BASIC ORGANIC GARDENING Specific Harvests: Cool and Warm Season Crops; Cole; Vine; and Perennial Crops with Introduction to Berries

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Class Logistics Commit to start and end on time Planned break at mid-point Location of restrooms Four free classes; two with $7 fee Last class held at Boyle Cooperative Extension

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What is a Cole Crop? Brassica genus of plants in mustard family Collectively known as cruciferous vegetables Cole derived from caulis, meaning stem or cabbage Brassicas include: Roots -- Rutabaga and Turnips Stems Kohlrabi Leaves Cabbage and Collard Greens Flowers Cauliflower and Broccoli Buds Brussel Sprouts and Cabbage Seeds Mustard and Rapeseed

Cool Season Crops Crops planted in Spring or late Fall that flourish in cooler weather and are somewhat frost resistant Asparagus, Brassicas, Beets, Berries, Celery, Celeriac, Carrots, Fava Beans, Garlic, Kale, Leeks, Lettuces/Greens, Onion Seed, Peas, Potatoes, Radishes, Turnips Some Herbs and Flowers include: Anise Hyssop, Bee Balm, Borage, Calendula, Carnation, Cilantro, Cornflower, Lavendar, Nasturtium and many more.

Warm Season Crops These crops will not tolerate cool temperatures or frost and require warm soil. In Kentucky, Mother s Day is our signal. The Nightshade Family Tomatoes, Tomatillos, Peppers, Eggplant. Beans, Corn, Blueberries. Some Herbs and Edible Flowers: Basil, Marigold, Zinnia

Vining Crops These crops can climb and are healthier if allowed to. Trellising should be installed at planting time. Keep trellis system simple to install and remove, sturdy and easily accessible. Cucumbers, Gourds, Melons, New Zealand Spinach, Peas, Pole Beans, Tomatoes, Squash Cane Fruits Raspberries, Blackberries Climbing Nasturtiums

Perennial Crops These crops regrow each year without having to be replanted. Tender Perennials: Artichokes, Rosemary Hearty Perennials: Asparagus, Berries, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichokes, Rhubarb, Salsify Herbs: Chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme

Root Crops Crops whose root is the edible portion. Beets, Carrots, Celeriac, Garlic, Horseradish, Jerusalem Artichokes, Leeks, Onions, Potatoes, Radishes, Turnips, etc. As you can see, most crops fall under several categories! Read the packets and follow the instructions. Each year it will become easier as you become familiar with each crop you plant.

Introduction to Berries Berries have specific soil needs so it is best to establish separate beds for them the previous year! All berries need: Adequate organic matter in the soil Generous amount of organic matter Lower ph (more acidic) Excellent hygiene!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Berries do not like wet feet Consistent moisture Good drainage They are a good candidate for raised beds!

Strawberries Full sun ph 6.5-6.8 Set out with crown at soil level 8-12 apart, spreading roots out Mulch 1-2 deep with straw Keeps moisture consistent, saves water Keeps berries clean Controls weeds Pinch off flowers first year Harvest second year For continuous harvest plant both June-bearing (for preserving) Everbearing (for small daily harvest)

Raspberries Full sun Sandy loam ph 6.0-7.0 3 apart Crown 2-3 deep Pruning: Cut Fall or Everbearing to ground after harvest They fruit on current year s growth Summer bearing varieties bear on year old growth, cut fruiting canes to ground, leaving new growth to bear next year

Blackberries Deep, fertile loam soil ph 6.5-6.8 Plant same as raspberries Trellis Prune Late March to Early April 18 laterals Remove old canes after bearing Remove suckers as they appear Cut cane tips when 3 high

Blueberries Full sun (northern slope) Loamy, well-drained soil ph 4.5 to 5.5 (very acidic) Add organic matter (peat moss, pine needles, oak leaves) Holes twice the size of root ball Plant 4-6 apart Water consistently Remove first year blossoms Shallow rooted, can be damaged by hoeing Mulch3-5 with acidic material such as pine straw or chopped leaves

Rhubarb Full sun Well-drained soil mixed with aged manure and compost 3 x3 holes Refill within 2 of soil level and place plant crown Top with soil immediately and tamp down, water in Remove flower stalks first year Harvest begins second year Side dress with manure mid-summer and Fall

Asparagus Well-drained, sandy loam soil ph of 6.8-7.0 Dig trench 12-15 deep Fill bottom with limestone gravel (for slow release lime and good drainage) Fill with soil, sand, compost up to 8 depth Soak roots several hours before planting Place plants 12-14 apart Lay crowns up and cover with 2 soil, water in First season - Add soil just to cover as plants grow until even with soil level Second season harvest for two weeks and then let grow Third season harvest all spears 6-8 weeks KEEP WEEDED!!!!!!

Potatoes Plant whole or cut pieces with at least 2-3 eyes each Cut pieces need to be air dried 24 hours before planting Plant in rows 3 apart, 6 apart in the row Need to be hilled as they grow with straw, compost, leaves Blossoms indicate new potatoes ready Dig into side of mound with hand to harvest Foliage die-back indicates full harvest is ready Dig before first frost Use nicked or damaged produce immediately Store the rest in the dark at 40 degrees F.

In Closing Take it one step further..

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