Urban Gardener: Summer Transplants Take Root
Leonard Moorehead, GoLocalProv Gardening Expert
Urban Gardener: Summer Transplants Take Root
Spring plantings are at their peak, hesitant to bolt in our long cool spring. Lettuces, asparagus, daffodils, and others have introduced us to the new garden season. In these last days of spring the space conscious urban gardener eyeballs their community garden plot or backyard beds and knows there is a next step. It’s not too late. It’s time to consider garden essentials that are just waiting for long hot humid summer days. Lots are easy to grow from seed. Others are more convenient started much earlier in the season and commonly sold as transplants. Let’s take a look at transplants and just how they work.
As always, the soil is the beginning. Turn under the old spring gardens after the last harvest. Older lettuces send up tall flower stalks. They absorb plants’ energy and rob the tender first leaves of any flavor. Be strong. As gardeners turn under the old growth, mix in the last remnants of the compost heap. A liberal dose of easy to store and easy to work, peat and perlite, are terrific soil amendments. Pull up the lamb’s quarters and crab grasses that quickly sprout from tilled soil. Any volunteers, such as cleome, Love Lies Bleeding, or clover, can be judiciously thinned.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTObserve your garden space’s sunlight. The leafless trees that permitted sunshine on the lettuce bed may now be a dense mass of oak leaves. Hopefully you are gardening with a space with six hours of direct sunshine. This is manna from heaven. Uninterrupted sunshine is always a premium in the urban garden. Seize the moment and employ every tool for success in your sunny areas. Lots of sun loving vegetables, flowers and herbs are intolerant of anything less than relentless sun. Happily, if anyone is to garden for pleasure and table there are sun lovers sold as transplants to replace the spring crops. Tomatoes, peppers and basil of the first quality are sun loving classics.
All gardeners participate in history. Domestication of plants is annually pushed further back into the mists of pre-history. Our lexicon of cultivated plants is both vast and shrinking. Regions once famous for particular varieties of common plants are merging into monotony. Urban gardeners enjoy more freedom to explore and preserve plant varieties lost in the genetic monotone shuffle to develop produce grown for their ability to withstand long transport or conform to an ideal. So called heirloom varieties have taken a stand and returned with vigor. This is a perfect time to savor diversity and extend perception.
Tomatoes are sun lovers that offer gardeners endless choices. No longer is “Big Boy” the dominant player. We are not obliged to grow tomatoes engineered to slice perfectly. Rather, taste, vigor, color, and legend happily abound among the heirlooms. Gardeners have kept theses varieties in pockets around the world and we are better for it. As the gene pool shrinks, we rejoice to find the entire color spectrum in tomatoes, those full of flavor that do not travel well, or some that do not conform to the standard ideal of shape.
I like to plant many different types of tomatoes. Brandywine produces gigantic yields. This savory tomato ripens from the bloom end to stem. These huge tomatoes are best harvested before fully ripened under the scorching summer sun. Their quirky ripening process urges cultivators to harvest just before the entire fruit is red. Brandywines are a lovely pink red tomato. Beefsteak is the classic sliced tomato our grandparents grew. Napoli and Roma are plum shaped tomatoes grown for generations for cooking. They have thick fleshy fruit with few seeds. They are perfect for simmering marinara on the stove. Cherry tomatoes are the sweetest of the clan. Their pop in the mouth size bias the grower’s restraint. No one in the garden can resist biting into these beauties warm from summer sun. This is the gardener’s triumph.
Happily, heirlooms are easy to find and all have the same cultural requirements: sunshine, rich well drained soil and in tight spaces, staking. Once the overnight temperature remains above 65 degrees the flowers set fruit. Until then, we give the plants tender loving care. How to handle transplants? Gently of course. Push and pull the transplants from their containers. By this time of year the plants have become pot bound. Congested roots have become tied, twisted, confined within their small pots. Tease apart at least a third of the roots from the bottom up. Plant deeply. Tomatoes send out roots from the stem, indeed cuttings are easy to make from established plants. Trim away the lower leaves. Moisten the stalks with rooting hormone but if not, you’ll still enjoy success. Kindly plant the stems and roots almost to the leaves. Moisten.
Our first objective with transplants is to establish a great root system. Bone meal helps. Deeper planting offers the tomato moisture during the inevitable dry spell. Mulch right up to the plant with whatever bio-degradable material is cheap, abundant, and nearby. Our numerous coffee shops give away coffee grounds in quantity. Paper collars quickly fashioned from brown leftover brown leaf bags covered with mulch eliminates tedious weeding.
Vigorous tomatoes will sprawl. That’s fine if you have lots of space. However, generations of tomato growers have staked their plants. I allow five feet of stake above the ground. For many years I used defective ski poles for stakes, they were colorful indeed and endured forever. Moreover, bamboo is an excellent staking material easy to find and cut to suitable lengths. Don’t be shy about driving the stake deep into the ground. Stakes should be stable. Install the stakes as you plant the seedlings. Sensitive roots will grow around stakes undisturbed. Old torn up t-shirts are perfect for a snug yet slightly giving support. Gardeners soon learn the art and develop a feel for the right fit. Many of us prune away shoots that emerge from the leaf juncture. If not, these shoots will enlarge the plant ever more until one has a heavenly mass of tomato plant. Each shoot will eventually produce fruit.
I like to put up recyclable large mesh wire fencing and trellis tomatoes. Tomatoes are easily trained and tied to wire fencing. The green clad variety of fence visually disappears from view. Indeed, I often put up the wire trellis before planting to avoid clumsy steps. Too often I’ve stepped unawares upon freshly planted seedlings. There is a learning curve to all this which is an essential aspect of gardening pleasure.
Children enjoy staking. They can participate in the garden without risk to tender seedlings as they help hold steady the mischievous wire fence. Everyone enjoys a little hammering, I have a three pound hammer forged a century ago and still true to its purpose. Technique is more important than strength, swing the hammer and allow it to descend under its own weight. Relieve shoulders from impact stress.
Next time let’s talk a little about companion planting and other summer super stars such as sweet and hot peppers, and a bit more on transplants. Remember, always put transplants in a bright place away from direct sun until planting. Keep moist. Tuck them in once planted with a nice firm press on the soil with your hands. You’ll feel the earth’s energy and never underestimate the power of touch. Latter, when the beach is more attractive than the garden or during those days when the air conditioner convinces gardeners to remain indoors the tomatoes will celebrate the heat. Grin. You’ll certainly smile as you bite into those flavorsome oxhearts, Brandywines, Black Krim, Yellow Boys, Cherokee, Mr. Stripey, and all those hearty denizens of the heirloom tomato world. Gee, they’re good for you too.
Spring and Summer Music Festivals
Boston Calling Music Festival
May 23-25
City Hall Plaza
Boston, MA
Boston Calling Music Festival is a three-day, two-stage festival featuring some of the biggest and best acts in live music. The event will be one big party with easy access to both stages, food, services and more. All ages are welcome and children under 10 are free.
Lineup Features:
Jack Johnson
Modest Mouse
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
The Decembrists
Bastille
Death Cab for Cutie
Tegan & Sara
Brand New
The Neighborhood
Built to Spill
Magic Man
Maximo Park
Walk Off The Earth
The Districts
Warpaint
Kurt Vile and the Violators
Jenny Lewis
Plus More...
Strange Creek Campout
May 23-26
Camp Kee-Wanee
Greenfield, MA
Presented by the Wormtown Trading Company, the Strange Creek Campout features live music, on-site camping, disc golf, yoga, a holistic village, and the Strangers Helping Strangers Food Drive.
Lineup Features:
Rusted Root
Max Creek (2 Shows)
Zach Deputy (2 Shows)
Donna the Buffalo
Ryan Montbleau
Turkuaz
Goosepimp
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band
Fungus Amungus
Consider the Source
Plus more…
Roots on the River
June 5-8
Bellows Falls, VT
Roots on the River is an annual roots music festival featuring 23 sets, 7 shows, 6 venues over 4 days.
Lineup Features:
James McMurtry
Curtis McMurtry
Mary Gauthier
Carolyn Wonderland
JD McPherson
Sean Rowe
Poor Old Shine
Heather Maloney Band
Caitlyn Canty
Hayley Reardon
The Meadows Brothers
Leominster Starburst Festival
June 14 (Rain Date June 15)
Various Locations
Leominster, MA
For a free music festival in Central Massachusetts, check out Leominster’s Starburst, hosted by the Leominster Cultural Council. Everyone in your family will enjoy this day of music and fun, topped off with a firework show in the evening.
Paulie's New Orleans Jazz & Blues Festival
June 20-22
Canal District
Worcester, MA
Now entering its seventh year, the mission of Paulie's New Orleans Jazz & Blues Festival is to provide quality New Orleans & Louisiana jazz, blues, country, funk & zydeco music & food within an urban setting.
Lineup Features:
Roomful of Blues
Honey Island Swamp Band
Marcia Ball
Little Freddie King
Mem Shannon & The Membership
Bobby Patlauf Band
Big Al Carson & The Blues Masters
Eric Lindell & The Sunliners
Plus more…
New Bedford Folk Festival
July 5-6
New Bedford Whaling National Park
New Bedford, MA
The New Bedford Folk Festival brings together over 70 renowned and emerging folk performers and 90 juried arts and crafts vendors in New Bedford's authentic historic district during the first weekend in July.
Lineup Features:
Chris Smither
Christine Lavin with Don White
John Gorka
Poor Old Shine
Jonathan Edwards
RUNA
Vance Gilbert
Bill Harley
Green River Festival
July 12-13
Greenfield Community College
Greenfield, MA
The Green River Festival is a premier Pioneer Valley Music event that takes place every July. The event attracts national talent, the great local food and fine crafts, and even hot air balloons.
Lineup Features:
Puss'N'Boots Featuring Norah Jones
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Hurray for the Riff Raff
Trampled by Turtles
Lucius
Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin & The Guilty Ones
The Lone Bellow
Ana Tijoux
James Hunter Six
The Iguanas
Poor Old Shine
Barnstar!
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Plus More...
North Atlantic Blues Festival
July 12-13
Public Landing
Rockland, ME
The North Atlantic Blues Festival is an annual two-day blues music festival featuring national blues performers and considered one of the most prestigious on the East Coast.
Lineup Features:
Mr. Sipp
Joe Louis Walker
Jarkeus Singleton
Teeny Tucker
Joanna Connor
Victor Wainwright
Melvin Taylor
C.J. Chener
Jimmy Thackery
In Layman Terms
The Mannish Boys
The Golden State lone Star Review
Lowell Folk Festival
July 25-27
Various Locations
Lowell, MA
One of the largest free folk festivals in the country, the Lowell Folk Festival attracts thousands of people over three days. The event features traditional music, food, crafts and good vibes.
The Pine Leaf Boys – Cajun
Bud Hundenski & the Corsairs – Polka
James Kelly, Donna Long, & Sean Keane – Irish
Kevin Doyle – Irish Step Dance
Marquise Knox – Blues
Seichi Tanaka & the San Francisco Taiko Dojo – Taiko Dojo Drums
Nikki D & the Browns – Sacred Steel Gospel
Sonny Burgess & the Legendary Pacers – Rockabilly
Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers – Bluegrass
Samba Mapangala & Orchestre Virunga – East African Rumba
E.U. – Go Go
Hassan Hakmoun – Moroccan Gnawa
Seizmos Band – Greek
Thomas Maupin, Daniel Rothwell, & Overall Creek with Kory Posey – Appalchian Buck
Plus More...
Gathering of the Vibes
July 31 - August 3
Seaside Park
Bridgeport, CT
Gathering of the Vibes is an annual music, arts and camping festival now in its 19th year. Vibes has grown into a four-day festival that has featured such world-class talent as Crosby, Stills and Nash; all original members of the Grateful Dead; the Allman Brothers Band; Jane's Addiction; James Brown; the Black Crowes; Buddy Guy; Elvis Costello; George Clinton and P-Funk; Bruce Hornsby; Les Claypool; and many, many more big names, while continuing to showcase extraordinarily talented, young, up-and-coming bands to the 20 thousand people who attend each year.
Lineup Features:
John Fogerty
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Rusted Root
Widespread Panic
Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros
moe.
Slightly Stoopid
Maceo Parker
Deep Banana Blackout
Plus more…
Newport Folk Festival
July 25- 27
Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Folk music has been a presence in Newport since 1959, when the Newport Folk Festival was founded by George Wein. Backed by board members Pete Seeger, Theodore Bikel, Oscar Brand, and Albert Grossman, the Festival became renowned for introducing a number of performers who went on to become major stars, most notably Joan Baez (who appeared as an unannounced guest of Bob Gibson in 1959), and Bob Dylan, whose first Newport appearance, as a guest of Joan Baez in 1963, is generally regarded as his premiere national performance.
Lineup Features:
Deer Tick
Ryan Adams
Nickel Creek
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Jimmy Cliff
Mavis Staples
Band of Horses
Jeff Tweedy
Kurt Vile and the Violators
Conor Oberst
Sun Kill Moon
The Devil Makes Three
Puss N Boots
Plus more...
Newport Jazz Festival
August 1-3
Fort Adams State Park
Newport, RI
Established in 1954, the Newport Jazz Festival begins its 60th year this August, one week after its sister event, the Newport Folk Festival, takes place. The first event was originally billed as "First Annual American Jazz Festival" and featured many notable jazz musicians, including Billie Holiday.
Lineup Features:
Bobby McFerrin
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
David Sanborn & Joey DeFrancesco
George Wein & Newport All-Stars
Dee Dee Bridgewater - To Billie With Love
Dave Holland
Dr. John
Gregory Porter
Gary Burton
Robert Glasper
Vijay Iyer
SFJAZZ Collective
Danilo Pérez
Ravi Coltrane
Plus more...
Peacham Acoustic Music Festival
August 15-16
Various Locations
Peacham, VT
The Peacham Acoustic Music Festival is also a blend of the old and the new - roots music from the Celtic traditions, old time fiddle tunes, and a touch of blues and bluegrass - not to mention The Dance. Smoke and alcohol free.
Lineup Features:
Jonathan Edwards
Bob Amos & Catamount Crossing
Carl Jones
Alan Greenleaf & The Doctor
The Bayley-Hazen Boys
Plus many more to be announced…
The White Mountain Boogie & Blues Festival
August 15-17
Sugar Shack Campground
Thornton, NH
Entering it's 18th year, the Boogie and Blues Festival features award-winning blues artists, food vendors, craft vendors, a climbing wall, and many fun activities for children --including Saturday night fireworks.
Lineup Features:
Brandon Santini
Moreland & Arbuckle
Southern Hospitality
Samantha Fish
Jeremiah Johnson
Gracie Curran
Plus many more to be announced…
Rhythm&Roots Festival
August 29-31
Ninigret Park
Charlestown, RI
The 17th Annual Rythym&Roots Festival features award-winning roots music artists on the Main Stage and at two big tented dance floors, plus intimate one-of-a-kind workshops and kids activities.
Featuring The Duhks as the featured host band
2014 Artist Lineup Announcements Coming Soon