The Weather
We are experiencing an extraordinary weather condition the last 4 weeks with record heat in Mexico and United States of ten degrees above previous heat records.
Besides the cold mornings we have had very warm and drying weather with almost no precipitation in most of the British Isles.
It was reported to be the driest March in 60 years in Britain with no considerable rain in site for the next two weeks, but dry and sunny weather all over the isles.
The intense sunshine and occasional strong winds are adding to the drying effect of our soils at this time.
I am looking at a post I wrote last year and realise that even last spring started with March almost leading to a hosepipe ban in Britain.
So, with the next two weeks being transplanting time and for seedlings to be pricked out or potted up in the warm greenhouse or propagation space I suggest you make sure that you water your seedlings in well after transplanting.
Considerations and Precautions
What considerations do we need make when planting our seedlings out?
- Make sure that you water your seedlings well in your seed trays before transplanting
- Insure you added compost to your beds with humus rich well prepared compost
- Apply the horn manure preparation after adding compost and before planting
- Advance the transplanting of heavy feeders by digging in the green manure 2 weeks in advance
- Apply the Mäusdorfer Starter or Barrel Compost after digging in the green manure to help absorption and integration of fresh material in the soil.
- Water the beds well after working in the green manure or compost
- Water in the transplants well (“mucking them in”) so soil settles around roots
What precautions do we need to take to protect our plants better?
- Make sure you cultivate your beds to get rid of any weeds that might compete with your transplants
- Hoe the beds well before transplanting so the structure will allow soil to settle around the roots after transplanting
- Make a root dip for bare root transplants form nursery
- Preferably transplant seedlings from modules or plant trays with a root ball that allows for fast development of roots before the transplants start the top growth
- To help plants to root faster work in before transplanting 100 grams or a couple of good handfuls of woodash or garden lime
- When applying the horn manure preparation add the last 15 minutes of stirring for an hour the Valerian preparation, which has proven to enhance deep rooting
Benefits:
- Protection from being eaten
- Increase in vitality for heavy cropping
- Increase in the growth-rate when the plants are tiny and most vulnerable
- Increase of yields up to 30%
- More resistance to pests and diseases
- Higher nutrient density, better texture, more vibrant colours, enhanced flavor and aroma
Mercury Node
As mercury is going through its node with the ecliptic of the sun no transplanting is recommended nor garden work for this coming Sunday and Monday.
Transplant:
Transplant from 7. April 17:30 to 9. April from modules or pots into unheated greenhouse:
Courgette, Cucumber, Tomato, Peppers, Aubergines, Basil, French Marigold, Nicotiana
In unheated greenhouse to up from 7. April 17:30 to 9. April for outdoor planting
Courgette, Cucumber, Tomato, Peppers, Aubergines, Maize
Prick out Saturday 24. April: in unheated greenhouse: Basil, French Marigold, Nicotiana
As we are expecting all over Britain air or ground frost from Monday to Thursday, I would suggest you hold off transplanting any tender annuals or even half hardy annuals.
Next Friday 11. April is a root day and you can attempt to transplant your first Beetroot outdoors.
To prevent frost damage those four days water liberally so the plants are more resilient to frost and employ valerian spraying if necessary.
Harvest in April indoors
Cauliflower, Early Cabbage, Spinach, Lambs Lettuce, Early Lettuces, Miners Salad,
Mizuna, Early Carrots, Radishes, Rocket, Rhubarb, Spring Onions.
Outdoors: SproutingBroccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chicory, Kale, Lambs Lettuce, Leek, Parsnip, Swede, Swiss Chard, Radicchio, Miners Salad (Postulaka), Spring Onion
From storage: Carrots, Beetroot, Black Radish, Carrot, Potatoes, Horse Radish
I trust you will manoeuvre these difficult weather circumstances with grace and sensitivity.
Happy biodynamic gardening to you all
Hans-Günther
