1/31/02

After some 25 years of SolarGardenDome experiences we're currently writing a compilation of gardening experiments, results, good eating and quality of life.

Below is the outline of what we're working on. The book will be available soon and very reasonably priced! 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter

    1. THE COLD FRAME – WHAT IS IT?

      2. Cold frame technology.

      Heat storage and radiation.

      Efficiency; size, location, exposure.

      Varying micro-climates with the cold frame

      Ventilation and condensation

      Magnification effect

      The seasons

    2. A LEARNING EXPERIENCE

      3. Record keeping – graphs, thermometers and diary.

      Illustrations.

      Observations.

    3. PLANNING THE GARDEN.

      4. Purpose – hobby, conversation or utility.

      Selection of vegetables

      A compromise garden.

      How much to plant.

      How often to plant.

      Intensive use of space – interplanting.

    4. EARLY START.

      5. Let the soil tell you when to begin.

      Soil types – soil preparation.

      Dormant seeding – natures way.

      Nutrients and organic material.

      More on micro-climates within the cold frame

    5. LATE WINTER PLANTING – THE FIRST SEASON

      6. Cool weather crops

      Direction and spacing of plantings.

      Techniques of planting large and small seeds.

      Danger of killing frost and how to prevent it.

      If frost does hit early plants.

    6. THE SALAD BOWL

      7. All about spinach – the two year salad.

      All about lettuce – some earlier than others.

      All about radishes – the fastest growers of them all.

      Seeding, thinning, transplanting and harvesting techniques.

    7. SPRING APPROACHES.

      8. Successive planting – unused space filled up.

      Magnification and its control

      More on ventilation.

      Unseasonably cold spells after crops are will under way. Heaters for

      emergencies. Coverings.

      Unseasonable warm spring days.

      Warm spring rains.

      Sprinklers, drip irrigation, watering, mulching.

      Spring garden has longer and warmer days.

      First weeds.

      Insect and disease.

    8. FORCING TOMATOS AND OTHER TROPICALS.

      9. Additional protection

      Ground heat.

      More light.

    9. SUMMERTIME.

      10. Second season – hot weather gardening.

      Cover off but handy.

      Weeds and pests.

      Some plants don’t like heat and long days.

      Shading.

      Summer crops – tomatoes, peppers, vine crops, corn, potatoes etc.

      The flower garden.

      More on pests.

    10. THE FALL GARDEN.

      11. Shortening days – cooler nights.

      Planning most essential in fall.

      Micro-climates, moisture, ventilation.

      Cold spells – warm spells.

      Early snow.

      Can I grow all winter?

    11. A SHORT REST UNTIL SPRING.

As winter sets in.

Ground storage of some root crops.

Let spinach winter over.

Planting bulbs for early blooms.

Salads for winter.

All winter garden in the southern regions.

 

Latest update 1/29/02

Questions or comments? e-mail me