Learning by Growing
May 2018 by Shelley Corey, Owner of The Mum Farm
Gardening and cooking are a lot alike. I think that’s why I like them both. But no matter how many cookbooks I amass in my collection, that doesn’t make me a better cook. There is nothing like actually learning how to roast vegetables, sear meat, or make a pizza at home! I’ve spent the past winter cooking and entertaining and I believe I’ve become a better cook. It’s the same for the years and years of experience I’ve had growing flowering plants. I am a better grower. I’ve learned a lot through experience.
After graduating from Cornell, I really thought I knew a lot about floriculture, I really, really did! I guess that can be said about most college graduates! But experience tends to be the best teachers, not the books. I remember the wise words from a salesman (who just recently passed away at the ripe age of 90) who told me that you can tell the health of a plant from the roots. I remember those wise words daily as I can often be seen tipping a plant out of its pot to examine the roots.
So taking care of those roots is the key to healthy plant growth. That’s why in previous articles I have stressed the importance of thoroughly watering the root zone, then allowing the soil to dry out (but not to the point of the wilt). Daily watering just the top few inches of soil does nothing to promote healthy roots, nor does keeping the soil constantly wet. Roots need water and air to survive.
Learning to fertilize your plants comes with experience. Try to fertilize your plants when they are in need of a watering…when the soil is slightly dry and the roots will suck it right up. If it’s a sunny day you might even swear you see the plants growing! I suggest fertilizing once a week with a soluble fertilizer that you mix with water and irrigate your plants with. There are many different formulations. Don’t be overly concerned with the numbers… remember the fertilizer companies are trying to sell fertilizer. They want you to think that you need more than one. It’s really more important that you use a fertilizer rather than which one!
I know that when I took over this farm from my parents I made mistakes. I’ve forgotten most of them, but what I do remember more vividly are the successes, all the times that everything has worked out. In cooking we might remember that one horrible ground beef casserole made from a magazine with a Frito corn chip topping (it looked good in the picture!) But what really matters are remembering all the delicious family meals that were shared, all the successful crops grown…
So as you embark on another gardening season, remember the successes and learn from the mistakes. May your flowering plants bring you loads of joy this summer and your vegetable gardens produce enough to share with friends and neighbors! Smile, it’s time to garden!