After returning from MT I left to go to Europe for two weeks. The broccoli and mustard plants were ready to be set out before I left, but the lettuce, collards and fennel were not. I set some out (in spite of the weather being too hot) and left the others under the light. When I returned those under the light were larger than they should have been but they seem to have transplanted well. The rainy, cloudy weather helped.
The carrots (Mokum and Touchon) I planted in the garden came up well. The late experimental bean planting also yielded a good stand. The beets (Chioggia and Golden) did not come up very well. Golden is known to be a poor germinator and I have had trouble with Chiogga as well. I soaked the seed prior to planting. From past experiences I have not seen a lot of difference is soaking them or not. The main problem was probably the weather, too hot for good germination. I replanted in the spaces today and put several seed at each spot. (I use area, rather than row planting for almost everything).
I planted the Kinbi carrots (yellow and very sweet) yesterday. I also planted some Black Seeded Simpson lettuce and some mache’ given to me by my friend Theron. Mache’ is a delightful French salad green. I planted the lettuce both inside under the light and outside.
The beans planted in early September are being harvested. The leaf roller caterpillars are doing some damage to the beans. Since it is a small area I am just using the squishing method. They could be sprayed with baccillium, an organic worm controller. Okra is still coming, but is nearing the end.