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Post by meatburner on Feb 22, 2015 14:51:23 GMT -5
I have really enjoyed this forum since moving over. Would appreciate some advise on setting out broccoli plants under a low tunnel hoop house the first week in March. My usual way is harden off seedling starts from inside for planting into the open garden space the first week of April. Using row cover when needed. Average last frost here is April 20. How would you suggest hardening them off a month early than normal? Just not sure how cooperative the weather will be a month earlier. Thanks everyone.
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Post by brownrexx on Feb 22, 2015 14:57:36 GMT -5
I don't grow broccoli so I have no advice but I'm glad you like the forum. I told you that you would!
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Post by meatburner on Feb 22, 2015 15:12:41 GMT -5
Thanks brownrexx. I think there are still members who don't know about this forum yet.
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Post by brownrexx on Feb 22, 2015 15:20:46 GMT -5
Our new forum is growing by leaps and bounds. 63 members in just 3 weeks!
Look down at the bottom of the page and you can see new members, how many are online per day and so on. This is a very active forum compared to others I looked at when I heard that Rodale's forum was ending.
Lots of good people here.
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Post by OregonRed on Feb 22, 2015 15:28:32 GMT -5
here here! Red bangs the gavel :~D
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Post by lisaann on Feb 22, 2015 18:54:19 GMT -5
I have brocolli plants started and under lights. Here in Maryland I set mine in the ground 4/1 most years. I don't use any covering in the spring.
Fall crops need covered here though. Nasty Butterflies like to lay down their larvae then.
I assume you think you can get a months jump on planting by using row covers? Is that how I am reading your question?
Put them in a clear plastic large tote to keep the wind off them. No lid. On the driveway. Just like when you would do it to set out 4/1. Only you better get them babies out there tomorrow to start hardening for March 1 planting.
Warmest spot with little sun the first 2 days and then sun and still warm all day but still in at night till day 5. Then day 5 and 6 and 7 leave them out there. They will turn purple no doubt. Plant on the 8 th day.
Works for me here. I forget where you are. Tell me or sig line your location! I see it NOW! hahah
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Post by lisaann on Feb 22, 2015 19:00:19 GMT -5
I'm growing sun king again this year, and amazing cauliflower.
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Post by lisaann on Feb 22, 2015 19:52:06 GMT -5
Meatburner,
A chuckle for you on how I must protect cole crops from the butterflies and still get all the sun I can get:
I use birdnetting over whatever I can drag out there!
I'm laughing! I hate those cabbage worms!
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Post by meatburner on Feb 23, 2015 9:29:05 GMT -5
Lisa, I had to laugh at your pic because I use my extension ladder exactly like that. Works great!
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Post by brownrexx on Feb 23, 2015 9:30:35 GMT -5
And you won't have to worry about falling off of it either!
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Post by meatburner on Feb 23, 2015 9:31:51 GMT -5
brownrexx, so true. A safe way to garden is always a good thing.
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Post by lilolpeapicker on Feb 23, 2015 11:52:18 GMT -5
Anyone have trouble with rabbits and broccoli. I think the rabbits spread the word when I set out my plants! hahaha...."good food over at pea's place". But last year they were more trouble for my beans than the broccoli....Had a fence around the pole beans but I let them have the bush beans. I decided that would be the trap crop!, I guess.
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Post by brownrexx on Feb 23, 2015 12:46:45 GMT -5
I have a chicken wire fence that I have to use for half of my garden and I plant all crops that appeal to rabbits inside of the fence.
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Post by meatburner on Feb 23, 2015 12:51:35 GMT -5
Rita, we have cats around that keep the rabbit population in check.
Lisa, I was referring to a low tunnel covered with plastic and not just a fabric row cover. This was from last winter.
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Post by desertwoman on Feb 23, 2015 14:04:31 GMT -5
I've always planted with critters in mind. With fruit trees I figure 1/3 is for the birds, 2/3 for us. Extras are planted in the beds. But a good fence can't be beat for rabbit control. I have chicken wire . Just be sure you extend the chicken wire 6" below the soil flanging outward. Some of you have seen this before but I'll repeat here at the new site My chicken wire fence
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