Boardash: ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Sunday November 8, 2009

Sunday, November 8, 2009

ArcaMax Gardening Daily Tips for Sunday November 8, 2009

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Gardening Daily Tips
For You
Sunday November 8, 2009

Hyacinth, Grape (Muscari armeniacum)
Q&A: Greenhouse Heating
Q&A: Fall-Sown Greens
Tip: Maintain Tools
Wine and Dine Daily Video
Reader Photos

Hyacinth, Grape (Muscari armeniacum)

Today's Featured Plant
Hyacinth, Grape (Muscari armeniacum)

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Q&A: Greenhouse Heating

Question: I have a small, free-standing greenhouse which I plan to heat this winter. I would like to use a propane heater, but I have heard that man-made gases will kill plants. Do I have to use natural gas?

Answer: Many greenhouses are heated successfully with propane. I believe the gas damage you are thinking of occurs when there is a gas leak so be sure your equipment is in good working order. Also be sure to follow any appropriate ventilation requirements.

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Q&A: Fall-Sown Greens

Question: Is it possible to direct seed vegetable crops like kale, spinach and turnips in the fall, in the hopes of getting an early spring crop?

Answer: You can sow them in late summer and early fall for a mid to late fall harvest, but the severity of your winter will determine if the plants survive until spring. In regions with mild winters, seeds of these crops sown in fall will sprout and grow slowly through the winter; then the plants will take off as the weather warms, resulting in early spring harvests. However, in Ohio, I'm afraid the winters would be too severe for consistent results. One option is to use a cold frame, to extend your growing season well into fall, and get an early start next spring.

Some seeds, especially that of perennials adapted to cold regions, do best when sown in fall, because this gives the seed the chilling period they require before they will break dormancy and sprout in the spring. But I don't think the veggies you list fall into this category.

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Tip: Maintain Tools

Fall is a good time to tune up your gardening tools. For hand tools such as pruners, trowels and hoes, remove dirt and plant debris, apply all-purpose oil to the wooden handles to preserve them and sharpen the blades.

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Wine and Dine Daily Video

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-- From the ArcaMax editors

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Sincerely,
ArcaMax Editors