Flower Power
Flowers are not only beautiful, they have several qualities that make them useful in vegetable production. When inter-planted throughout crops, flowers can attract beneficial insects, repel certain pests, and even serve as sacrificial plants that keep insects from feeding on your veggies.
Some flowers that repel pests include Calendula, Catmint, Anise Hyssop, Sage, and Borage. Aster flowers are excellent for attracting pollinators. Nasturtiums and Nicotiana are great sacrifical plants.
Learn more about the best flowers to incorporate into your garden.
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Plant of the Week:
Kieffer Pear
The Kiefer Pear was first grown and named in 1863 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It grows unusually tall for pear trees and the fruit can be eaten raw or canned. This variety of pear will not ripen on the tree and must go through a 2 to 3 week ripening period before it is canned or eaten. During this period of time, the pear releases ethylene gas (a ripening hormone in plants) which ripens the fruit making it soft and sweet. To speed up the ripening process, the pears can be placed in a paper bag with bananas. Bananas release large quantities of ethylene gas and can be used to hasten the ripening of all fruits.
Check out the Available fruiting tree varieties here at Farmer D's! |
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Chalkboard Talk:
School Garden tips from Farmer D
Well spring is almost here and there will be a lot to do when it finally arrives! Our tip this week is to get your seeds started in the classroom. Seeds can be started in anything from coconut coir trays to egg cartons. Have your students label the different parts of the plant as it grows and note the differences in different veggies! This indoor science lab is not only fun, it will get your kids thinking and growing for your gardens in the spring!
Check out these seed starting resources from Farmer D Organics! |
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Compost
Corner
Keeping
It Hot! Farmer D's Compost Tips
Making Compost Lasagna
There is nothing more delicious to plants than compost! One great way to make compost is starting with an easy recipe like a Compost Lasagna. You make this by putting down a layer of leaves and/or straw, atop that add grass clippings and/or green plant material, atop that add soil, next add a layer of veggie scraps, and finally a layer of manure if you got it (chicken, horse, cow, goat or rabbit - not yours or your pet's.) After you've placed these layers, you start the whole process over starting with your leaves and/or straw. Avoid large woody stems or branches unless shredded. Cover with carbon material, such as leaves or hay, water gently and let it cook! This homemade lasagna will make your veggies say "yum!"
Check out these great Composting resources! » |
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Farmer D Organics Garden Center - Now with 2 Locations!
2154 Briarcliff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329
4050 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Norcross, GA 30092
Opening Hours:
M-Sat: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sun: 11am - 4:30pm |
Call or email us for more information
(404) 325-0128
info@farmerd.com
Copyright © 2009 Farmer D Organics |
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