pollen that you could spoil your crop unless you plant your sweet corn far enough away.Different varieties produce pollen at different times, so you can isolate them by time. Since different varieties will respond individually to growing conditions, do not isolate them with less than two weeks until the given “days to maturity” in the variety description.You can also plant one variety earlier than another variety to achieve the needed difference in pollen production.

Water Requirements

Water sweet corn as needed to keep it from wilting. Do not let corn suffer from lack of water when the kernels are forming.One inch of rainfall per week is good for your corn.Drip Irrigation is best to use with corn

Pests and Diseases

Two insect pests that feed on the developing ears of corn are corn earworm and European corn borer.

Smut causes firm, tumor-like growths on leaves, stems, ears and tassels. Look for smut galls throughout the season and cut them out before they produce spores. Remove these galls from the garden and bury them. Do not compost them. Leaf rust appears as rusty orange streaks on leaves that release an abundance of powdery orange spores. Rust resistant varieties are available and are the best form of control. Use good cultural control practices to reduce disease problems to a good level and allow for a successful harvest.

Harvesting

Corn is ready for harvest about 3 weeks after the tassel grows on top of the corn plant. Corn is ripe when juice from the kernels is milky white, the silk on the ears has turned dark brown. The best time to pick corn is in the early morning or evening when it is cool. Place it uncovered in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days. Corn stored for more than 2 days loses its sweetness.

Product of the Week:

Sweet Corn

Mexican Sour Gherkin

Austin's Red Pear Tomato

Hoss Green Blaze Bush Bean

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/7Fnbwc_f2ik

While okra may be considered a "southern thing", it can be grown in most USDA planting zones. There are many benefits to adding okra to your "things to grow this season" list, okra is an excellent source of vitamins and it is one of the easiest things to grow in the garden. Most okra varieties are heat-lovers, have low watering needs, and the beneficial pollinators love the blooms. What variety should you grow? Let's discuss!

General Information:

Excellent source of vitamins A, C, Folate, and magnesium.  Low in calories and carbs. Provides protein that many other fruits and vegetables lack. Contains antioxidants that contributes to brain and heart health.So many ways to cook, roasted, grilled, sauteed, fried, pickled, soups, gumbo, freeze dried.

Comes in 2 colors, Pods usually green, but numerous red varieties out there as well.Okra is an annual. Okra grows the best in hardiness zones 6 – 11. You can grow okra in zone 5 but will need to take greater care with the plants.It does especially well in the south in growing zone 7 and zone 8. In zones 9, 10, and 11, watch for early consistent temperatures over 100 degrees which can stunt growth if they aren’t watered enough. Okra takes 50 – 65 days to grow and matureThe ideal growing temperature is 75 – 90 degrees. 

Starting Seeds: (soak or not to soak?)

Takes longer to germinate, have to be patient, 5-17 days

Transplants: Likes soil temps of 65-degree F to germinate. Will need a heat mat with thermostat.

For transplants start 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Will need to harden off before planting outdoors. Be careful transplanting. If root breaks, it will not thrive. (taproot) (fragile roots)

Water immediately after transplanting.

For direct sow: evening temp above 60 after last possible frost date.

(Northerners can lay black plastic over planting location 1 month before planting to raise soil temps)

Plant seeds 3/4″ – 1″ deep.

Plant spacing 2 feet apart, Row spacing 3-4 feet apart (grows over 6 feet and 3 feet wide, need plenty of space) Be sure to read you seed package information specific to the variety you are planting.

Location:

Choose a location that receives full sun. 12-16 hours daylight

Okra loves the heat

Grows best with pH that is close to neutral, anything 6.0-8.0 will workWell-draining soil amended with lots of compost or organic matter

Water Requirements:

Okra has low water needs and doesn’t like wet feet.No more than 1 inch per week if no rain.Water under foliage, right at ground level to avoid getting leaves wet.Best to water in mornings so water on leaves will evaporate during the day.

Fertilization:

Prior to planting, Complete organic fertilizer, compost, organic matterMicro boost, Fish emulsion

Pest and Diseases:

Not particularly prone to pest or disease, usually manageableUse crop rotation, high quality seed, keep garden clean removing old vegetationPowdery mildew (white and powdery spots) of in humid, overly moist conditionsFungus is possibility where there is too much moister (drooping yellow leaves)Root knot nematodeAntsAphids

Harvesting:

itching, irritation when harvested. Can grow spineless varieties.  Recommend wearing long sleeves and gloves to protect skin.Check daily, grow quickly within a few days after flowering.Most varieties intended to be picked when the pods are no longer than 3 inches long.

Whether you are a novice gardener or seasoned veteran, it is very important to understand the differences between transplanting and direct sowing. Advantages and Disadvantages to each method. A lot depends on both the vegetable and time of year.

Direct Seeding

Pros

Some things don’t tolerate transplanting. Spinach, beets, carrots, peas are examples that like to start and finish in same placeThings that are quick to germinate. Radishes, beans, peas, beets, and turnips.Requires less labor and ten to mature fasterMore cost effective, especially if growing in large quantity.Better drought tolerance

Cons

Can be riskier, due to contending with weather and weed pressureCrowded plants, need to thin so plants don’t compete for light, water, and nutrients.Direct sown crops occupy the land longer than the same crop transplanted.Direct sown crops may be harder to get started in cold (or hot) conditions.

Vegetables to Direct Seed

Beans                         Corn                           Turnips

Carrots                      Zucchini                    Bunching Onions

Peas                           Radish

Spinach                     Squashes

Transplanting

Pros

Starting with baby plants can give you more control and predictable resultsSeeds started in more ideal conditions, easier to care forTransplants give you a huge jumpstart on the season, start earlierIncrease harvest with succession planting.Transplants can be more resistant to insect and other pest pressure.Plants that have already developed roots and other systems are stronger, making them less vulnerable to outside conditions.

Cons

Extending the season by starting earlier does mean more work.It takes extra time caring for the starts, as they won’t get water if you don’t provide it.Transplant shock can delay harvest – be sure to learn and practice good techniques.More attention is needed to watering new plants after transplanting, (compared to direct sowing) as some root damage is almost inevitable. (Plug flats and soil blocks minimize root damage.)You need a good greenhouse set-up if you plan to grow lots of transplants.

Vegetables to Transplant (start in trays)

Herbs                               Eggplant                    Peppers         Cabbage

Collards                           Kale                            Scallions

Broccoli                           Kohlrabi                    Tomato

Leeks                                Onion                      Watermelon

Vegetables to Direct Seed or Transplant

Okra Zinnias Sunflowers Beets Roselle Lettuce

Product of the Week:

Seed Starting Supplies

New Seeds for 2022

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/yMnCmzaDlio

It's about to get heated! Hoss is gonna sweat! It's all about peppers tonight! What types of peppers are there, what is the science behind the heat, how should you grow and what should you avoid? Be sure to check out the podcast or video for ALL the hotness!

Facts About Peppers

Peppers contain only 20 calories per 100 grams, making them low-calorie and healthy. They are a great source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin B6. They also contain vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin K, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus.

One pepper contains as much as 300% of your daily requirement of Vitamin C! 

Spiciness measurement. There are the SHU scale or Scoville Heat Units. Which was named after American pharmacist Wilbur Scoville, who first invented it in 1912. SHU varying from 0 for bell peppers to 3,200,000 SHU for some extremely hot peppers.

Types of Peppers

Capsicum annum: (AN-yoo-um) Most common, various shapes and flavors. Almost all sweet and have thicker walls.  Ideal for sauces. Bell, cayenne, jalapeno, banana, Poblano, pimento,

Capsicum frutescens: (froo-TESS-enz) Often used as ornamental peppers, typically colorful, small, mid to intense heat levels.

Tabasco Pepper: great for hot sauce or pepper sauce, 90 days

Serrano Pepper: Slightly hotter than jalapeno

Capsicum baccatum: (bah-COT-tum or bah-KAY-tum) Best for drying. Spicy, fruity flavor, generally disease resistant.

Mad Hatter Pepper: Originating from Bolivia and Peru, the Mad Hatter has been widely adapted to grow easily throughout most of the U.S. and matures from green to bright red

Capsicum chinense: (chi-NEN-see) Habanero-type, thin-walled. Fruity flavor, heat dispersed throughout pepper. Hottest species

Ghost Pepper: One of world’s hottest peppers 1,000.000 Scoville units

Helious habanero pepper: Hybrid, Intense heat with citrusy flavor

Chocolate Habanero pepper: 425,000-577,000 Scoville heat with a hint of smoky flavor

Habanero Orange Pepper:  chile pepper with a sweet fruity flavor that packs intense pungent heat.

Capsicum pubescens: (pew-BES-enz) Most Unique, meaty, juicy apple-shaped fruit with black seeds. From South America

Product of the Week:

North Georgia Candy Roaster

Mattadorres Roasting Pepper

Mad Hatter Pepper

Green Fingers Okra

Seed Potatoes

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/CZ3DfS226KI

It's about that time! We've got most of the seed potato orders out, now it's time to get into the dirty details of seed potato planting! What type of potato should you plant, should you plant in-ground or in raised beds, does soil temperatures matter, and so much more!

What Type of Potato Should You Plant?

7 types of potatoes: Russet, White, Red, Yellow, Blue/Purple, Fingerling, PetiteEarly Season (90 days or less), Midseason (100 plus days), Late Season (110 days or more)Determinate and Indeterminate Potatoes

Spring Potato Planting Schedule By Zone

Soil temperature and maturation timing are extremely important in growing your potatoes. Ideally, you want to get your seeds in the ground 2-4 weeks before the last frost of Spring. The warmer your climate, the sooner you'll need to plant.

Preparing and Planting

In-ground planting: Rowing spacing needs to be 3-4 feet apart. Plant spacing should be 6-12 inches and planting depth should be 3-6 inches. Raised bed planting: Row spacing needs to be 2 feet apart. You'll want to space your plants 6-12 inches apart (same as in-ground planting), and the depth should also be the same (3-6 inches deep).

Hilling Your Potatoes

As your plants grow, they will need special maintenance throughout the season. Every 1-2" that potatoes grow, they are going to need extra support by mounding up dirt loosely around the base. This process is called "hilling", it is very important in the growth cycle and the root development of your potatoes. Hilling also helps with weed suppression, plant support, and frost protection as well as keeping the potatoes out of the sunlight, which could cause them to turn green and become inedible. Indeterminate potatoes require more hilling due to their upward growth habit.

Growing Potatoes in Containers

Potatoes are very well suited to grow in containers and can make an excellent choice for small space gardening. While it is a very similar process as in-ground growing, there are a few differences in the process. Depending on the size of your container, you'll want to fill it with 4-6 inches of prepared soil and place it in full sun. Be sure to get the correct spacing because they will need a good bit of room to grow. For example, our 15-gallon root pouch can comfortably grow 4 potato plants and give the root structure plenty of room for a big harvest. You'll want to "layer" your soil the way you would "hill" with in-ground planting. Continually add soil to the top of the plant to cover the new stems at the bottom until the container is full of soil.

Hoss University

Be sure to check out the Potato Growing Guide on our website for lots more growing information! More on irrigation, fertilizer needs, disease protection and SO MUCH MORE! CLICK HERE!

Product of the Week:

Shelby Tomato

Purple Ruffles Basil

Seed Potatoes

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/YtjtaHaKI9g

Let's talk about the tips & techniques of seed starting. Evaluating your seed starting method is extremely important, is it art or skill? Where should you start your seeds? Are you using the correct soil? Are you planting at the right depth for each variety? Let's discuss!

Important Tips of Seed Starting

Here's what you need to remember:

Keep Records/Journal to record when seeds are sown, germination, success rate and date transplanted. Tracy (justdigitfarms) did excellent video last week.Purchase seed from a trusted source (high quality) (germination rates) check seed packet for specific directionsKeep seeds stored properly: Cool dark location with low humiditySelect the correct seed-staring mixPlant in correct container/seed starting tray (drainage holes) (plant markers)Plant proper depthKeep seed starting mix moistWarm locationFertilize when seedlings have true leavesThin if needed, step up as neededPest Control

Evaluate Your Method

Indoor Vs outdoor:

Indoor: Got to have lights, Heat mats, more expensive, less fluctuation in temps, limited space. Temperatures of 65 to 75 to germinate (ambient temp). Don’t plant too early

Outdoor, (in green house.) more fluctuation in temps got to run heaters, less expensive (Sort of) can start more seeds. Unpredictable weather

Overall Problems in Seed Starting

Germination: Humidity + tempDamping offLeggy seedlingsNutrition: begin once true leaves emerge

Correct These Issues

Have heat mat and some type of humidity

Drainage! Airflow

Light and light. Strat over if plants are leggy. Harden off if needed/acclimated to direct sunlight

Product of the Week:

Cog Hill Sunflower Collection

Seed Starting Supplies

Seed Potatoes

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/jBYhaO6LJBY

Our friend, Craig Howell from Sakata sits down with us to discuss all things tomatoes. What's coming to the home gardener this season, what certain tomato terms mean, what makes a good tomato, and so much more! We also choose our new name for the Hoss tomato variety!

Hoss' Most Popular Tomato Varieties

Bella RosaRed SnapperRoadsterTachiSweet HeartsHossinator (STM2255)

What Makes A Good Tomato

Disease ResistanceSmoothnessHeat SetTaste

What Varieties Is Hoss Trialing?

This season we will be trialing 3 new varieties!

RamblerThunderbirdShelby

Little Known Fact

Most organic growers use hybrid varieties as their #1 to grow!

Product of the Week:

Amarillo Gold Rudbeckia

Hossinator Tomato

Striped Carosello Cucumber

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/LXoE3t8mg1A

No matter how large or small your garden is, every grower wants to get the most out of their space. What if you only have a 20 x 20 space? Let's talk about small space gardening, what important factors to think of when planning your garden, and which varieties to plant.

Garden Site Considerations

Good SoilPlenty SunshineWater SourcePollinationPossibly Fence

How To Select Varieties

Choose Compact VarietiesGrow VerticallyCompanion PlantingSuccession PlantingCrop Rotation

20 x 20 Small Space Garden Layout

We have taken a 20 x 20 garden and made a Spring Garden Plan to get the most out of every square foot of garden space. This plan utilizes thick planting methods, vertical gardening, and smaller 3.5’ raised beds with a well-producing pollinator breaking up the quadrants. Some of us picked our favorite varieties that we would plant in our space but encourage to try different varieties and see what works for you.

Q1: Kentucky Pole Bean, National Pickling Cucumber, Lemon Boy, Golden Delight Zucchini

Q2: Jambalaya Okra, Merlin Beet, Mini Bell Pepper Mix, Nadia Eggplant

Q3: Elephant Garlic, French Breakfast Radishes, Yukon Gold, Warrior Bunching Onions

Q4: Tarragon and Parsley, Cilantro and Dill, Thyme and Sage, Lemon Basil

Product of the Week:

Root Pouch

Trellis Netting

New Seeds For 2022

Seed Potatoes

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/1XiuTkONCA0