Red and Yukon Gold Potatoes Planted

Following the instructions from NG, yesterday I dug 6 inch furrows and then watered down the soil.  Today  I planted the red potatoes and the Yukon Gold Potatoes in the furrow, covered with around 3 inches of soil.  Planting them around 10 inches apart (maybe a little less), I did not have enough room to also plant the fingerling potatoes.

Also, the ideal planting time is around February 12th, which makes today a little early.  So, since there was not enough room, I thought I'd go ahead and wait a week to plant the Fingerling potatoes.  I'll buy another two bags of compost to mix with the existing sand and plant them in a new section of the garden - maybe toward the front where this is more sun.

Prepping potatoes

I recently bought some seed potatoes from NG.  I purchased 1 1/2 pounds of Yukon Go,d, 1 lb of Red Potatoes and 1/2 pound of fingerlings.

Germination countdown

Having put a couple of seeds in the ground (or in cups), I am now counting down the days until they are supposed to germinate.

Radishes - Time of emergence:  January 28 - Feb 2nd
The soonest to germinate will probably by the Radishes.  They say they germinate between 5 and 10 days.  And I planted them on January 23rd.  So they could come up as early as this Thursday or as long as a week from today.  Of course, with the cold front that came in today, the longer duration might be more likely.

Update:  January 28 - a few sprouts appeared, and even more on January 29th!  It is always so exciting to see seed sprout

Beets - Time of emergence: January 27th - February 13th
The package says 4-21 days to emerge - which is a really wide spread!  It could be as early as tomorrow or as late as February 13th before I know whether any of these have germinated.

Update:  January 29 - one possible sprout has appeared. It could be a weed, but it could also be a beet. I'll keep an eye on them in the next few days to see if I can see anything.  

Tomatoes - Time of emergence: January 29th - Feb 5th
It says germination takes 7-14 days, so I should know by February 5th whether or not they will germinate.

Update:  January 29 - absolutely nothing.  I have the seeds in one of the brown cardboard cups. I am now wondering if the cups cause the seeds to dry out to quickly to allow them to germinate.  I am watering every day, but by the next morning, they are all dried out again.

Beets and radishes

Beets - Early Wonder
Another new item to try. Per the instructions on the seed package, I soaked the seeds for 24 hours before putting them in the ground.  I then put three or four seeds in every hole - only planting 5 holes.  Just one row to give it a try.

Days to emerge:  4-21 days
The package says 4-21 days to emerge - which is a really wide spread!  It could be February 13th before I know whether any of these have germinated.

According to the info below, assuming they actually germinate, we would harvest them in March.

"For winter sowings in mild climates, harvest by March. Harvest when roots are anywhere from 1½" - 2½" in diameter. Do not let them get too big; the smaller they are, the more tender. Foliage can be harvested when 3"-6" tall. You can take as much as one third of a beet plant’s leaves without harming the root crop; leave at least 2" of foliage above ground level."

Radishes - Crimson Giant
I planted these last year, with some success.  Last year, I planted them waaay too close to each other, so many of them never developed.  This year, I followed the seed packet directions and planted 3-4 seeds five inches apart.  Hopefully we will have a better harvest this year!

Days to emerge:  5-10 Days
So, based on planting them today, we should see something by February 2nd.  

Days to harvest:  30 days (February 23rd)
This would be the first thing from the winter garden that I might be able to harvest (excluding the lettuce)

Another first

I decided to give seed sowing a try.  I must admit, that even sowing seeds outdoors, I have not been very successful.  But, I thought I'd give it a try with some tomatoes.  We already had some cups and potting soil, so the only cost is a $2 bag of seeds.

I planted four pots of "Peacevine Cherry Tomato"

It says to start the seeds 6 - 8 weeks before planting date.  Since the planting date is today, that means these plants (assuming I am able to get them to grow at all), should be ready for planting by March 18th and maybe earlier.

It says germination takes 7-14 days, so I should know by February 5th whether or not they will germinate.

January Roses

It is hard to believe, but we have not yet had a hard freeze here, yet.  We have had a couple of nights gets down to 32 degrees (enough to kill our potted basil - which we forgot to bring in), but many of the warm weather plants are still alive.

It has been rather dry recently, so today I went out and watered all the backyard plants.

My roses are in full bloom, and bring a bright smile on a cool January day :o)

January Garden

Today was a gorgeous 70 degree day.  One of those amazing Texas winter days that reminds you why you love Texas, despite the hundred degree summers!

So, it seemed like a great day to get out and plant my winter garden.  It was a little earlier than in past years, but it was so beautiful, it seemed like perfect timing.