Article 3 > May 2023 > Temperatures rather low for the season!
Let's not kid ourselves, it's cold for May 17th. The temperatures have really dropped and the garden is cold.
Don't panic, it won't last, and there are solutions to limit the damage.
This third article will adapt to this temperature change to see how to keep the plants warm and try to protect them as much as possible.
We will also see what we can plant and see where the plantings already completed stand.
In the nursery (or on the windowsills of the house)
The melon.
Growing melons in Alsace is not the easiest task. This fruit-vegetable requires plenty of sunshine as well as quality soil to allow it to grow properly and, above all, to develop its flavor.
Growing melons requires space because their stems can grow to over 2 meters long.Melons thrive in rich, warm soil. The ideal soil for growing melons is:
-Rich
-Humus
-Deep
-Costs
-Well drained
-Clay
Sunlight is an essential factor for melons.
We know that our region can experience unpredictable weather, so you should choose the best-exposed spot in your garden.
Melons like to grow next to beans or corn.
Photo by © Rens D
To plant in the vegetable garden
The eggplant
This vegetable, which originates from Asia, needs a lot of heat.
In Alsace, you should choose the Violette de Barbentane, it is the variety that best withstands the temperatures that our region can experience.
When planting eggplant in your garden, you'll need to add compost to help it grow properly, and also ensure it receives warmth and light. Lots of light! So choose the sunniest spot in your vegetable garden.
Eggplant is a heavy feeder plant; space each plant about 90 cm apart. It is susceptible to Colorado potato beetles, powdery mildew, and grey mold.
You can harvest the eggplants when they are a uniform color.
Photo by © Dan Cristian Pădureț
The cucumber
This vegetable originates from India. As it loves heat, it needs to be planted in soil that is sufficiently rich in organic matter. You can place compost at the bottom of the planting hole, space your plants 60 cm apart, and water thoroughly.
Cucumbers can be grown either in the ground or vertically, for example by training them to climb a trellis. This latter technique helps limit disease because it improves air circulation around the plants.
Cucumbers require a lot of water. If you want to reduce the bitterness of the fruit, you'll need to water them thoroughly! Mulching your plants is highly recommended to retain maximum moisture.
Cucumbers are susceptible to powdery mildew and are also vulnerable to aphids.
Photo by © Kelly Neil
Coriander.
It is an aromatic, annual plant whose leaves and seeds are edible. It is quite difficult to cultivate because it can bolt (go to seed) very quickly.
The leaves of this plant have a very strong smell.
Coriander needs plenty of sun as it loves warmth and sunshine, but it also needs regular watering. For optimal growth, prepare your soil well by aerating it and adding compost to ensure it's rich in humus.
The leaves are harvested two months after planting your plant. You will continue harvesting leaves until October.
Photo by ©Phillip Larking
Due to scheduling conflicts, we were unable to meet with any gardeners from the Villé Valley, but we have arranged to meet with Jean-Claude Naas to discover his garden and ask him for some valuable advice.
To keep you entertained while you wait, here are some photos of the plantings and experiments carried out in the garden of one of our team members.
Feel free to give us feedback and share your experiences.
If your vegetable garden is out of the ordinary and you would like to be featured on our blog, you can contact us by email (info@valleedeville.fr) and we will come and meet you with the greatest pleasure.
Enjoy your reading and enrich your mind.