Visible results

One of the experiments being conducting in the AHS TGC demonstration garden this year is the effects of the cap color on the crop. I chose Red Dynasty Cabbage in the spring to determine if black or white worked better for a cool crop. Take a look at the picture and let me know what you think :) The box to the right is the black cap and the box to the left is the white cap.

The same activity is being conducted this summer on Cloud 9 Eggplant, a warm crop. Take a look at the picture below to see the results so far.


Hyposthesis: Cap color will not make a difference on warm or cool crops grown in Northern Virginia.

Conclusion: The cap color does effect the growth of both cool and warm crops. The cool weather crops prefer cooler soil temps so it grew larger with the white cap because it reflects the sun. The warm weather crops prefer warmer soil temps so it grows larger with the black cap because it absorbed the sun's heat.

Another activity going on in the demonstration garden is the effect of 3 different planting mediums on Cajun Delight Okra and Eureka Wax Beans. Each is grown in Pro-Mix, 1/2 Pro-Mix & 1/2 perlite, and coconut fiber. The Pro-Mix represents the growing medium used in the United States, the 1/2 & 1/2 represent Jal, the crushed volcanic rock used in Mexico, and coconut fiber is used in Ghana.

This is the Pro-Mix. The left is the Eureka Wax Bean and the right is the Cajun Delight Okra.

This is the half Pro-Mix half perlite.

This is the coconut fiber.

Hypothesis: The Pro-Mix will produce a healthier plant and more fruit. The cocont fiber will be seconf in line then the 1/2 and 1/2.

Conclusion: To be determined...