A seminar was held on June 28th by the Irvine Ranch Water District to guide residents on planting vegetables needed for making salads in their own gardens. The keynote speaker, Laurie Menosky, from the UC Master Gardener Program in Orange County, shared insights with about a hundred attendees.
Menosky joined the Master Gardener Program in 2007 and was awarded the Gold Badge for volunteering over 1,000 hours. She mentioned that the first year of joining the program involves 10 weeks of learning in research centers or classrooms, followed by 12-25 hours of continuing education each year.
Southern California has a Mediterranean climate, where factors like seasons, sunlight, temperature, wind, rainfall, and pest control need to be considered when planting vegetables. Menosky used to have a full-time job but the COVID-19 pandemic changed many things, providing her with more time at home for gardening and volunteering.
Firstly, plant only the vegetables you enjoy eating to make the most of limited planting space. Menosky introduced various types of vegetables including lettuce, cabbage, kale, Swiss chard, spinach, arugula, mesclun mix, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, asparagus, and some Asian vegetables like bok choy, Chinese broccoli, and mustard greens.
Starting from seeds is one of the most economical ways to get a variety of plants. Menosky mentioned that there are seasonal charts available on websites detailing the sowing period, growth duration, and harvest season for different vegetables. Selecting high-quality seeds is important as storing them for too long can reduce germination rates; you can also collect seeds for planting the following year.
Using good materials such as seed trays and soil is essential. It is recommended to buy high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil rather than garden soil (often used for mulching or compost). Sow seeds in small pots or trays with many small compartments during warm weather, placing them in a cool and controllable location. Menosky advised planting in batches to ensure success, planting 2-3 seeds per compartment and keeping the soil moist.
Ensuring an adequate amount of sunlight and water is crucial as they are key factors in plant growth. If starting seeds indoors, open windows or regularly move them outside to acclimate to the outdoor environment. When purchasing seedlings from nurseries, it is important to select ones with healthy foliage, roots, and soil, while being mindful not to bring pests back home.
Plants intended for consumption generally require 6-8 hours of sunlight each day. Watering can be done automatically using a moisture gauge to measure soil moisture or manually adjusting the watering amount.
Improving soil quality and fertilizing promote plant growth. Compost-like soil can be obtained from landfill sites; if using manure, make sure it is aged. Menosky explained that nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for plant growth, with nitrogen representing greenness and growth, phosphorus affecting flowering and root growth, and potassium being related to overall plant health.
The key to fertilizing lies in understanding the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) in the fertilizer, such as 4-6-3 or 3-3-3. Menosky advised aiming for numbers below 10 as they enrich the soil. Organic fertilizers typically have numbers below 10 and release nutrients slowly, while inorganic fertilizers have higher numbers and release nutrients quickly.
Seedlings are usually ready for transplantation when they reach 7-10 cm in height, and fertilization is typically needed every 3-4 weeks. Different vegetables like tomatoes or peppers may require fertilization every 2-3 weeks.
Integrated pest management involves creating an ecosystem that can naturally handle issues rather than relying on pesticides. Natural enemies are the least toxic pesticides. Menosky mentioned that cabbage farmers introduce predators of caterpillars to destroy their larvae, and ladybugs can feed on aphids on tender leaves and stems. She recommended visiting ipm.ucanr.edu to identify and address plant problems using data from universities.
Lastly, it’s harvesting time. Menosky emphasized using food-grade containers, wearing gloves, putting vegetables in sealed bags or plastic bags, and storing them in the refrigerator.
The UC Master Gardener Program was established in 1980 with a mission to disseminate research findings to gardening and environment enthusiasts. Whether you have a small balcony, backyard, or community garden, you can grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers, and engage in sustainable landscape design.
In recent years, gardening enthusiasts have shown a growing interest in native plants, organic fertilizers, and natural pest control. Sustainable gardening involves practices with minimal environmental impact, focusing on improving soil, reducing water usage, and effectively growing preferred plants.
Currently, the Master Gardener Program has 1,286 demonstration gardens, community gardens, and university gardens in 53 out of 58 counties in California. Last year, over 6,000 volunteers contributed over 446,000 gardening hours, surpassing a total of 6.8 million hours volunteered since the program’s inception. ◇