![]() Planting on raised beds (3-4 feet wide 4 inches high 3-4 rows per bed) helps with air movement and encourages drier soil conditions. Regardless of the crop, spacing should allow good air movement around the plants to minimize common diseases like grey mold (Botrytis), bottom rot (Rhizoctonia), and leaf drop (Sclerotinia). Other types (leaf lettuce, spinach, baby greens, kale, and arugula) are planted at tighter row widths. It is fairly common to irrigate after seeding to promote more uniform emergence.įinal spacing on heading crops (lettuce, endive, and escarole) varies depending on plant size at harvest. Doing all of these helps ensure rapid and uniform establishment. ![]() Seeds that are primed can help speed up seedling establishment particularly in harsh (cold or hot) growing environments. Always plant in wellprepared seedbeds to ensure uniform planting depths. Fungicides should be used (in coatings or applied to raw seed) particularly if establishment issues have been encountered (see Diseases). Use modern precision planters when seeding and purchase seeds that are coated to allow singulation of seed placement. Growers should purchase the best quality seed available to help ensure uniformity of germination which then leads to more even plant growth. Most of the leafy green crops have similar spacing and seeding requirements (see table below). Seeds are commonly planted ¼ - ⅓ inches deep and thus are regularly subjected to warmer soil conditions. Since many of these vegetables mature quickly (40 to 60 days), and days to harvest is impacted by temperature, it is crucial to use sequential plantings to get consistent production. Once the crops are established (emerged), high temperatures (80+☏) cause many to bolt and form a seed head. When conditions are cooler, water after seeding and plant later in the day to overcome dormancy effects. Soil temperatures above 80☏ cause the seeds of some crops (lettuce, spinach, others) to go dormant and they will not germinate until cooler soil temperatures return. ![]() Most of the leafy green vegetables will germinate at soil temperatures of 32-35☏, with an optimum germination range of 55-70☏.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |