Bed preparation

Beds were tilled mid-October and Osmocote 18-6-12, 8-9 month formulation, was applied at a rate of 25 lbs/1,000 ft2. Beds were irrigated by drip irrigation once daily initially, and then less frequently as plants became established. Peters 20-10-20 at 150 ppm was applied at two weeks after planting, and again in March.

Planting

Plugs and vegetative liners arrived week 40 (October 2) and were transplanted into 80 mm Jumbo Ellepots (provided by Knox Nursery) week 41. Plants were grown in a 30% shadehouse for five weeks and transplanted into the garden week 46 (November 13). Each plot contained nine plants in a 3x3 configuration, with plants spaced 12" on center.

Maintenance

None of the plants were pinched prior to transplant in the garden or during the trial season. A fungicide was applied once in early January to combat a general disease outbreak in the garden due to an extended period of warm, humid, and cloudy weather. No additional chemicals were applied.