Best Practices- Propagation

The propagation group, Madisson, Margaux, Nicole and me, believe that it is very important to propagate before planting. Propagating involves many aspects, but the one we think is most beneficial is planting the seeds, and growing them inside, and than transplanting them into the garden. We think this is a good tactic because we are building out the root systems of the plant until they are strong enough to survive on their own. Also, since we are an organic farm, and do not use pesticides, this will allow us to monitor our plants, and keep animals from eating them. Propagation also has to do with GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms) and pesticides. We will focus on why our garden chooses to use neither of them.

Some things we want to think about are:
- Water Schedules, How often and when?
- What is each plants specific needs?
- Grown in flats or direct sow?

What I am Planting

For our stop motion animation, my partner, Margaux, and I are going to plant Arugula Lettuce in a planter box.

Presentations

After viewing the presentations, My main interests still lie in Waste and Food. It is astonishing to me to know there are so many different types of waste. With litter, non biodegradable products, food scraps, and nuclear waste, we have more waste than we can handle. We need to focus mainly on what we can do immediately. I think the main problem is that we don't realize how badly we are harming our Earth, because it is never directly effecting us. We don't live in the landfills, or have beaches covered in plastic bags and bottles. I think the best way to fix this problem is to inform people so they can make educated decisions.

Initial Plant Research

Plants I’d like to grow:
• Mustard
• Radishes
• Mint
• Bunching Onions

Radishes:
• Vegetable
• Should be planted by mid-September
• Takes 20-30 days to mature
• Provide ample water.
• Radishes will sometimes bolt or fail to form a bulb. The most common causes of this are crowding and insufficient amounts of water.
• They are easy to grow, perhaps the fastest to harvest of all vegetables.
• Sow radish seeds 1/2 inch deep. Space them 1 1/2 to two inches apart. Separate rows eight to ten inches apart.
• Radishes will grow in average soils and will respond to rich, well-drained soil.
• Many gardeners put a few radish seeds amongst the rows of carrots and other vegetables that take a long period to germinate
• Radishes need loose, well-drained soil for easy root expansion. If the soil is crusty, roots become misshapen.

Mustard:
• Plant by Mid-September
• Mustard leaves are good for your health. Its low in calories and carbs, yet high in vitamins.
• Sow mustard seeds 1/4 to 1/3 inch deep, and 3" apart. Thin seedlings to 5" - 9" apart. Separate the rows, 1 foot apart.
• Mature in 45-50 days
• Mustard plants should be grown quickly. Use plenty of water, and ample amounts of fertilizer, to promote fast growth of tender, green leaves. Water plants during dry periods
• Garden cress seeds and/or mustard seeds have quite a lot of flavor.
• Use a plastic tray to sow your seeds, without drainage holes. You can recycle one that was used as food packaging, as long as it is clean.
• Mustard and cress are usually grown on damp tissue rather than compost, use cotton wool
• Needs very little care. Just fertilizer and water, and do some weeding in the hot weather.