This project was developed by Heloisa Kinder, Karen Slinkard, Karen Leaf and Shawn Owens.
Introduction
This report summarizes the results of our fall 2024 garden project focused on cultivating broccoli, kale, beets, radishes, and carrots. We utilized four meticulously prepared raised beds, fertilized them, and floating row covers to mitigate heat stress while protecting seeds from birds and insects. As of the writing date (01/06/2025), we have not yet completed the harvests of carrots, kale and beets.
Methodology
We used four 10-foot-long beds each covering 35 sq ft. These beds had been under performing for the previous seasons so before planting we double-dug each bed with a garden fork breaking up the compacted soil. On September 23, 2024 we added precisely measured and applied ammonium sulfate (21-0-0), superphosphate (0-18-0) and potassium sulfate (0-0-50) to each bed. This was equivalent to the recommended rate for a 12-12-12 NPK fertilizer.
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On September 26, 2024, we seeded two of the beds with Little Finger carrots, Ruby Queen beets and Sparkler radishes. Due the extreme heat that was forecast, we overseeded all three crops expecting to lose a significant number of the seedlings. Each of the newly seeded beds was covered with a floating fabric row cover held about 2 feet above the bed. This cover offered protection from hungry birds and some sun protection. The sides were not secured to the ground, which allowed for air circulation. The newly seeded beds were irrigated morning and evening for 40 minutes using sprinkler heads in one bed and soaker hoses in the adjacent bed. The remaining two beds were planted on October 3, 2024, with starts from six-packs of Broccoli Rabe, Broccoli deCicco and Marathon Kale. The Broccoli/Kale beds were covered with garden netting to prevent insect damage. Again, the irrigation was morning and evening for 40 minutes with sprinkler heads in one bed and soaker hoses in the adjacent bed.
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Results
From September 26 to October 9, 2024, the temperatures exceeded 100 degrees F, which potentially challenged plant development. However, the floating row covers and the garden screen, coupled with the twice-daily irrigation, appear to have mitigated the heat stress and protected the seeds and plants from bird and insect predation. After October 10th, temperatures moderated to the mid-70s to 80s°F, creating optimal conditions for the successful establishment and harvest of broccoli and kale. We began harvesting an abundant crop of full-size radishes one month after they were seeded despite the exceedingly hot weather. As of 01/06/2025, the carrots and beets continue to mature, requiring a full 120 days from planting before harvest.
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The highlighted areas represent the days of germination and the temperature variation.
Challenges and Considerations
Extreme initial heat posed significant challenges, but our floating row covers effectively mitigated its impact. While the shade cover protected against birds and insects, its effectiveness may vary by cloth type and pest intensity. Our early methodical watering ritual highlighted the importance of establishing a suitable watering schedule at the season's start. Although our 40-minute irrigation sessions were consistent, we may need to adjust based on factors such as soil type, weather conditions, evapotranspiration rates, and individual crop water requirements. More frequent, shorter watering periods could improve water retention, especially during hotter weather. The data indicated a range of planting densities and depths for different crops, which influence water and nutrient uptake. The extended maturation time for carrots and beets should inform future planting schedules. We recommend further investigation into optimal floating row covers and duration and the long-term efficacy of this method for pest control in future projects.
Conclusion
Despite the extreme initial heat, our fall garden project yielded successful broccoli, kale, and radish harvests. The carrots and beets remain in the ground and are expected to be harvested at the appropriate time. Floating row covers played a crucial role in protecting seeds from birds and insects. Our meticulous record-keeping enabled precise tracking of fertilizer applications and plant growth. Successful crop yields resulted from careful planning, precise fertilization, a consistent twice-daily 40-minute irrigation schedule tailored to individual crop needs, shade cloth implementation, and diligent environmental monitoring. We recommend further analysis, including soil moisture monitoring and detailed assessments of water usage per crop, to optimize watering strategies and planting densities in future projects. Investigating emitter output (gallons) can refine our water management for each crop. Additional research on floating row covers effectiveness in various weather conditions, its interaction with the irrigation system, and its long-term efficacy as a pest control measure is also recommended. The extended growth period of carrots and beets emphasizes the importance of precise planting dates to ensure timely harvests.
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