Hot Topic
Fall planting preparation - now that we are starting the downward trend in temperatures, it is time to start planning and getting ready for the late summer/fall planting season.
This means the soil needs to be revved up by adding a good amount (2" - 3" layer) of organic matter by way of compost that you can mix with some worm castings, composted manure and or a few coffee grounds (if not already added to your compost). This will get the nitrogen replenished back into the garden. You should mix your soil amendment into the soil down 6" - 12" and then put an additional 1" - 2" on top when you are ready to plant your seeds or transplants. If you are using transplants, you can help give them a boost by mixing in a bit of fertilizer (alfalfa pellets, vegetable garden fertilizer mixture) into the bottom of your transplant hole.
Do List
- Check for proper irrigation. Over-watering can cause root rot and fungal disease.
- Prepare your soil for fall vegetable planting.
- Continue to shade (no more than 50%) tomato & pepper plants.
- Plant wildflower seed.
- Late summer nitrogen fertilizer application for navel oranges & tangerines to help fruit sizing.
- Apply a nitrogen & zinc fertilizer to pecan trees to produce good leaf growth.
Don’t List
- Do not expose citrus and other sun sensitive plants to sunburn by pruning during the summer.
Planting
Note: White fontlisted items identify "Ideal" planting time items
- Vegetables
- Seeds
- beans (pinto & snap), corn, cucumbers, summer squash
- Transplants
- Herbs
- Flowers
- Cosmos, Dianthus (carnation, sweet william), Hollyhock, Marigold, Rain Lily
- Fruit
- all sub-tropical transplants.
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