For Agrositio. 10/01/2022 | 18:01
The warm days begin and the activities in the garden intensify. In this context, technicians from ProHuerta, a program of INTA and the Ministry of Social Development of the Nation, offer a series of recommendations to produce and incorporate new species.
We are enthusiastic about the spring summer garden, but this implies moving the soil, fertilizing it and starting with the sowing, explained Claudia Viana, a referent of the ProHuerta program of INTA La Pampa. The first thing to consider is what you want to grow and in what quantity.
The species that can be planted are many: lettuce, chard, aubergine, tomato, pepper, pumpkin, zucchini, basil, parsley, melon, watermelon, among others. For this reason, for Viana it is important to do a good planning and take into account that it is what we consume the most of this variety of vegetables. At the same time, it allows efficient use of the available space.
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Crop associations are another highlight. One leaf and one root, for example: beet with chard, carrot with lettuce, tomato with basil, the specialist mentioned. This is possible because the nutritional requirements are different and there is no competition between them.
When we speak of a good plant we refer to a healthy plant, with good root and stem development, thus we make sure it is strong, he added. Sowing in trays is a good option since it allows optimal soil, water and temperature conditions in the first stages of the plant.
Another important aspect is to ensure a good quality of the seeds and cover them with the appropriate amount of substrate. Since not all of them will germinate, the specialist recommended sowing between 10 and 15% more than those to be transplanted.
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The substrate must have the necessary nutrients, good water retention and aeration, since it is a key element for seed germination and root development. Vermicompost or compost can be used, with dry leaves or perlite.
Finally, once transplanted, attention must be paid to the water needs of the species. Collecting rainwater or generating a drip irrigation system are strategies to maintain soil moisture. In addition, the addition of mulch or vegetation cover protects from the sun and the blows of the irrigation water.
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