Dayton "Dirt" - May 31, 2013

The killing frost was devastating last week for many gardeners and bigger operations too. At the nursery the temperature dipped to 32º F at 6 a.m. before it began to rise just a half hour later. For the protection of the new growth of the plants outside our movable roof greenhouse, a constant washing with water with the irrigation system saved the day. The 20 HP electric pump at full capacity will move 670 gallons of water per minute and deliver 50 lbs. of pressure to the highest sprinklers which are at least 40 feet above the pump level. The water is distributed throughout the property through a system of pipes and electronic valves that one may compare to a spider web. The large delivery pipes of a six inch diameter and four inch are secured by strategic placements of concrete where the thrust of the water flow might break them apart even though they are at least 30 inches under the ground. Others not as fortunate to have an irrigation system and too much to cover lost many tomato and pepper plants and will have to start over. The scenario is not all dire though as there is plenty of time left to grow as it is still May and not a later frost like that which occurred on June 15, 1972 in many out laying areas. The nursery has been very busy as the greenhouses still have plenty of nice product except that the selection of plants is beginning to wane especially in some varieties of the vegetable plants. I am really learning to appreciate our new weed discs on many of the plants as they have reduced weeding to a minimum compared to last year. I don’t mind weeding but it sometimes can be overwhelming. Pray for some soaking rain. Tom