====== 🌱 Spring Garden 2026 – Lessons Learned & 2027 Plan ====== ---- ===== πŸ“Š Season Overview (2026) ===== **Location:** North Carolina\\ **Season Type:** Early warm spring ==== Key Dates: ==== * **Peppers started:** Feb 7 * **Tomatoes started:** Feb 14–16 * **Harden off began:** ~April 4 * **Transplanted to beds:** April 11 ==== Timing Summary: ==== * Tomatoes: ~8 weeks indoors + 1 week hardening * Peppers: ~9 weeks indoors + 1 week hardening ---- ===== 🧠 High-Level Lessons ===== * Timing was generally **correct** * Main issues were **infrastructure and preparation**, not schedule * Plants outgrew containers and lighting setup * Bed prep and watering were reactive instead of planned * Early warm weather accelerated everything β†’ need flexible plan ---- ====== πŸͺ΄ Seed Starting System ====== ===== What Worked: ===== * 3" paper seed-starting cups were excellent for transplanting * Minimal root disturbance when planting ===== Issues: ===== * Plants (especially tomatoes) outgrew cups before transplant * Required either up-potting or earlier transplant than ideal ===== Plan for 2027: ===== * Use **4–5" biodegradable pots** for: * Tomatoes * Peppers * Keep 3" pots for: * Herbs * Flowers * Goal: **eliminate up-potting step** ---- ====== πŸ’‘ Grow Light Setup ====== ===== Issues: ===== * Plants grew too quickly β†’ lights too close β†’ leaf burn * Shelf spacing limited ability to raise lights ===== Fix: ===== * Remove one shelf from main rack to increase vertical spacing * Add secondary smaller rack for overflow plants ===== 2027 Plan: ===== * Maintain proper light distance: * Seedlings: 2–3" * Established plants: 6–12"+ * Avoid chasing plant growth with lights ---- ====== πŸ§… Onions ====== ===== What Worked: ===== * Starting onions densely in trays/pots worked well * Separating at planting time was effective ===== Improvements: ===== * Start earlier (January) * Grow longer indoors ===== 2027 Plan: ===== * Reduce quantity * Focus on better spacing and plant size at transplant ---- ====== 🌢️ Peppers ====== ===== Observations: ===== * Could benefit from earlier start OR better growing conditions ===== 2027 Plan: ===== * Start: Feb 1–5 * Focus on warmth (critical factor) * Maintain strong early growth indoors ---- ====== 🌱 Fertilization Plan ====== ===== Issues: ===== * Plants showed signs of underfeeding * Feeding schedule not consistent ===== 2027 Plan: ===== ==== Seedling Stage: ==== * Begin feeding at 1–2 weeks * Use ΒΌ strength liquid fertilizer ==== Growth Stage: ==== * Increase to Β½ strength weekly after true leaves ==== Transplant Stage: ==== Add to planting hole: * Compost (Black Kow) * Bone meal (root development) * Balanced organic fertilizer ---- ====== 🌀️ Weather & Timing Strategy ====== ===== 2026 Observation: ===== * Early warm weather allowed early planting (April 11) ===== Risk: ===== * Not typical every year ===== 2027 Plan: ===== ==== Plan A (Normal Year): ==== * Transplant: April 20–30 ==== Plan B (Warm Year): ==== * Transplant: April 10–15 ---- ====== 🧰 Planting Day Checklist (Standard Operating Procedure) ====== ===== Before Planting: ===== * Beds fully prepped (not hydrophobic) * Compost added * Fertilizer ready * Bone meal ready * Tomato support system ready: * String + overhead hook OR stakes * Watering system ready * Mulch available ===== During Planting: ===== * Tomatoes planted deep * Amendments added to hole * Supports installed immediately * Plants watered in thoroughly ---- ====== πŸͺ¨ Bed Preparation ====== ===== 2026 Issue: ===== * Hydrophobic soil required emergency watering before planting ===== 2027 Plan: ===== * Begin prep 1–2 weeks before planting ==== Method: ==== * Deep soak β†’ wait β†’ soak again * Add compost to improve moisture retention * Light mulch if needed before planting ---- ====== πŸ’§ Watering Strategy ====== ===== 2026 Issue: ===== * Reactive / panic watering ===== 2027 Plan: ===== ==== System: ==== * Morning irrigation (automated) * Evening inspection (manual) ==== Key Principle: ==== * Use soil feel and observation, not just schedule ---- ====== πŸ“… 2027 Target Schedule ====== ===== Tomatoes: ===== * Start: Feb 15–20 * Transplant: April 15–25 ===== Peppers: ===== * Start: Feb 1–5 * Transplant: April 15–25 ===== Onions: ===== * Start: Early January * Transplant: Early spring ---- ====== πŸ“Š Variety Performance Log (Continue Using) ====== ===== Add This Metric: ===== * Days to harvest from transplant ==== Example: ==== * Transplant: April 11 * First harvest: June 10 * β†’ 60 days to harvest ---- ====== πŸ”₯ Key Improvements for 2027 ====== - Prep beds earlier (no last-minute fixes) - Increase container size for seed starts - Improve grow light spacing and setup - Start onions earlier - Slightly adjust pepper timing and warmth - Follow consistent fertilization plan - Use planting day checklist every time - Move from reactive to planned watering system ---- ====== 🧠 Final Note ====== This season marked the shift from: * Trial-and-error gardening To: * A repeatable, scalable growing system Continue documenting, adjusting, and improving each season.