Posted by Mark Eshelman on April 22, 2013 0 Comments
Here in the southwest, we have lots of hardy plants that do very well in the heat. Pepper plants, like, jalapeño or Anaheim, along with bougainvillea, tend to take well to the desert heat and direct sun. However, as the temps heat up to the 90s, we find it necessary to shade more of our garden - an easy fix using our Plankets as effective, breathable plant shades.
Our leafy plants, like lettuce were the first to feel the heat, and are now properly shaded. Yet, the beans, cauliflower, and tomatoes are hanging tough.
What flowers and vegetable plants seem to be thriving at this time of the year in your neck of the woods?
Posted by Mark Eshelman on April 15, 2013 0 Comments
Here are some great tips from eHow Garden on the more popular vegetables that can be planted in April. The ground is still relatively cool and moist, which helps in seed germination. As the weather warms up, the plants can then quickly take hold, and offer a nice bounty for your kitchen table, come harvest time.
Note that some leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale may requireshading in hotter regions. Proper hydration helps keep your plants happy & productive!
April Plantables:
Root Vegetables:
This series of plants typically takes better from seed if planted in early to mid Spring, and includes Carrots, Potatoes, and Onions.
Leafy Vegetables:
Such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and lettuce tend to do well when planted in April, and need to be spaced at least 8 - 10 inches apart. To harvest leafy vegetables, cut them back 3" from the base of the plant. They will grow back, offering multiple crops.
Peas:
Plant peas early, but in cool April can work, also. Space 1" apart. Keep them protected from full sun, as they can have a hard time in high-heat regions.
Tomatoes:
A staple in any garden, tomatoes offer phenomenal crops from early summer to autumn. However, they are very susceptible to frost, so it's imperative to keep them protected if a cold snap hits your region after planting. With so many types of tomato plants from Cherry tomatoes to large Beefsteak tomatoes, they typically require about 100 days to reach fruit maturity. With potentially prolific growth, these plants require proper hydration diligence.
Peppers:
Most all pepper plants love the sun and heat, and are perfect April planters. Be careful not to plant hot peppers, such Jalapeño or Serrano plants right beside mild Bell Pepper or Anaheim plants, as they can cross-pollinate and give you some spicy bell peppers.
Posted by Mark Eshelman on April 19, 2011 0 Comments
The Planket was featured on HGTV's show I Want That. We also think gardeners, home owners, and plant lovers should use this to protect their plants from frost.
