Gardening for Geeks

All the Science You Need for Successful Organic Gardening

Christy Wilhelmi

• Publisher: CompanionHouse Books
• Year: 2020
• ISBN:
  9781620083598
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Horticulture
• Index: Biological Sciences

The founder of Gardenerd.com presents ultimate guide to organic gardening for geeks who want to know the science behind flourishing flora. In Gardening for Geeks, Christy Wilhelmi breaks down the biology and ecology of gardening in an engaging and accessible way. She explains how plants work, how soil lives, how bugs help, and much more. Plus she offers practical advice on everything from planning to pest control. Filled with more than one hundred fifty photos, step-by-step processes, helpful diagrams and illustrations, and expert tips, this beginner's guide covers all the gardening basics, whether you're planting in the country or in an urban area. Christy then introduces more advanced concepts, strategies, and techniques to help you get the most out of your garden. This edition also includes plant profiles, the latest research and terminology, and more photographs and illustrations.

Vegetable Profiles

Now that you have the basics of how to plant from seed and from nursery stock, it’s a good time to talk about specific plants. The next section profiles an array of easy-to-grow vegetables (followed by a section on herbs) that are suitable for small-space gardeners and beginners as well as veteran green thumbs. As you grow your garden, use these plant profiles to help guide your way through the season. Note: Plant spacing is based on biointensive methods. Those using row-farming techniques would space plants farther apart than what is suggested here.

Arugula

Latin name: Eruca vesicaria or Eruca sativa

Seed planting depth: ¼ to ½ inch (6 mm to 1.25 cm)

Plant spacing: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)

Soil temperature for germination: 45 to 70° Fahrenheit (7 to 21° Celsius)

Sun: Full to partial

Water: Moderate

Days to germinate: 3 to 7

Days to maturity: 25 to 45

Arugula

About Arugula

Arugula is an annual (see Glossary) plant native to the Mediterranean and has been grown since Roman times, both in the wild and in commercial agriculture. Its leaves are peppery and look similar to radish leaves. The leaves, blossoms, seed pods, and mature seeds of the plant are all edible. Though typically used raw in salads to add a spicy punch to other greens, it can also be cooked with pasta or meats or pureed into a sauce. In traditional southern European dishes, the leaves are also used on pizzas and in pesto.

Growing Arugula

Arugula seed is best sown directly into the garden where you intend to grow it to maturity. Plant the seeds 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart. Gently cover them with ¼ inch (6 mm) of soil and water. Arugula prefers a cool soil temperature and tends to bolt to seed in summer heat, so grow it in the fall/winter and spring seasons. Plant in fertile, loose soil. Water every day until the seeds germinate and then water them as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Harvesting Arugula

The seeds should sprout in three to seven days (slightly longer in cooler temperatures). For a continuous crop, sow more seeds every two weeks to ensure that new cuttings are available at regular intervals. Arugula matures very quickly—typically within forty days—so get ready to start harvesting in as little as four weeks. Harvest the outside leaves while they are young and tender. The larger arugula gets, the more pungent it becomes. Allow the hardiest plants to bolt to seed and set flowers. When the pods become dry and brittle, carefully remove them from the plant and crush them over a bowl. You will find six to eight seeds in each pod. Place them in a labeled envelope or plastic bag to keep for future use. At the end of the season, pull and compost any remaining plants and roots.

Beans

Latin name: Phaseolus vulgaris

Planting depth: ¾ to 1½ inches (2 to 3.75 cm)

Plant spacing: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)

Soil temperature for germin...