{"id":1486,"date":"2024-04-24T22:49:02","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T02:49:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/?p=1486"},"modified":"2024-09-06T17:34:42","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T21:34:42","slug":"2024-garden-phase2-outdoor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/2024-garden-phase2-outdoor\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 Garden – Phase 2: Outdoor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

April 22 tilling<\/a> – Pest and Animal Control<\/a> – April 24 Lawn Prep<\/a> – April 26 Garden Beans!<\/a> – April 28 Acclimating<\/a> – May 8 Transplanting<\/a> – May 9 Cucumbers<\/a> – May 13 Marigolds and Squash<\/a> – May 17 Pumpkin Patch<\/a> – May 21 Busy-time<\/a> – May 29<\/a> – Phase 3: Growing Season\/Maintenance<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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April 22, 2024 Tilling!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The last frost date for northern New Jersey is April 25. I am getting ready to transplant my tomato plants into the garden beds. I started the plants indoors in March, and they are ready to go out. I am also getting ready to plant other warm-season crops such as peppers, eggplant, and squash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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before<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Using a small electric rototille<\/a>r<\/a>, I made quick work of my tomato bed! These small electric tillers <\/a>are essential for creating a garden. They are lightweight and straightforward to use. Hardware stores and rental facilities offer them for rent, but you can also buy them. In the past, I rented gas-powered tillers, which were quite heavy and required gas and oil, but they got the job done. I am using my electric tiller<\/a> to cultivate my garden this spring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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after<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t
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Pest and Animal Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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cayenne pepper and dredge shaker<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I’m getting ready to plant my garden, and I’m thinking about pest and animal control. Never too early to sensitize and condition garden pests to avoid your garden. I sprinkle c<\/a>ayenne <\/a>pepper<\/a> powder around my garden fencing. I buy bulk cayenne pepper package<\/a>s<\/a> and use dredge shaker<\/a> to scatter the pepper around perimeter of my gardens. I’m hoping that once a groundhog or rabbit gets a snootful of this, they won’t return.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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carrots!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I planted an additional row of carrots. The sunflowers I planted in February are thriving and should be ready for transplanting in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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winter-sown sunflowers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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April 24, 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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raking never ends!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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I am still in the process of removing lawn debris from my yard. I have a lot of work to do, and I am taking my time to do it right. I need to clean up the yard before I can apply lime and seed it. I am going to start by removing the dead grass and weeds, then I will spread lime to neutralize the soil. Finally, I will seed the yard with new grass. This process will take several days, and I am looking forward to having a lush, green lawn again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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To adjust pH, I add lime. I prefer pelletized lime over pulverized lime because it’s less messy. I use a Scotts Mini Broadcast Spreader<\/a> <\/a>set at 6 to apply the lime. I try to apply it before it rains to help it absorb into the soil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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using broadcast
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April 26, 2024 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Burpee Blue lake Bush Beans,
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I planted bush beans today. I purchased a bulk pack of Blue Lake Bush Beans<\/a> last year. I think I will have enough for next year as well. Bush bean seeds are robust, and the plants are straightforward to grow. They produce a good yield over a week or two. I like to pick the beans when they are young and tender. I also like to eat them fresh. They are delicious!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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prepared bean field<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I prepared the plot by removing any large stones and debris. Then I covered it with a tarp to prevent weeds from growing. After a few weeks, I removed the tarp and made rows in the soil with a hoe. I sowed the seeds in the rows, covered them with soil, and watered the plot generously.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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after planting beans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

April 28, 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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before tilling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Today I tilled the garden where I will soon plant cucumbers. I used a ssmall electric rototille<\/a>r<\/a>, which made the task a lot easier. I had never used a rototiller before, and I was surprised at how easy it was to use. I was able to till the entire garden in a matter of minutes. I am looking forward to planting my cucumbers and watching them grow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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after tilling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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indoor sown tomatoes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The warm weather has finally arrived in northern New Jersey, and I am preparing to move my indoor-sown tomatoes and marigolds outdoors. The predicted overnight temperatures are in the 50\u00b0 F range, which I believe is safe for acclimating them to outdoor conditions. I will also move the marigolds outdoors. I am looking forward to seeing my plants thrive in their new outdoor environment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Indoor sown marigolds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t
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May 8, 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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As the weather warms and the days get longer, the garden is coming to life. Azaleas are blooming, garden beans are sprouting, and our winter-sown sunflowers and indoor-grown vegetables are ready to be transplanted. This is a very busy time in the garden as we prepare for the upcoming growing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Today is a big day in the garden. I am finally transplanting my tomato plants to the outdoor garden. I started the plants indoors in March, and they have been growing steadily ever since. But now they are ready to be moved outdoors. I am using landscaping cloth to protect the plants from pests and diseases. I am also installing tomato cages at this time so that the tomato plants will grow into them. I am so excited!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Keep an eye on the soil moisture and water your garden when it needs it, not just when it rains!<\/p>rt23 staff<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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radishes will be ready to pick soon!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Garden bean seeds have sprouted!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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winter-sown sunflowers have been transplanted!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t
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May 9, 2024 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Today I am planting cucumber seeds in the outdoor garden. I first lay out a ground cloth. The ground cloth keeps the soil moist and prevents weeds from growing. Next, I cut holes in the cloth and plant the cucumber seeds. Cucumbers grow quickly, so I plant the seeds directly in the outdoor garden.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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I found another asparagus spear. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t

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May 13 Marigolds and Squash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Marigold tray started indoors on March 13 ready for transplanting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Marigold seeds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Today I transplanted my indoor-sown marigolds to a rock wall border in my garden. I supplemented the plants with leftover seeds. I like to sow marigolds indoors because they get a head start on the season. Also, I purchase large packages of marigolds<\/a> because I use them in many locations. Marigolds are straightforward to grow, and the seeds can be collected at the end of the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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creating a border with marigolds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Summer Squash and Cucumbers atop a rock wall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Last year, I planted summer squash<\/a> for the first time. I was a bit late getting it in the ground, but it grew quickly and produced delicious squash. This year, I planted seeds earlier, adjacent to my driveway, I am looking forward to harvesting it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\t

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May 17, 2024 Pumpkin Patch<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Pumpkin patch treated with cayenne pepper to deter critters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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indoor-sown pumpkin plants in tray ready to plant<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Today I transplanted my indoor-sown pumpkins to my new outdoor pumpkin patch. To begin, I tilled the soil, then raked out the rocks and debris, and finally leveled the surface. This was a lot of work, but it was necessary to provide the best growing conditions for my pumpkins. Next, I laid down ground cloth and secured it with landscape staples. This will help to prevent weeds from growing and will also help to retain soil moisture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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tilled and raked, ready for landscape cloth and staples<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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holes cut and pumpkins in the ground<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I use my hand as a template to cut holes in the landscape cloth. I then placed one pumpkin plant in each hole. I sprinkled the area with cayenne pepper to discourage animals from entering. I am using pavlovian training to condition animals to avoid ground cloth. The cayenne pepper acts as a natural repellent, and is the primary deterrent to train the animals to stay off of all ground cloth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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sprinkled with cayenne pepper to deter animals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t
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May 21, 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Eggplants transplanted into outdoor garden<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These last few days have been a whirlwind of activity in the garden. We have transplanted tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, Mexican sunflowers, pumpkins, marigolds, eggplants, and cucamelons from our indoor nursery. We have also planted radishes, carrots, summer squash, green beans, and cucumbers all from seed. In addition, we have planted our winter-sown sunflowers. Whew!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cucamelons transplanted near garden fence as a trellis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

View Post<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week, I finished moving all of my plants outdoors. The basement nursery is now empty, and the grow lights have been turned off. All of the plants that I had started indoors have been transplanted to the outdoor gardens. The last plants to be moved were warm-weather plants such as Eggplants and Mexican Sunflowers. I also transplanted watermelons that had been sown indoors; however, they have yet to develop secondary leaves beyond the cotyledons. I am hoping that they will survive the transition to outdoor conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Rabbit warily approaching pumpkin patch near cayenne pepper border<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have observed rabbits in my garden, and I am concerned that they may start eating my plants. I have been sprinkling cayenne pepper around the perimeter of my garden in an attempt to keep them away. I am hopeful that this will be an effective deterrent, but I am also open to other suggestions. If you have any advice on how to keep rabbits away from my garden, please let me know.<\/p>\n\n\n\t

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May 29<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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Garden strawberry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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before weeding my strawberry patch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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I weeded my strawberry patch today and uncovered quite a few strawberries that are almost ready to pick. Unfortunately, a garden pest got to my strawberries first. I have a fence around the patch and a screen on top, but I neglected to put down a barrier of cayenne pepper. Lesson learned! <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t

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>>>Phase 3: Growing Season\/Maintenance<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the majority of my planting complete, it is time to proceed to the next phase of my outdoor garden project. This phase is growth and maintenance, which includes feeding the plants, watering, and weeding.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

April 22 tilling – Pest and Animal Control – April 24 Lawn Prep – April 26 Garden Beans! – April 28 Acclimating – May 8 Transplanting – May 9 Cucumbers – May 13 Marigolds and Squash – May 17 Pumpkin … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-new-year-new-garden"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1486"}],"version-history":[{"count":66,"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1683,"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1486\/revisions\/1683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rt23.com\/hgjournal\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}