With the extreme heat we’ve had the thought of gardening is daunting. The heat spell will soon be over and you will be ready to start planning your fall planting. Here are some things you can do now and tips to get ready for the season.
- Prepare the fall vegetable garden if not done in August. Using transplants from your local garden center will get the garden off to a fast start, but seeds provide a wider variety from which to choose.
- Plant herbs that tolerate the warm temperatures of early fall, such as Mexican tarragon, mint, rosemary, and basil.
- Numerous cool-season (as well as warm-season) vegetable crops can be planted.
- Plants to start now, Lettuce, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Spinach Broccoli, Peas, Beets and Carrots.
- Divide and replant perennials and bulbs that have grown too large or need rejuvenation. Add organic matter to planting beds and monitor water needs during establishment.
- Check that irrigation systems are providing good coverage and operating properly before summer tapers off.
- Tidy up your garden, picking up any dried foliage, dropped fruit, or dropped leaves.
Happy Gardening! Stay Cool!
Mary Church