Growing Together: Open Forum

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  • 1.  crop growing resources

    Posted 04-14-2023 08:57:00 AM

    Hi all -  I might be accepting a job as a garden educator that would require I hit the ground running in a few weeks. They have 15-20 large raised beds none of which are planted, like at all!  The former gardener is not necessarily available to provide a transition and information so I am going in blind as far as soil quality/profile, detailed sun conditions or previous year's planting plans/crop rotations.  I'll be following their curriculum which will require (surprise surprise!) seeding in and growing radishes.  And then the 3 sisters. This is the first time I will be solely responsible for the success of crops, and I'm going to admit in this safe space that I am pretty nervous about it!  So, to start, does anyone have favorite tips for growing radishes? In my home gardens I have sometimes had mixed success where the roots just don't develop fully.  And then tips for corn, beans, squash for the 3 sisters would be appreciated as well.  Personal suggestions and/or curated resources are great!

    Thanks all!  
    Signed
    Desperately Seeking Farmer Mentors!



    ------------------------------
    cathy Hartenstein
    Cunniff Elementary School and Peapod Garden and Nature Education
    watertown ma
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  • 2.  RE: crop growing resources

    Posted 04-14-2023 11:06:00 AM
    Hi Cathy,

    Your radish issue may be from soil compaction and/or overfertilization.  Loosen up that bed soil really well with a shovel.  Radishes don't really require much in the way of fertilizer so a light hand with some fish emulsion ought to do.

    You should have a county Ag extension  agent and they do soil testing. Raised bed soil depletes of nutrients more quickly, so get every bed tested and then amend accordingly. 

    Three sisters -- Plant the corn first, they are heavy nitrogen users, so plan on that.  Then you plant the beans -- usually 1 or 21 pole bean seeds per stalk of corn -- once the corn reaches at least 12 inches tall.  After the beans sprout then plant the pumpkins to shade all of the roots. 

    Feel free to email or call me or our Educator, Franke Smith, we have been doing this for years! 

    --
    Michelle Zupan
    Curator 
    Hickory Hill & the Tom Watson Birthplace
    502 Hickory Hill Drive
    Thomson, GA  30824
    706-595-7777
    FAX: 706-595-7177

    Visit us at www.hickory-hill.org or on Facebook.
    Follow us on Twitter: HHEducation

    Historic homes of the Watson-Brown Foundation, Inc. 






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