Do not use common Bermudagrass clippings, which may contain seed or stolons (modified stems) that may root. Organic mulches like dry bluegrass or fescue clippings (no more than 1 in. Soil and ambient temperatures can also be modified using various types of mulches. Beds can be mounded up with a shovel or contained with lumber or bricks. Maximum effect is achieved by planting on the south side of a bed running east to west. Raised beds warm up sooner in the spring than a level garden. Cooler, shady growing conditions reduce respiration, keeping sugar levels higher in the plants. Conversely, planting leaf lettuce on the north side of a house in the shade can help extend its growing season into the late spring. Painting the wall black will increase the effect. Heat absorbed by the wall during the day will be radiated back to the atmosphere at night. Planting watermelons near a block wall with a southern exposure increases the average temperature surrounding the melon vines. Gardeners can take advantage of microenvironments in the garden to extend the growing season. Gardens with a southern exposure tend to warm up sooner in the spring than those with a northern exposure. Therefore, gardens in a valley in the spring tend to be colder than those on the upper slopes of the valley. However, because cold air is heavier than warm air, it can drain into valley areas. Higher elevations generally have a shorter growing season. Growing periods for individual gardens within a zone may vary as much as 20 days due to microenvironments-variations in elevation, site exposure, soil type, and air drainage. Kale, on the other hand, does not fare well in areas with hot summer weather like Roswell. Crops like okra and watermelons have difficulty maturing in areas with short growing seasons like Los Alamos. There are three major growing zones in New Mexico-north, central, and south-based on the average number of frost-free days (refer to Circular 457-B). The types of vegetables that can be grown in home gardens in New Mexico are generally determined by the length of the growing season. These eight steps will lead to a successful garden: Though a well-maintained vegetable garden can be a lot of work, the outdoor exercise will mean better health for all involved. A 50-ft by 100-ft garden will provide enough growing area for an average family. © Natalia Lisovskaya | Eight Simple Steps for a Successful GardenĪ well-planned vegetable garden can provide nutritious, high-quality, fresh vegetables for the whole family. Circular 457-B includes a map showing New Mexico growing zones, as well as a table providing crop variety recommendations, recommended planting dates, days to harvest, planting instructions, and yield information. Use this publication with its companion, Circular 457-B, Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvesting Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico ( ). This publication provides general information for growing vegetables in home gardens in New Mexico. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State UniversityĮxtension Vegetable Specialist/Assistant Professor, Department of Extension Plant Sciences, New Mexico State University.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |