Solarizing

So, I came to the realization that solarizing (at least in my garden) is not going to build up enough heat to kill seeds. That would have to reach 160 degrees down to about a foot depth. Instead, it has a different method of working. 

What it actually does is build enough heat and moisture for seeds to germinate. Then deprives them of energy, so the plants that sprout die off as their roots become exhausted. Plus microbes feed on material in the deeper soil. 

What I have seen is a huge spike in snail and sow bug population as they feed on the debris. 

Understanding the process lets me know why it takes as long as it does. It also tells me it may be safe to remove most of the plastic in the next few weeks because that process will be mostly or entirely complete. The exception is the two most recently covered sections. Those will remain covered the rest of the season. 

However, in general I have found extensive value in this and some areas of the ground will be routinely covered every year from now on. It helped the tomatoes so much I'll keep this practice. Helps with weeds, grass, insects and moisture stability. Lower branches don't get yellowed even if they hang on the ground because irrigation is under the plastic. I was worried about soil oxygen but the plants absorb enough through the leaves. 

I am hoping it will also help the pumpkins. I may keep some additional areas covered where longer crops grow which were started in pots. Only uncovering where I want to direct plant carrots and such.

Amazed

The tomato plants are amazing me this year. Last couple of weeks I have had to tie the branches up twice a week to keep them from dragging the ground. Several of the plants (first ones planted out) are 4-5 ft across.

Aside from that, there are more tomatoes than any previous year and they are seriously gaining some size! None are turning red just yet. Maybe in another week or two but I'm not in a rush. I'm more anxious to see how large they may get! In previous years I could sometimes go through the garden and count how many tomatoes were growing. At least early in the season. This year there's no chance of that. For the ones of any size I estimate at least 200-300 tomatoes hanging this minutes, with more flowers and very tiny tomatoes forming. 

The plants are not growing as tall as they have before. That may be the varieties I'm growing or that they are forming more fruit. 

Few cucumber vines are looking good. Waiting to see if others planted recently will come up. I need to put up a trellis for them to climb. The wooden fence doesn't have anything that cucumbers will hold onto, since they're not true climbers like green beans or grapes. Even pumpkins and watermelons climb better by nature. I have some metal fencing that would work for the purpose quite well. 

Speaking of which, one watermelon vine is looking good. Couple more are still small and I planted more seeds earlier this week. I think they should have time to produce if they germinate soon. 

I also planted pumpkin seeds, both giant and pie this week. Those should definitely have time to produce as long as there's no early frost this year.

That one is questionable. The weather is uncommonly cool right now. An average of 9 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year. Reports say there is a continued El Nino in the Pacific, which is increasing precipitation, resulting in cooler temperatures and a lot more rain than normal here. I'm surprised I have not yet heard the right wing idiots talking about how this indicates global warming isn't real. They never grasp the fact that the whole reason for the weather pattern is because of ocean warming. Their minds aren't big enough to understand it. The end result could be an early (and very cold) winter. 

Finally

Since I had today off, I woke up early and finally got to the dispensary while they had cannabis cuttings in stock. I was the first in line when they set the tray of cuttings out this morning. Got one pure Indica and one Indica dominant. 

I also tried starting a couple more seeds. The instructions they gave me with the cuttings stressed something which I had maybe not paid enough attention to. Cannabis seedlings need a lot of humidity. So, I microwaved the potting soil, then microwaved the planting containers. All to kill off any dormant white fly eggs. Then planted the seeds. Placed a ring of translucent plastic around the seeds and taped cheesecloth to the top. Then sprayed the cheesecloth with insecticide. (I did cheesecloth thing with the cuttings, also.) 

I've been sick all this week due to the worst allergies in decades. Mostly cottonwood. Feeling a bit better today because we've had some rain which washed some of the pollen away. Still pretty tired all day, though. Body had to recover. 

Tomorrow I plan on getting the grass trimmed and lay down more black plastic. I had removed one small section a few days ago to see if it had been in place long enough. Within two days I saw new grass sprouting. So, have to cover that spot and other areas. 

Tomatoes are still all green but some are getting really big now. Very happy with that!