Transplanting & Direct SeedingUnit 1.4 | Part 1 – 173ii. Overhead irrigation may be appropriate until field crops are established, at which
point it may be appropriate to switch to drip irrigation to minimize water use and
weed growth (see Unit 1.5)
iii. Large-seeded crops and large transplants can be planted to moisture following
irrigation and weed cultivation; irrigation can then be delayed to allow the crop to
get a jump on weed growth (see Unit 1.10)
- Insect and mammal damage
a) Floating row covers can be used for the first 2–3 weeks after crop emergence or
transplanting to minimize or prevent damage by insect pests (e.g., flea beetles,
cucumber beetles), birds, and mammals: Covers can be placed directly over the crop or
draped over easy-to-make hoops and staked to form low tunnels. After 2–3 weeks crops
are usually large enough, and have developed tougher, less succulent leaves, for the row
covers to be removed (unless pest pressure is intense).
b) Row covers can also help “jump start” warm-season crops such as peppers early in the
season and protect frost-sensitive crops at the end of the season
c) Nutrient needs: In spring, heat-loving crops growing in cool, wet soils may require
supplemental fertility, as nutrients may not be readily available in these conditions.
Supplements may include granular fertilizer (e.g. blood meal, feather meal) or liquid
fertilizer (e.g., fish emulsion, liquid kelp) applied as a foliar spray or soil drench.
Lecture 1: Transplanting & Direct Seeding