Mrs. Gray’s Greenhouse: Helping Washington County Grow

It’s officially springtime, and lots of Washington County residents are thinking about starting a garden, many for the first time. Rebecca and Thomas Gray, the husband-and-wife team behind Mrs. Gray’s Greenhouse, are ready to help. Their greenhouse, located on Deer Run Road just off Highway 60 near Orleans, is set to open on Derby Day, May 3rd. There, they plan to offer plants, advice, and inspiration for new and experienced gardeners alike.

Thomas and Rebecca Gray in their greenhouse, surrounded by an assortment of plant starters.

For those just beginning their gardening journey, Rebecca and Thomas emphasize simplicity.

Starting Your First Garden

Rebecca advises beginners to start with what they enjoy eating the most.

“If you’re going to garden for the first time, grow what you eat the most of,” she suggests. “Corn is easy—you can put the seeds straight in the ground. Zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes… don’t make it too difficult.” She recommends planning what you want to eat, then researching how much water and sun those plants need, and planning your garden accordingly.

“If it’s your first time gardening, you’d better start small,” Thomas adds.

Rebecca also encourages beginners to consider their space: “Are you going to container garden, or are you planting in the ground? Check plant sizes and their yield. Don’t overcomplicate it — God created all plants, so as long as you have sunlight and water, you can grow anything.”

A tray of parsley starters in the Gray's greenhouse.

Preparing the Soil

Rebecca explains that there are multiple methods for getting the soil ready.

• Traditional tilling: This method chops up the soil to prepare it for planting.

• No-till gardening: Laying down cardboard over winter kills grass and weeds, creating a plantable area by spring.

• Raised beds: These can provide controlled soil conditions and are an alternative for poor-quality ground.

  
  

Watering Your Garden

Watering needs depend on the weather. “During a drought, you’re probably going to water at least once a day,” Rebecca says. “But we’ve gone a week without watering tomatoes before—it just depends on how hot and dry it is.”

Thomas notes that strong sunlight can dry the ground quickly. Rebecca advises watching the plants: “If they look wilted, they need water. Mulching can help contain that water… if they’re getting too much water, they’ll turn yellow.”

An array of tennis ball and winter lettuce.

Choosing Mulch

Mulch helps retain moisture and control weeds, the Grays explain.

• Straw: Breaks down over time and builds rich topsoil.

• Wood chips: Another decent option, but decompose slower than straw.

• Grass clippings: Not recommended, as Thomas explains that grass clippings from mowing not only can introduce weed seeds, but the mulch typically rots quickly.

  
  

When to Plant and Harvest

On the border of Zone 6-A and 6-B, where Washington County is located, timing is important for successful gardening.

• Cold season crops (plant as soon as soil is workable, March — April):

  • Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, arugula, carrots, spinach, lettuce, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower.

  • These can also be started indoors and transplanted outside.

    
    

• Warm season crops (plant after Derby Day, May 3rd):

  • Tomatoes, peppers, corn, zucchini, squash, cucumbers, radishes.

  • Corn should be planted as early as possible in May.

    
    

• Succession planting: Zucchini, squash, and cucumbers grow quickly, allowing for multiple plantings through the season.

Washington County is located on the border of Zone 6-A (darker green) and 6-B (lighter green) (Source: USDA).

Harvesting Tips

• Tomatoes: “A lot of people think that you leave a tomato until it’s fully ripe,” says Thomas. “But the sun puts what it needs into that tomato when it starts to turn, so as soon as it gets a blush on it, take them off, bring them inside where it’s cooler, and it slows that ripening process down, that way you don’t have fifty bushels of tomatoes that are ready at one time.”

• Cucumbers: “Cucumbers you don’t want to leave too long,” Rebecca says. “If they start to turn yellow, they’ll get real bitter.”

• Sweet corn: “I think one of the hardest crops for beginning gardeners is sweet corn,” explains Thomas. “I’ve seen a lot of people go and pick an ear of corn off and say ‘it’s ready’, but it’s not — the silk is supposed to turn a dark brown and get dry. That’s how you know it’s finished.”

• Cold crops can be replanted in August for a fall harvest, as long as they mature and can be harvested before the first frost.

Raspberries can be planted in the spring, as early as March or April.

“Gardening is just one of those things where if you’re thinking about doing it, you just gotta try it,” Thomas says. “Even if you don’t do so well on the first try, there are still benefits to getting outside and being in a garden.”

If you’re ready to start your own gardening adventure, Mrs. Gray’s Greenhouse (Located at 284 Deer Run Rd, Orleans) is the perfect place to begin. Opening on May 3rd, the greenhouse will offer a variety of plants and expert guidance from Rebecca and Thomas. Whether you’re looking for starter plants, gardening advice, or just some inspiration, be sure to stop by and get your growing season off to a great start!