Niki's books offer a wealth of information for anyone with an interest in growing food. Her best-selling book, The Year Round Vegetable Gardener, was awarded the 2012 American Horticultural Society Book Award. Groundbreaking Food Gardens, her newest book, introduces new plants to gardeners of all levels. Her latest book, Veggie Garden Remix, won the 2019 American Horticultural Society Book Award and a Gold Book Award from the GardenComm. She was awarded a Taste Canada Silver Award for her Veggie Garden Remix.
The soil in each of the beds is 70 percent organic material, with the rest made of shredded leaf, aged manure or compost. Niki's soil is high in calcium and phosphorus. The soil she mixes is said to be less pest-prone, leading to higher yields. You can subscribe to this podcast through iTunes and Stitcher. Penelope Hobhouse also hosts a gardening podcast.
NIKIJabbour has tips for extending the growing seasons in her new book, The Year RoundVegetable Gardener. Canadian climate permits frost-free harvesting of vegetables and fruits all year. This book has been downloaded more than 100,000 times. This book is both a valuable resource for experienced and novice gardeners.
In the winter, Niki grows 30 types of vegetables, including lettuce and tomatoes. During this season, timing is crucial. Carrot seeds are sown early August. The last time that leafy and heady crops are planted is in late October. Mulch can be done in autumn when the soil is still warm. Mulch should be piled up to 18 inches high, then allowed to settle to 12 inches. Your neighbors will envy your mulched gardens.
Niki, for instance, has a garden that is divided into warm-season and cold-season vegetables. A polytunnel, which is a large structure of steel supports covered by a plastic sheet, is an example. It is used to grow spring greens, summer vegetables, and root crops. It is also used for the fall harvest. It is essential to plan the season when you plant your garden. But, it is also dependent on the climate.
A polytunnel is a useful tool in Niki's gardening. For winter vegetables, Niki uses raised bed. Niki also uses fabric pots for storing seeds. Niki's winter garden is much warmer than the rest. She plants vegetables in her winter. Niki Dawson gardens with her polytunnel. You should know more about the polytunnel if you wish to grow vegetables throughout the year.
Cold frames are an excellent way to extend the season for your garden. Although you don't necessarily need a 100-dollar greenhouse, a polytunnel will help you grow more vegetables. In winter, it's a good idea for you to get a cold frame made of plastic. This way, you can create a microclimate in your garden without having to spend a fortune on a greenhouse.
FAQ
Can I grow veggies indoors?
Yes, it is possible to grow vegetables in a greenhouse during winter. You will need to purchase a greenhouse or grow lights. Before purchasing a greenhouse or grow lights, be sure to consult the local laws.
What kind of lighting works best for growing plants indoors?
Because they emit less heat, floralescent lights are great for indoor gardening. They are also consistent in lighting, and do not flicker or dimm. Both regular and compact fluorescent fluorescent bulbs are available. CFLs require 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.
How do I determine the type of soil that I have?
The color of the soil can tell you how much organic matter it contains. The soil color will tell you if it contains more organic matter than the lighter ones. Soil testing is another option. These tests can measure the soil's nutrients.
How many hours does a plant need to get light?
It depends on the type of plant. Some plants need 12 hours of direct sun per day. Others prefer 8 hours of indirect sunlight. Most vegetables require 10 hours direct sunlight in a 24-hour period.
Statistics
- 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
- According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com
- Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
- It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)
External Links
How To
Basil Growing Tips
Basil is one of your most versatile herbs. It's great for flavoring dishes, adding flavor to soups, sauces, salads, pasta, and even desserts. Here are some ways to grow basil indoors.
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Choose your location carefully. Basil is an annual plant that will only survive one season if placed in the correct place. It likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is best to grow it outdoors in an area with good air circulation.
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Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should not be planted more than two weeks prior to the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small pots filled with potting mix. Clear plastic wrap should be used to cover the pots. Germination usually takes about 10 days. After they have germinated move them into a cool, shaded place where the temperature stays around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them. Place the seedlings in larger containers and remove the plastic wrap. To drain excess moisture, fill each container with potting mixture. Add more potting mix as needed. Place the containers in a sunny window or in indirect light. To prevent wilting, mist the plants every day.
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After frost danger has passed, add a thick layer to mulch. This will protect them from cold weather and reduce water loss.
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You should water your plants often. Basil needs to be hydrated regularly to ensure its survival. Use a rain gauge to check how much water the plants need. Use a timer to automatically turn off irrigation during dry spells.
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Take your basil out at the peak of its life. You can encourage bushier growth by picking the leaves more often.
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Dry the leaves on paper towels or screens. Dry the leaves in glass jars and bags in the fridge.