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Preparing for the Autumn Garden…
The first planting of beans has withered, the squash patch cleaned up and just in time too. As the early garden crops are cleaned out the late summer garden and the few weeds are pulled, space is made available for the cool season crops of autumn.
Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and even peas and spinach can be planted soon. Chard, mustards and numerous other greens are often planted now too. These crops usually will do even better in the fall then in the spring for several reasons. As the young plants become established with the warmth of late summer, they will mature in the cool nights of September and October. Cool nights and cool weather is what these vegetables need to produce large productive crops. Also, as the weather cools off, most of the bugs and little caterpillars will not be a problem as they are in the spring and summer.
Peas and spinach will germinate nicely in the warmer soils and then become well established by the time the cool autumn weather is here.
Before planting young plants or seeds, be sure and “rework” the soil. Turn the soil by hand or with a tiller and dig in a little fertilizer also. This will give the young sprouts or plants a little boost to keep them healthy and growing strong. Side dress the young established plants with a little extra fertilizer about a month after planting.
After planting or after the seedlings have germinated, make sure to mulch. This is important to keep all of the roots evenly moist and to keep the ground from getting too hot in the late summer days.
Being able to harvest healthy vegetables well into the early winter will bring great flavors to your home and put a smile on you face….Can you dig it?
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September 11 Jane Ellen co-hosts Tennessee Top Model at Cookeville Performing Arts Center 6:30pm. This is a fashion competition, not a pageant, open to female contestants ages 8 to 29 who live in the state of Tennessee. The top prizes are one year modeling contracts with the DAN Talent Group, but that's just the beginning. Audition for free online at www.tennesseetopmodel.com. Jane will be wearing a Nina D creation and Immortal Testimony will be performing. Fashion designer Nina D is putting together a charity fashion show September 23 with a little help from Jane Ellen. If you're planning to be in Middle Tennessee that night, you can attend. Get the details by clicking here. Jane with her bariatric surgeon Dr. Douglas Olsen from Centennial in Nashville, TN:
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