Warmer weather, more time spent outside and summer gardens in full swing must mean it’s mid-summer! It’s very important to tend to those vegetable gardens making sure your plants are happy, healthy and producing great vegetables. Warren Knox, creator and president of Scotts Valley’s Knox Garden Box shares his Summer Gardening Tips.
Planting
You can still plant some annuals, perennials and vegetables in your summer gardens. For annuals, try marigolds, portulaca, and zinnias for that hugesplash of color. Make sure to start seeds like cucumbers, carrots, and kale for fall vegetables this month! If you start your seeds indoors they will be readyfor transplant by fall.
Harvesting
Make sure you are harvesting and enjoying your summer vegetables like zucchini, green tomatoes, peppers and more. Remember you can also continue to plant veggies to extend your harvest.
Pests
Check your plants regularly for those pesty creatures that have now called home to your gardens. If you have to spray make sure the spray is organic, as you do not want to be eating chemicals. If caterpillars are abundant, try a spray containing Bt. And we can’t forget snails—try using old stale beer poured into an empty tuna can. They will drink the beer and kill themselves. Or spread crushed egg shells around your plants too! Slugs and snails will not be able to crawl over the egg shells without cutting themselves, making them leave your veggies alone.
Watering
This is your single biggest garden responsibility right now, so if you plan to take a vacation make sure you have someone to water your garden. Constantly check all plants, especially any newly planted ones, for water. Mulch helps to conserve water and stop weeds. But remember to be careful not to overwater, or plants may die of root rot.
Knox Garden Box, which builds custon, quality raised garden beds, is at 46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley. For more information or to place an order, call 831-461-9430 or visit www.knoxgardenbox.com.
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