Planning to plant for Corpus Christi?

According to the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS), we will have a highly active rainy season with a high occurrence of flash flooding. The 2024 wet season was declared, and we can already see the direct impacts on our food prices.

Flooding, waterlogged soils, increased pests and diseases, and potential storms and hurricanes are just a few challenges that farmers face during the rainy season which leads to an increase in our market prices.

Combatting high food prices is a topic that we have discussed throughout the years. One feasible option we have delved into is growing a percentage of your own food. Having a kitchen garden or backyard garden certainly helps reduce your weekly food bill.

A small garden, whether it consists of fresh herbs or two of each vegetable trees, gives you the relief of not having to pay the prices at the market that given week.

Crops such as lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs (chive, celery, chadon beni) will continue to rise in price as the months continue in 2024.

Since there is often a great deal of rainfall as Corpus Christi approaches, which is considered the ideal day for planting, let’s get our gardens ready for planting.

If you are using seeds this Corpus Christi, one method for selecting good seeds is the water test. Take the seeds and place them in a container of water. Let the seeds sit for 15 minutes. If the seeds sink, they are still viable; if they float, discard, because they probably will not sprout.

If you are planting using seedlings, the best nursery seedlings are the ones that are the most tender, bright green, young, and healthy-looking, regardless of its size. Short, stocky seedlings are ideal. Avoid the tall, leggy, stretched out, woody, tough seedlings. Large or overly mature seedlings may be stressed and root-bound from being left in the seedling tray for too long.

Even after transplanting, they may be permanently stunted in your garden. Inspect your seedlings to ensure they are free from pests and diseases as well. Your garden’s success will be guaranteed once you select the best seeds and seedlings!

Send questions to rayannaboodram@hotmail.com