Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Finally! A warm windless day!!

I planted 6 rows of corn this afternoon! I do hope the corn does better than last year, nonetheless...it will provide a "trellis" for my pole beans as I plan to use the "Three Sisters" Native American planting plan. As soon as the little stalks of corn are about six inches tall, I'll plant the pole beans and squash. The squash will shade the ground around the corn and beans as well as keeping pests away with its prickly vines. The beans fix nitrogen in the soil to benefit the corn and squash. Last year, I had tall corn stalks, but the corn didn't fill out...verrry disappointing.

I'm also thinking of planting okra with blackeyed peas. My theory is that the peas will provide shading and keep the moisture in the ground. Anyone know if these two make good companion plants?

If the weather is nice tomorrow, no doubt I'll plant another row of carrots as I've got seed left over. I'm still not sure enough about the weather to put out my tomatoes, but I'll be watching the forecasts carefully and putting them out soon. They're still so tiny...with only one set of true leaves. I'd like to see them grow a bit before putting them out in the garden.

3 comments:

The Hills said...

I can't recall ever reading about that particular pairing (good or bad). I do know okra does well with sweet and hot peppers, so our okra went between the peppers this year.

Our black eyed peas ended up pretty much by themselves---there are some onions on either end (which are NOT good companions for blackeyed peas), but nothing really mixed in with them.

HermitJim said...

In answer to your question about okra and peas, I found this at DIY for you..."Because watermelons and okra are companion plants, you will be able to start your planting of okra adjacent to the melon patch. Both melons and okra thrive in moist, well-drained soil and they even require the same soil preparation and fertility of 6 to 6.8 pH. Okra can be planted with any other garden plants but they make great companion plants for melons, southern peas, basil, eggplant and peppers.

Hope that helps

Cygnus MacLlyr said...

Glad to hear old lady winter finally loosening her grip!
Go with the advice above; sounds sound!

:D