Garden Column for the Salisbury Post
Darrell Blackwelder
August 24, 2001
 

        August is somewhat of a transitional month for both
vegetable gardens and flowers. Both spent vegetable crops and
annuals should come out soon to make room for fall plantings.  I
have debated quite a while on what to take out first since many
of my flowering annuals are still actively growing flowering.
Hot, dry weather have taken its toll on both vegetables and
ornamentals.
        Pansies, flowering kale, flowering cabbage, and mums should
be planted in a few weeks. Its best to eliminate dead or
declining  materials now in preparation for fall planting.
        Now is also a opportune time to remove spent vegetables for
fall planting or planting cover crops. The best place for these
plants is the compost bin. Vegetable gardeners should take this
opportunity to kill unwanted perennial weeds.  Bermuda grass,
johnson grass and other perennial weeds can effectively be
controlled with herbicides containing glyphosate.  Spray now to
eliminate these weeds from next season's planting. Make sure you
have a complete kill before turning the debris under.
        Those that choose not to have a fall garden should plant a
cover crop.  Planting cover crops improves the soil fertility,
reduces weed pressure and prevents soil erosion during fall and
winter months.        Insects and plant diseases are reduced by
eliminating host plant materials.
         Those that want to extend their garden can plant cool season
crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, turnips,
collards and other cool season crops. Turnips and other greens
can be planted by seed now along with beets, radishes and
carrots.  Its almost too late to plant cabbage, broccoli and
cauliflower by seed.  Transplants are available at retail outlets
and nurseries.  Transplants are easily established for fall crops
and should be planted soon.
        Insects will be a problem now so be prepared to spray.
Worms will be the worst type of insect pest. Organic insecticides
containing the bacteria, Bacillus thuringenisis, effectively
eliminates these immature insects.  The bacteria is very safe to
humans and other animals.  Plants can be sprayed and consumed the
same day.
        It is also important to keep vegetable transplants
irrigated.  Home gardeners tend to forget about irrigation when
the weather cools. Keep vegetables irrigated and fertilized on a
regular basis during the fall.