Keith Farrand
Contact: info@farrandfarms.com
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Want to keep up on the latest things that are growing on at Farrand Farms? The man with the greenest thumb in Kansas City will help you with all his latest tips and share insight and info right here at Farrand's Notes. If you have some special questions or would like to suggest ideas for Keith to address just send him an email on the link under his picture.
Hot Summer Fun!
Keith
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Friday, June 18, 2010
We used to count on 'The Law of Averages' here in Kansas City. We could count on a certain amount of rain, reliable gardening dates and dependable average springtime temperatures. It just doesn't seem the same anymore. Oh well, complaining about it won't help, so let's talk about the things we can do to enjoy what we have. We are getting lots of questions about the vegetable garden. Everything from when and how much fertilizer to use to how to control blight on tomatoes.
Fertilizers:
We generally recommend granular type fertilizers like Zoom 5-10-5 (there is also an Organic Zoom for those of you who are organically inclined). It should be reapplied 4-5 weeks after the initial application. If you are using a liquid nutrient like Sure Bloom or Miracle Grow, once a week is good. This is a very good rate for almost all warm weather crops with the exception of peppers. Peppers should be fertilized at 1/2 the rate of other crops for best production.
Fungicide:
Our favorite fungicide is Bonide's Liquid Copper Fungicide. It helps control the septoria leaf blight that often defoliates our tomatoes. Liquid Copper Fungicide works great on flowers and roses too. It is easy to use and organic! It's safe around pets and children and can be used right up to harvest. Coverage is important, so be sure to apply it both to the top and bottom of all the foliage. It seems to work best when applied with warm water either early in the day or early in the evening.
Insects:
At Farrand Farms, we prefer earth friendly Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew with Spinosad. It works across a wide spectrum of insects. Captain Jack's is organic, safe around children and pets and is very easy to use. Try it!
Deer, Rabbits and Squirrels:
These creatures are often our biggest competitors in the garden. I can testify that Deer Scram is extremely effective on deer and rabbits. Some customers have told us that it has worked against squirrels too, although it doesn't list them on the label. It is totally organic and granular in form. Deer Scram is easy to apply, safe around children and pets, and lasts 4-5 weeks per application. Give it a try! We've had great success using it.
Other Helpful Hints:
Your flowers will bloom best when you continue to remove the old blooms. In fact, many perennial flowers will often bloom twice as long as normal when the first set of blooms has been removed.
Petunias will prosper when fertilized twice as much as other flowers. If you fertilize most flowers once a week with a liquid fertilizer, do it twice a week on petunias. They are fast growers and often outgrow the fertilizer available. Feel free to cut them back and shape them anytime - they respond fast!
Surprise Hint:
Sprinkle 1 tbsp Epsom salt around your cantaloupe and watermelon. Do this once every 10-14 days and you'll be amazed at the improved and sweetened flavors these melon crops will have.
I always appreciate the opportunity you all give me to share and exchange our gardening ideas. Please let me know should you have a particular question or interest.
Stay cool and focused!
Keith
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