March/April 2006

Everything the Power does, it does in a circle.
-- Lakota proverb

We are long overdue with an updated newsletter, and for that, we apologize. Hopefully you will think it is worth the wait. By now you have been infected with Spring Fever. You have poured through the catalogs and are just itchin' to get your hands dirty! Dirty Hands Garden Center is a great resource for much of what you are browsing through, both online and in catalogs. Do ask if we can order what you need-it saves postage, and you know what you are paying for!

Some folks still like to plant seeds and watch the miraculous process of growth, firsthand. In spite of the recent temperatures that tease us outdoors, it's a bit early for many seeds. In general, seeds need soil to be at a consistent temperature of 55 degrees in order to germinate. Our "official" last frost date is April 15, so keep that in mind. Be sure to check the number of days to maturity on any seeds you may have. You'll want to be able to move them outdoors, but only if its "safe". Remember too, that your little seedlings will need to be "hardened off" before being transplanted in your garden.

To grow healthy plants, use non-diseased seed. Thin the seedlings to the recommended distances. Plants do better with some breathing room and good air circulation. It is the number one way to prevent disease. Rogue, or remove, plants that are unhealthy looking. If you are trying to keep seed lines pure, rogue out plants that don't appear true-to-type.

Growing more than one variety of the same species at a time can result in crossing, which may produce something entirely different than what you're expecting. This is how we got all the wonderful diversity to begin with, but if you desire the same crop, year after year, then you need to prevent cross-pollination from occurring:

• Plant different varieties of the same species at different times so they aren't flowering at the same time, in order to keep lines pure.
• Physically prevent insects from visiting the different varieties by constructing cages of screen and placing them over one or more (this method is easier to use with non-sprawling crops).
• It's labor intensive, but manually transferring pollen from one flower to another is a good way to ensure purity.

If you enjoy harvesting your own seeds, creating your own "heirlooms", let the seeds mature before harvesting. For most crops, this means leaving them in the field to dry-corn, beans, gourds, okra, peas, chilies, etc. Some crops require after-ripening (e.g., squash) or fermentation (tomatoes). We'll talk about cleaning and saving, in the fall.

In the meantime, have patience, and take joy in the last days of winter. Mother Nature still rules, and aren't we glad for it? Come to Dirty Hands, and watch the magic begin!

Hint: Eating corn and beans together can provide a source of protein equal to a piece of meat.

Folks, please remember to ALWAYS bring plant and bug samples in a plastic bag. It is very important that everyone be aware of the possibility of contaminating businesses, homeowner properties, and the Earth in general (think of it as a horticultural condom).
THANK YOU!

As always, all information given in the newsletter and on the website in general apply primarily to the zone 7/partial zone 6 regions of Virginia.

There are many new and fabulous things in store for you, at Dirty Hands Garden Center. We always appreciate your suggestions and opinions. Please feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. Or, better yet, come see us in person!
Woo-Hoo!
Peace out.
Rock forward.

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As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly, either through the contact form, or by calling 804-598-8945, or visiting us at 2603 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA. 23139 (This information pertains to the greater Richmond, Va. area and may vary slightly with each locality).