The 1st class of Garden Fresno was engaging and brought together a group of amateur gardeners who are eager to learn more and share their knowledge. For the 2nd class we will cover the topic of seeds and potting.
If you would like to join the class but have not registered, you can jump in anytime for a $20/class fee. Below is the outline for the 2nd class, which will be held on location in Leo & Liz’s garden.
Recap of Garden Planning class
Seeds vs. Nursery starts
Plants to start from seed
Plants to buy for nursery
How to select nursery plants
Seeds
Heirloom
Hybrids
How much plants or seeds to buy
Seed harvesting & storage
Germination
Pots & 6-packs
Preparing reused pots
Potting Soil
Caring for seeds & sprouts
Watering
Sun
Pests
Review of Garden Plans
Leo on March 14, 2010
Great day of learning. I think my favorite part was when everyone was laying out how their prospective gardens will be set up for use of the sun. So funny in our back yards’ instance we only have maybe 3 locations where we have enough sun for some kinds of garden veggies.
Towards the end of the day as well we kicked around the idea of coordinating our gardens since I’m sure we’ll all at some point have an abundance of veggies that we’ll not be able to consume ourselves. So for this purpose I’ve composed a list of what we’ll be attempting to grow in our garden.
Carbon Tomato
Celebrity Tomato
Berkeley Tie Dye Pink Tomato
Orange Manzano
Naga Dorset/ Nova (S)
Mustard Habanero
Barakpore 7 pot (S)
Pequin (couldn’t get these to germ last year)
Fresno
Tequila Sunrise
Orange Habanero
Aji Lucento
Slow Bolt Cilantro
Sweet Basil
Thai L Hot
I used the modifier (S) to indicate that that plant is a super hot. Not that the habanero is not hot, but the (S) plants will produce a burn on much higher level. The seven pot/pod in particular I believe got it’s name because it’s powerful enough to heat up pots of food. From what I have read as well, it lives up to it’s name. Much care must be taken when cooking with those. We’ll get to talk more about that at a later time.
Last year I planted a limited amount of basil and cilantro thinking the plants would be much more robust that they turned out to be. I’ll be planting much more of those this season.
I don’t know how hearty the tomato varieties are for seed saving, as I’m quite interested in the tie dye tomato and keeping it’s seeds. The other tomatoes we picked based on the summers of Fresno. The carbon tomato in particular is said to really like a hot summer. Looking forward to seeing it grow.
I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention that yes indeed there is a chili called Fresno. Neat looking and in heat scale of the jalapeno.
Looking forward to sharing the bounty as I’m sure we’re going to have much more chili’s than we’ll be able to consume. Most common especially for the super hots is to dehydrate and make secret powders, as well as making secret sauces. (we’ll have some awesome tomatoes too for our hot sauce) Looking very forward to this season.
Will we be able to share pictures at any point here?
Bjorn Nilson on March 19, 2010
Hi,
May I join the class tomorrow? Location?
Am pulling up most of my winter garden and mulching for upcoming season. Have been gardening off and on in Fresno for 20+ years. Want to get serious this year.
Questions: What to start now? Best source of starter plants, etc..
Cordially, Bjorn Nilson, Sunnyside
kiel on March 20, 2010
Bjorn, we’d love for you to join the class.
Most all spring to Summer plants are ready to go now. The big determiner is the last frost, which has clearly passed. A great source for starter plants is Belmont Nursery. Generally all the local nurseries are stocked right now. I just try to avoid the big home garden stores like Home Depot, Lowe, etc. They will tend not to have any heirlooms or interesting selection.