Some tricks to help Summer gardens in the Midwest look their very best. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
In August temperatures continue to soar. And gardeners in the Midwest should see a lot of peppers and tomatoes on the vine, as well as an abundance of color from annuals, tropicals, and perennials.
To make harvesting easier for those tomatoes, continue to tie up vines and remove lower leaves that are crispy or yellowing. Heavy irrigation should also be avoided for fruit in final ripening stages: An abundant supply of water dilutes tomato flavor and makes the fruits more susceptible to cracking.
This month it’s also time to start thinking about Spring. Take cuttings now of plants you want to overwinter indoors as houseplants. Choices might include coleus, scented geranium, fuchsia, or wax begonia.
insects like aphids or caterpillars, which can take advantage of the heat to multiply rapidly. Employing organic pesticides or beneficial insects like ladybugs can help keep these pests in check.
For those peppers awaiting harvest, be sure they are firm and have a glossy finish. Turning from green to red or yellow signals they are ripe for most varieties. While peppers are drought-resistant to some extent, ensure they get a consistent supply of water, especially during dry spells.
The importance of mulching cannot be overstated during this hot month. Mulching around your plants will help conserve soil moisture, prevent weed growth, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw or bark can also enrich the soil as they decompose.
With autumn just around the corner, consider preparing for the next season. It might be a good time to start collecting seeds from your favorite plants or to plan a fall vegetable garden with crops like lettuce, kale, and radishes.
For lawn care, now is the time to raise the mower height. Taller grass will withstand drought better and shades soil, which slows water evaporation. It is also important to treat bald spots at this time, products like Revive can be a great option for this.
Keep your compost pile moist and remove annuals that have faded and look bad. It’s also time to stop fertilizing roses for the growing season.
On tomorrow’s program we will take a look at the tricks that keep gardens in the Pacific Northwest looking their very best.
Listen to Cathy Isom’s This Land of Ours program here.