Monthly Garden Gossip,

The apples are now being harvested.  Once harvest is complete on your fruit trees apply a light application of fertilizer, often only nitrogen is applied from July to early September depending on the fruit plant.  For example, once apples are harvested we would apply a very light application of calcium nitrate (2 to 4 ounces) per tree to our 8 year old trees.  This type of fertilization enables the trees to overcome the stress of heavy cropping without becoming to vigorous as they approach fall.  Plants that have good vigor and did not have a heavy crop should not need any fertilization.

Weeds

Keep your perennial beds and fruit orchards free of weeds going into the fall and winter.  Be careful if glyphosate (Round Up) is used.  Generally it is best to move to another herbicide this time of year such as the "Grass Killer" Sethoxydim sold as Grass Getter.  Round up can still be used but be careful around your fruit plants not to get it on the trunks or stems as it can be absorbed into the plant.

Late September would be an excellent time to apply pre-emergent to your lawn to prevent those pesky winter weeds from germinating. Once they sprout it is too late to apply the pre-emergent. Fertilome Broad Leaf Weed Control with Gallery is an example of one that will control winter weeds and spring weeds.

Bulbs

Bulbs should be arriving about the middle of September. The bulbs we carry are for our southern climate. They will provide seasonal color and naturalize very well. Plant your bulbs in full sun in well drained soil twice as deep as the bulb is tall. Cover the bulbs with soil and water. Don't forget the bulb booster.

Now is the time to start planting your fall vegetable garden. This is my favorite garden. Plant all your brassica seeds or plants now such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, rapini, collards, etc. We have a huge selection of these plants at the nursery now. Our lettuce plants will be available in about the middle of September. There is also a huge selection of seeds for many different kinds of lettuce. Spinach, beets and carrots may also be planted now for havest in early winter. The seeds we carry are Botanical Interest and Renee's Garden. All the 2020 seeds are in and available for sale now.Don't forget about the turnip greens. If you haven't done so already replant your multiplying onions too.

Trees and Shrubs

The shrubs and trees should be arriving about the first of September. Fall is a good time to plant since the weather is cooler and we usually get some rain during the winter months.

Dig your hole twice as wide as the container the plant is in and only as deep as the container. Mix a little Black Kow in with the existing soil. Always water when you plant to settle the soil around the plant and remove any air pockets.

Do you think your soil is too acid or alkaline? The proper PH is crucial for gardening success. Call your county agent for a soil test kit and for a small fee, you will find your problem and how to correct it.

The 2020 wildflower seed is now is stock. October through January is an excellent time to plant seed for these spring flowering annuals. They bring an abundance of color to the spring garden. Many of these seeds need the cold weather to help them germinate. Prepare the area by lightly tilling or raking the area. Then sow the seed with 1 part seed to 4 parts sand. This helps to disperse the seed so there won't be clumps of seed in one place and none in the other. Then water everything in. The seeds are sold for $1.00 per tablespoon or teaspoon depending on the size of the seeds.

Pansies and Snapdragons will be arriving October 1