Workdays
The phone calls that i have been making reflect our workday scheduling. Along with the steering committee, i believe the Virginia A. Cory Community Garden would benefit to having more members at our workdays for not only efficient growth but also for comradery. Please get back to me soon. Thank you.
This Week
Due to the heat advisory, seasons in the soil with Rich Mohr will been postponed. The rescheduled date is to be determined. Please stay tuned!
Friday crew: (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) (Heat advisory) Prune yellowing leaves off of tomatoes, turn compost, crew cut Penn State beds back to 3 inches.
Next Week
Monday priorities: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Harvest, if needed.
- Pull collards, replace with swiss chard.
- Swiss chard replacements in bed 27
- Clean up fence from morning glories.
Friday priorities: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Harvest available vegetables.
- Crew cut penn state beds back to 3 inches.
Vegetable Growing Guide
Beets Gr
| Soil Temp for Germ | Days to Emergence | Seed Depth | Thin Plants To | Seed Spacing | Row Spacing | Min. Germ. | Seed Life | Seeds per Gram | Fertilizer Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-75°F | 5-17 | 1/2″ | 3-4″ | 1″ | 12-16″ | 75% | 2 years | ≈ 30-75 | Medium |
Beta Vulgaris: This wholesome vegetable is doubly heart-healthy. The sweet, delicious roots contain high levels of glycine betaine. This phytochemical compound fights platelet clots and plaque formation in the arteries. Along with a wealth of potassium, calcium and vitamin A, hearty beet greens are rich in fiber, which may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Days to maturity: 60
Culture
- Beets perform best in fertile, evenly moist soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0
- Uniform soil moisture is essential
- Sudden changes in temperature or soil moisture will increase zoning (ring formation in the root) and lead to premature bolting
- Transplanting not recommended as it can damage the tap root
Direct Sowing
- At the bottom of the furrow band 1 cup of fertilizer per 10 row feet
- Cover seeds with sifted compost, loose soil, or vermiculite and water evenly
- Use row cover when soil temperatures are cool and to protect from pests
- Sow June—August for a fall crop
Insects & Diseases
- Common insects: Leaf miners, flea beetles, and leaf hoppers
- Insect control: Pick off affected leaves and check for eggs
- Common pests: Mice, voles, and gophers
Harvest & Storage
- Harvest when roots reach desired size; small roots are tender, large roots may become woody if left in the ground too long
- Leaves can be used as pot greens or in salads
- Trim tops and store at 36°F and 95% relative humidity
Fall & Winter Harvest
- Beets should be harvested before temperatures drop to the 15-20°F range
- If you are in a temperate climate, and your soil is well drained, your best location for root storage is in the garden under a protective layer of straw
Workday Task List
Weeding
- Perimeter of fence (inside and outside)
- Shed and Compost areas
- Perimeter of communal raised beds
- Pollinator beds outside fenced area
Cleaning and Organizing
- Communal materials
- Shed
- Tools
General Maintenance
- Pulling dead plants and crops
- Repairing Hoses and Irrigation lines
- Repair and maintain rain barrel
- Repairing fence
Seasonal or As needed
- Soil installation
- Woodchip/mulch installation
- Harvesting crops
- Irrigating pollinator beds