Tips for those without a green thumb
As winter frosts disappear from rooftops and early spring storms
roll in frequently, most minds aren’t on summer vegetables or
herbs. But for those who want to take a shot at growing their own
goods now is the time to get started.
Tips for those without a green thumb
As winter frosts disappear from rooftops and early spring storms roll in frequently, most minds aren’t on summer vegetables or herbs. But for those who want to take a shot at growing their own goods now is the time to get started.
For those without a green thumb or much experience with gardening, local farmer Paul Hain and Pinnacle garden writer Joan Jackson offered some tips for beginners. There are three decisions to be made early on: what to grow, whether to start from seeds or seedlings, and whether to use containers or plant directly in the ground.
Hain tends walnut trees and raises chickens as a profession in Tres Pinos, but he and his wife Letty grow heirloom tomatoes for sale at farmers markets in their spare time. The couple grows a variety of heirloom tomatoes, some that are not found commercially, and they sell extra seedlings to backyard gardeners.
“We do primarily grow them for ourselves, but we offer organic seedlings to our walnut and chicken customers,” Hain said. “It’s just a sideline as we usually produce many more than we need to plant.”
Jackson writes a weekly gardening column for The Pinnacle and she grows giant pumpkins and gourds in her garden, as well as plenty of other flora.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am, how clever I feel, when I see those things developing,” Jackson wrote in an e-mail.
When choosing which plants to work with, local growers have the advantage of good weather in San Benito and southern Santa Clara County. Plants grow best at different minimum temperatures and the United States Department of Agriculture has created a hardiness zone map to help growers out when deciding what to plant. The local zone is 9 based on average annual minimum temperatures in the high 20s. Basil, for instance, grows best in zones 4-10 and is a good choice for local gardeners.
“In our region, with its Mediterranean climate, everything is a good bet,” Jackson said. “You just can’t go wrong.”
Hain suggested a variety of plants that grow well including lettuces, onions and peppers.
“All you have to do is look around and see what folks are growing around here,” Hain said. “There is a reason people are doing it.”
He added that private gardens have more flexibility in what they grow than commercial farmers.
“You don’t have to grow enough to make a profit,” he said. “Just get enough for the salad.”
Tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, pumpkins and Japanese eggplants made the top of the list of Jackson’s best bets for beginning gardeners. She warns against tackling corn as a first-time gardener.
“Corn takes a lot of space, starts from seeds and is not easy to get going,” she said. “You need a patch that is at least four rows of corn stalks that are at least three feet long.”
When it comes to the seeds versus seedlings debate, Hain and Jackson agreed seedlings are easier to work with. But Hain suggested using seeds for those who have time to care for them.
“I would say the miracle of watching a seed germinate and sprout is not just a childhood phenomenon,” Hain said. “Adults and even people who don’t plant a lot should see it.”
Locals who want to experiment with seeds have a better chance at success if they start in peat pots using a seed starting plant mix indoors, Jackson said.
“It’s much more precise to start them in a greenhouse,” Hain said.
Those without a greenhouse shouldn’t fret. Hain turned a card table and heating pads into a makeshift nursery for his tomato seeds. Most seeds will need to grow indoors for 5-6 weeks. When the plants have two leaves, it’s time to move them outdoors. Now would be the time to plant to get them in the ground around April 15, after the last winter frost.
Starting with seedlings or transplants is a good option for beginners, especially those who want to grow herbs. Most herbs are hard to grow from seeds, Jackson said.
“[Plants] in six-packs are fairly young and still chancy,” Jackson said. “Buy what you can in four-inch pots. They are good and truly on their way. You’ll find herbs in two-inch pots.”
Seedlings can be purchased at most gardening centers, including local nurseries and the discount chains, like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Orchard Supply. Using transplants is good for those with less time to care for seeds or who want a variety of vegetables and herbs, Hain said. Seedlings or transplants should be bought close to planting time, between April 1 and 15.
When it comes to containers versus ground gardening, though Jackson and Hain both garden in the ground, they said containers would work for most any plant.
“You can grow in a variety of circumstances,” Hain said. “If all you have is half a wine barrel on the back deck, there is no reason not to plant something.”
When using containers buy commercial potting soil and keep in mind that some containers dry out more often, Jackson said. Water plants in containers more frequently.
“Containers are convenient and work fine, especially in small yards,” she said. “Whatever you can put in the ground you can put in a container.”
Pots do need to match the size of the plant and Jackson said they need to be at least one foot deep to accommodate roots.
Even with a big backyard to plant in the ground, keep things simple, Jackson said.
“Don’t go overboard,” she said. “There is a lot of work involved in keeping up a garden. Just the weeds alone will make you crazy.”
With these tips in mind, locals can plan to have their own fresh basil, tomatoes or lettuce greens by late spring.
“Don’t be discouraged,” Jackson said. “Gardening is not rocket science. And it’s fun.”
