Preparedness # 12

Mark Twain said that “Human pride is not worth while, there is always something lying in wait to take the wind out of it!”

In the gardening meeting on Thursday night, I was going on as if I knew everything and dear sister Horton finally said “but brother Collier, have you gardened here?” I apologize to all that were there for acting like I knew what I was talking about.

Case in point was my suggestion to lay a long tomato plant on it’s side just under the soil surface with the roots on the South side of the tomato, since tomato plant roots like to be WARM. As I was mentally going through the evening’s meeting in retrospect, I realized that we planted that way in Cache Valley because it takes a long time for the deep soil to get warm. I wonder if the poor tomato planted that way in St. George will like BLAZING HOT soil! So, until I get smart, do it the way you have been doing it or ask one of the wiser members. And, thanks to Sister Horton for saying what others were probably thinking and helping me remember the embarrassing “P” word.

Even though the Crofts have made a great effort in time and means to provide a garden spot for the ward, some unfortunate legal and pump issues have delayed our being able to plant. Brother Crofts has gone way beyond what most would do but continues to hit a block wall. Thanks to the Crofts for all they have, and continue to do for us. The Lord knows what He wants us to do and will make it happen. But, it would be a good thing for us to remember them and the garden in our prayers. We have been asked to do this, I know with the Lord’s help it will happen.

In the mean time, almost all of us have places we can garden in containers. You’d be surprised how effective and productive it can be. Here are some locations with ideas for planting in tight spaces. http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/vegetable/container.html
http://journeytoforever.org/garden_con.html#contgard

Planting Times for St. George Area
By Rick Heflebower, Washington County Horticulture Agent

FEBRUARY 15 – MARCH 15 *
Radish Beets
Cabbage (plants) Carrots
Kohlrabi (plants) Cauliflower (plants)
Onions Endive
Peas Lettuce
Spinach Parsnips
Turnip Potato
Swiss Chard

MARCH 15 – 1 APRIL *
Bush Bean Lima Beans
Corn Cantaloupe and melons
Cucumber Eggplant (plants)
Spinach Winter Squash
Summer Squash Tomato (plants)
Pepper (plants)


FALL HARVEST/JULY 15 – AUGUST 1
Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Corn, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Onions, Pole Beans
Spinach, Turnips,

ST. GEORGE HAS A GROWING SEASON OF ABOUT 210 DAYS
Last frost in Spring – April 1st
First frost in Fall – October 1st

Thanks to all for everything you do. We had 36 at the dry pack canning day and did many cans for ourselves and even helped another brother from another stake. As usual, the sisters in the RS pulled it off by keeping it all organized. Thanks,This is being a spectacular experience!

Our next dry pack date will be May 28th – June 1. We will have the canner in the ward to do whatever we want.
gv3grant@gmail.com 628-2739