Giving the Garden a Cold Shoulder….
Mother
Nature is going to give us all the cold shoulder this evening! It may seem to be hitting us a little early,
but according to UK’s weather service, by October 18th we have a 50%
chance of a frost or freeze. We have been experiencing a few low morning
temperatures, but it looks as though Jack Frost has made his first date with
Jefferson County for the fall. So, just what does that mean for our gardens?
First,
harvest all tender crops such as tomatoes, peppers, etc. Unripe tomatoes can be
picked and placed on the counter until ripe or wrapped in newspaper to be
stored for a short time (only store tomatoes that are blemish and disease
free). Cole crops, such as kale or broccoli, can not only handle a frost, but may
taste better if harvested afterward.
Garden
cleanup is essential after all the crops have been harvested. Disease and
insect control starts with disposal of spent plant material including discarded
fruit. This is a great time to test your garden soil. If the pH needs to be
adjusted (lime to raise it, sulfur to lower it), you have time to get the
results and then apply any amendments before spring planting.
Some fall
reminders include:
*You can
still plant spring bulbs through mid-December, if necessary.
*It’s
getting a little late for transplanting peonies.
*Run over
any fallen leaves with your mulching mower before putting them on your compost
pile. Don’t forget to turn your compost pile occasionally during winter.
*ALL
HOUSEPLANTS SHOULD ALREADY BE INDOORS!!! Remember that most houseplants are
from tropical regions, there is nothing tropical about a frozen African violet
or peace lily!
*Some
temporary insect invaders may be seen indoors, but most of these are looking
for warmth and do not want to live on you or your home.
*Do not
store firewood up against the house to avoid wood eating insects (keep off the
ground if possible).
Along with
the cool temperatures we have beautiful fall days to look forward to. Trees
haven’t reached their peak colors yet and Thanksgiving is right around the
corner. So sit back with a warm cup of apple cider, light a fire (or turn on a
virtual one on TV) and enjoy our Kentucky fall weather!
More on
composting:
Information
concerning firewood and insects:
Pest
proofing your home:
