Choosing the right plants to grow.

 Hello, Urban Gardeners! Let’s get on to planning our city garden together for the next season! Make sure you read our previous article on Soil before moving ahead.

Climate zones

When we plan making our garden outdoors (including balcony or terrace), the first thing we have to account for is the climate. That is before choosing the right seeds to plant. The US Department of Agriculture has created a very useful system for gardeners listing climatic zones of endurance. It is based on the lowest normal temperatures that are specific to a particular area.

On the map for Europe you can see where approximately your area is located. In general most of Bulgaria is located in zone 6 (which corresponds approximately to the temperate-continental zone). The eastern part of the country – the coast and the southeastern parts, are in zone 7 (covering the transitional-continental, transitional-Mediterranean and Black Sea zones). Only the extreme southeast, including the area around and down from Burgas, is in zone 8, which is the warmest of the three.

For people in Europe and America you can check the Hardiness zone maps at Gardenia.net, while for people in India you can access it at Farmersknowbest.com. Each country has their specifics and you can find the information using google.

Hence, always carefully read the description of the plant you want to plant to find out if it’s suitable for your area. Is it something that will survive outside all year round or does it have to go inside in the winter? There are plants that are grown in Bulgaria as annuals, although they are generally perennials. For example, petunias, begonias, sage, mint, rosemary, oregano, bay leaf. Pepper is also actually a perennial plant. Our habanero and jalapeno survived at home during winter without any problems, and the next year we had chili again.

Direct or hybrid variety – what’s the difference

Another important factor when choosing your plants (if you buy ready-made seedlings) is whether the plant is a direct or hybrid variety.

There is a lot of speculation and myth surrounding this topic. That’s why I am giving you a short and simple explanation of the differences.

Direct variety

Direct varieties are the so-called “old” varieties of plants that are pollinated freely – by insects or wind, for example. They retain their characteristics unchanged from generation to generation. That is, if you plant the seeds of a tomato of a direct variety, the grown tomatoes will be exactly the same as those of the mother plant. Varieties that have existed for at least more than 50 years or before the Second World War are considered old.

What is a HYBRID?

Oh and don’t worry, the hybrid’s are not lab monsters. Hybrids are the result of crossing two different varieties. It is about combining their qualities, often in quest of a specific property – endurance, disease resistance or more abundant production. The combination is done by artificial pollination (usually mechanically by hand), imitating nature.

Did you know that many people’s favorite grapefruit is actually a hybrid between pomelo and sweet orange? And that orange is a hybrid obtained after crossing a pomelo with a tangerine? Another popular hybrid is the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, which was created by crossing Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. And what about carrots? Yes, the familiar orange carrot is actually a hybrid of the yellow carrot, which is a cross with the white carrot. Wild almonds are so bitter that we would never have eaten them if it were not for the purposeful selective breeding that would create the now familiar taste.

As you can see, hybrids are not a bad thing at all. However, it is good to know their main drawbacks. If you keep seeds from them, next year they will not be able to produce the same plant. The same hybrid can only be obtained by combining the same parent plants again. The offspring of hybrids are usually an unpredictable mixture of ancestral characteristics.

The term hybrid means the first generation (F1), which combines the most sought-after qualities of the parents. It is this designation – F1, marked on the seed packet, will show you that it is a hybrid plant. This way you will know that there is no point in keeping its seeds, you will just have to buy new ones next year.  

It is important to know that hybrid and GMO are not the same!

Genetically modified organisms are plants whose genetic composition has been genetically modified in a laboratory. It is achieved by injecting genes of one species into the genes of another plant. In this way, combinations are created that in practice could not have existed through any of the traditional methods of crossbreeding.

At Berry Berry Green, most of the plants are mostly direct varieties. Most of them we bought from local farms. Like the Grass Farm in the village of Zdravets and from Hotfarm in the village of Strashimirovo. Since hybrids offer a huge variety and interesting species, we have acquired hybrid specimens, whose qualities we find interesting (mainly cherry tomatoes).

The easiest way to get seeds or seedlings of direct varieties is to visit your nearest farmers’ bazaar. This way you are assured to have plants that you can grow for many years to come.

Seed storage tips

In order to remain viable in the following year, the seeds must not be exposed to moisture or extreme temperature fluctuations. They should be stored in a cool and dry place. Some people store them in sealed plastic bags. Others keep them in glass jars in the refrigerator or in paper bags. Whatever you choose, it is best not to expose them to moisture, so that they do not mold and become unusable.

If you have seeds that are several years old, you can do a preliminary germination test. A few weeks before planting, place the seeds on damp paper or cotton and place them in a warm place. If after a week you have sprouts you will know that the seeds are viable.

I guess that’s a lot for today 🙂 Our next topic will be pots – what are the pros and cons of different types of pots. Read about pots here.

Until then! And do not forget –  He who creates a garden, cultivates happiness!