Blog Post #3
Salt Spring Island is a cool Mediterranean climate, with short winters and dry summers.
The types of seeds that would do well in this area are seeds that require a dry period during seed maturation, as well as biannual seeds, that require a stratification process- but will not freeze over winter.
Some of the crops that would do well in this area, and how they are pollinated:
Asian Greens, Chinese cabbage- (Brassica rapa L.) -cross pollinated by insects
Beets, Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris L.)- cross pollinated by the wind
Carrots (Daucus carota l.)- largely cross-pollinated by insects, with some self-pollination
Cauliflower, Cabbage, Kohlrobi (Brassica oleracea L.)- Cross-pollinated by insects
Celery & Celeriac (Apium graveolrns L.)- largely cross-pollinated by insects, with some self-pollination
Cilantro ( Coriandrum sativum L.)- largely cross pollinated by insects, with some self-pollination
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) - highly self pollinated, with a closed perfect flower
Leeks (Allium ampeloprasum L)- largely cross-pollinated with some self-pollination
Mustards (Brassica juncea L.)- mixed self and cross pollinated by insects
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.)- largely cross-pollinated by insects, with some self-pollination
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)- cross-pollinated by the wind
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| King Richard |
King Richard Leek ( Allium ampeloprasum L.)
Leeks are an important staple for our farms retreat business, they are a good season extension crop that can last us into the winter to be used for our guests and eaten by the families living in the farm.
King Richard is an early maturing variety which is a good choice as Salt spring has been known to have wet periods in September which could effect the seed maturing process.
Leeks are largely cross-pollinated (specifically honey bees and leaf cutters), on the farm we have four honey bee hives and a diverse ecology that contributes to a great number of pollinators.
Seed Leeks have traditionally grown well in the pacific North west, with good amount of soil moisture and cool weather during early stages of development, and extended dry weather during seed production.
Reines des Glaces (Lactuca sativa L.)
Is a crisphead,Cold hardy variety, suitable for early spring planting. Seed lettuce grows well in an area with a dry period during seed maturation, on Salt Spring Island we often don't get rain from mid June until the end of August, allowing a good window for seed maturity.
Lettuce germinates best with temperatures between 16-23 C which is the average temperature range during the late spring on Salt Spring.
One of the main crops Stowel Lake Farm grows is Salad mix from early spring to late fall, so saving the seed of lettuce varieties that do well in the shoulder seasons is beneficial to the business.
Early Wonder Tall Top Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
This variety of beet is adapt to all seasons but is especially good in early spring with quick growth in chilly soils. Salt Spring has a cool wet spring to establish a sturdy frame, and then a cooler dry summer to support pollination.Salt Spring summer averages around 24-25C, which is a great temperature for beets to do well in.
Leeks are an important staple for our farms retreat business, they are a good season extension crop that can last us into the winter to be used for our guests and eaten by the families living in the farm.
Leeks are largely cross-pollinated (specifically honey bees and leaf cutters), on the farm we have four honey bee hives and a diverse ecology that contributes to a great number of pollinators.
Seed Leeks have traditionally grown well in the pacific North west, with good amount of soil moisture and cool weather during early stages of development, and extended dry weather during seed production.
 |
| Reines des Glaces |
Reines des Glaces (Lactuca sativa L.)
Is a crisphead,Cold hardy variety, suitable for early spring planting. Seed lettuce grows well in an area with a dry period during seed maturation, on Salt Spring Island we often don't get rain from mid June until the end of August, allowing a good window for seed maturity.
Lettuce germinates best with temperatures between 16-23 C which is the average temperature range during the late spring on Salt Spring.
One of the main crops Stowel Lake Farm grows is Salad mix from early spring to late fall, so saving the seed of lettuce varieties that do well in the shoulder seasons is beneficial to the business.
 |
| Early Wonder Tall Top |
This variety of beet is adapt to all seasons but is especially good in early spring with quick growth in chilly soils. Salt Spring has a cool wet spring to establish a sturdy frame, and then a cooler dry summer to support pollination.Salt Spring summer averages around 24-25C, which is a great temperature for beets to do well in.
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