Crop Selection: Planting Dates Transplants Tomatoes-March 20-April1, May 1, May 22, June 10 and June 20 Cucumbers April1-15, every 3-4 weeks Zucchini April 1-15 every 3-4 weeks Lettuce- Feb-June, End of Aug-Nov (3 weeks) Direct seed Spinach-Feb-April, October Carrots- Year around Roots-Feb-March, August-Sept Cilantro, Dill-Feb/March, Sept-Oct Winter time Johnny’s Seeds Winter Growing Guide
Winter Crop Selection • Look for cold tolerant varieties when selecting seeds.
Planting Dates • Plant growth slows down significantly when day length drops below ten hours, that is around November 16th.
http://www.hightunnels.org/ForGrowers/CoolSeasonVegetables/SpinachHarvestDate.htm
Planting Dates, My Findings
August 16th
August 22nd
Picture Taken October 20th
Planting Dates Johnny’s Winter Growers guide: Better to hedge a little ahead Toughen up your plants, don’t keep them too warm. You want them to be cold and growing slow.
Use of Space
Use of Space, Intercropping
Use of Space • Intercropping within the bed
– Lettuce, Radishes, Onions, Turnips
• Along the outside walls – Leeks, Cucumbers
• On the outside walls – Greens
• In the walkways
– Seedlings, Planters
• Don’t forget about the Vertical Space – Trellis – Hanging baskets/planters
Transplant Production • Start the varieties YOU want and have them ready when YOU need them • Better use of space, lettuce • Start earlier, continue later into the year. • Less seed use, better spacing, easier weeding • Fewer days spent in the High Tunnel • Faster turn around
Transplant Production Transplanted October 8th
Started Harvesting October 27th
Transplant Production
Just starting out Transplant Production
4 foot florescent lights, 1020 trays, 2 by 4 frame with plywood shelves and a timer.
Pests
Pests in the winter tunnel • • • • • • • •
Aphids Thrips Slugs Caterpillars (Cabbage Worms) Mice Voles Moles
Controlling Pests Chemical Biological Beneficial Insects/ Mites Must be used preventatively and early for winter tunnel crops • Have healthy plants, in healthy environments with good nutrients, no bugs? • • • •
Insect Control APHIDS- Ladybugs and Predatory Wasps
Different Issues with Winter Production • Harvesting! Must harvest when it is warm enough. Usually between 12 and 3 is the best time. • Protection from the cold • Washing Produce • Weather and Sunlight! • Snow
Repair and Maintenance • Always close during a storm • High wind, close wind side, leave other side open, if you must vent. • Snow, Sweep off • Periodically check bolts and tape tears asap, both sides is best. • Keep plastic tight
Repair and Maintenance Hail damage
Repair and Maintenance
Repair and Maintenance
Wind video
Repair and Maintenance
Weather Concerns Snow and Wind
http://www.happyhollowfarm-mo.com/
Weather Concerns Snow and Wind
10-12 inches of snow
January 10th, 2011
Sweeping Snow
What we covered • • • • • • •
Why Season Extension and winter growing? Tools Necessary What crops do we grow and store? How? Planting dates Pests Different Issues Disasters
Questions? Jay and Linda Sleichter www.jaysjellies.com jaysjellies@yahoo.com Facebook: Jay’s Jellies, Produce and More