Row by Row Episode 253: June Garden To-Do List
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Introduction
It's June and boy, is it getting hot in Georgia! The garden is in full-force and we are harvesting every day. The temptation to just harvest and cruise on through summer is also in full-force. Do not just let the garden go, there is still plenty of time to continue plantings. After you harvest your potatoes and garlic, have something prepare to go into these plots. Find out your first average frost date for the Fall, find days to maturity, subtract to see if you have time to plant/grow. If it will take longer than the days you have, it's not worth risking. Be sure to add a week or so for harvesting to be safe. Let's discuss your June Garden To-Do List, grow together, and Get Dirty!
Succession Planting - June Garden To-Do List
Succession planting is a gardening technique that allows you to maximize your harvest and enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the growing season. By carefully planning and timing your plantings, you can fill the gaps left by harvested crops with new ones, ensuring that your garden remains productive. Whether you have a small backyard plot or a large vegetable garden, succession planting is a smart and efficient way to make the most of your space and extend the bounty of your harvest.
Not only does it provide a constant supply of delicious vegetables and herbs, but it also helps prevent weeds from taking over and optimizes the use of resources such as water and fertilizer. Embracing succession planting can truly transform your garden into a year-round source of abundance and culinary delight. Here in USDA Zone 8, we still have time to plant okra, beans, and cucumbers.
Warm Season Cover Crops
Planting and growing warm season cover crops can significantly benefit your garden and soil health. These cover crops, such as buckwheat, cowpeas, or sorghum-sudangrass, thrive in the heat of summer and offer numerous advantages. Firstly, they provide excellent weed suppression, smothering unwanted plants and reducing competition for resources. Additionally, warm season cover crops enhance soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient for future crops. They also improve soil structure and moisture retention, preventing erosion and enhancing the soil's ability to hold water during hot and dry periods. Planting warm season cover crops not only boosts your garden's productivity but also helps maintain its overall health and resilience, making it a valuable addition to any gardener's summer planting strategy.
Herbs!
Growing herbs like dill, basil, parsley, and oregano in your garden is a delightful and rewarding experience. These versatile herbs not only add incredible flavors to your culinary creations but also offer numerous health benefits. Dill, with its feathery leaves and distinct taste, is perfect for seasoning fish dishes and pickles. Basil, available in a variety of flavors, brings a burst of freshness to salads, pastas, and sauces. Parsley, both curly and flat-leaf varieties, is a must-have for its bright flavor and as a garnish. Oregano, with its robust and earthy taste, is a key ingredient in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Growing these herbs is relatively easy, and they thrive in containers or in the garden. They require well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and regular watering. Harvesting the leaves regularly not only encourages growth but also ensures a steady supply of aromatic and flavorful herbs for all your culinary adventures.
