Spring Planting Guide: Sow Beet, Carrot, Turnip, and Peas!

As summer transitions into fall, garden enthusiasts are encouraged to take advantage of the warm late summer weather to boost their gardens. September presents a crucial opportunity for various gardening activities, including soil replenishment and planting seeds. Terry Kramer, a seasoned horticulturist and retired site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden, shares insights for making the most of this autumnal gardening phase.

Replenishing Garden Soil

One of the primary tasks this month is to replenish worn garden soil. This practice, often referred to as “feeding the soil,” is essential, especially for those planning to sow a fall garlic crop. While adding compost and composted manures has long been the norm, gardeners are encouraged to consider using alfalfa meal. This organic material not only adds extra nitrogen but also contributes organic matter and a biostimulant known as triacontanol to the soil. This biostimulant enhances a plant’s capacity to absorb nutrients and water, promoting healthier growth.

In addition to the garlic crop, it’s also an opportune time to feed the soil surrounding evergreen shrubs, perennials, and roses. Containerized flowering plants should remain vibrant by consistently applying fertilizer, ensuring those blooms continue through the abortive season.

Cleanup and Composting

As the summer vegetable harvest is reached, cleanup becomes a necessary chore. Removing spent plant debris not only enhances the garden’s appearance but is vital for preventing disease and maintaining overall health. Gardeners should chop up corn stalks, zucchini vines, and woody broccoli stems to initiate a compost pile. Incorporating fresh manure and early fallen leaves will help accelerate the composting process, enriching the garden’s soil for the upcoming season.

Timing for Planting

With late summer soil still warm, it is the perfect window for sowing seeds of beets, carrots, turnips, and peas. Local nurseries are also expected to offer a good selection of cool-season vegetable transplants, including lettuce, Asian greens, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, and kale. For those looking to diversify their gardens, planting a late summer herb garden or adding colorful cool-season annuals and perennials can greatly enhance garden aesthetics and yield.

Watering Needs

Proper hydration is crucial in the coming weeks. Keeping the garden well-watered over the next six to eight weeks is essential for maintaining healthy plants as they prepare for the upcoming winter months. By mid-October, as daylight hours decrease and morning temperatures fall, it becomes increasingly important to ensure that newly planted shrubs and trees receive sufficient moisture. Regular irrigation is particularly beneficial for azaleas, rhododendrons, roses, blueberries, and strawberries.

Monitoring for Pests and Diseases

As the gardening season progresses, attention should be paid to lurking pests and diseases. Green cabbage worms often appear on broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts during this time. Gardeners may consider using Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterial pesticide that effectively targets these pests without harming beneficial insects.

In addition to pests, powdery mildew becomes a concern in late summer and can affect various vegetable and ornamental plants. Using a commercial sulfur spray weekly can help manage this disease, preserving plant health as the seasons change.

Expert Guidance Available

Terry Kramer, who has been writing a gardening column for the Times-Standard since 1982, offers her expertise to gardeners seeking advice. With a wealth of experience and a background in horticulture, she is well-equipped to assist with gardening inquiries. For personalized guidance, she can be reached at 707-834-2661 or via email at terrykramer90@gmail.com.

As gardeners embrace these late summer opportunities, following these tips can help ensure a productive and healthy garden as the seasons transition.

It looks like there is no content in your request for me to rewrite. If you have a specific paragraph you’d like me to help with, please share it!