Daniel's Pacific NW Garden

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Potato and Four O'Clock Update. 5.25.22

I planted this row of Four O'clocks in a narrow wedge shaped next to the fence in a sort of "Hell Strip" area, too narrow to mow and difficult to care for, especially watering. I grew squashes there last year. I also planted a row of early potatoes (Envol), which I hope will be done before most of the heat and watering season start.

Today I filled the potato trenches by about 2/3 and cultivated the rest. I also gave both some general purpose fertilizer.

The far end is only a foot between fences. I may resort to landscape fabric to keep that part relatively clean.

First Sweet Corn is Finally Planted. 5.25.22

This is about two weeks later than last year. With the cool weather, that might not be a setback. This is a new variety for me, "Orchard Baby". Apparently the ears are short, just five to six inches long, two ears per plant, and the plants are only three to five feet tall. Ready in 65 days, which is very early (and here possibly more like 80 days). Victory Seeds description. Baker Creek Seeds description. Mine came from Baker Creek. These originate in Canada and were sold by a North Dakota seed company, so should be adapted to my latitude, and short season.

The rows need protection from birds, rabbits, deer until about a foot tall. Then they are OK. I planted close and will thin. My experience is I often have low germination, maybe birds get the seeds anyway,

I'll probably plant another variety in two weeks. I'm thinking Early Sunglow Hybrid, which is a bit larger, about the same season length (68 days) and also not as water and is more "corn flavored" than more modern supersweet varieties.