In the Garden with Estate Horticulturist Brianne Hoover

In September there is a lot going on in the garden! We are still harvesting many of our summer veggies – tomatoes, peppers, eggplants and more – but we are also preparing for our fall and winter garden. If you planted radishes and turnips in August, you could still be harvesting and enjoying them now.

Get your Garden Ready for Fall

Fall is also the time to remove any plants that have finished producing or are starting to wane. This may include lettuces, corn, onions, garlic, or anything that looks like it is ready to go. The plant will let you know when to free up bed space for new crops. I like to add compost or cured manure to the soil and give it a good till. Be sure to check that your irrigation is working properly and does not need any repairs before the next planting.

If you have not already planted brassica family plant seeds, this is a great time to put in transplants. Brassica family includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cabbage, collard greens, etc. Fava beans are a great choice as well and will grow over the cool season and produce beans in late winter/early spring. Direct seed your radishes, turnips, beets, carrots, leeks and onions. I also leave some empty beds to plant spinach, peas, and other cool weather loving plants that like to germinate when the weather cools down in October or November.

So Many Carrots to Choose From!

Here are are some fun heirloom carrot varieties to seek out:

  • Black Nebula (Deep dark purple retains color cooked)
  • Pusa Asita Black (Another dark purple carrot)
  • Chantenay
  • Jaune Obtuse Du Doubs (intense beautiful yellow)
  • Kuttiger (small, white carrot)
  • Kyoto Red
  • Purple Dragon (just gorgeous)
  • Thumbelina
  • Parisienne (small like Thumbelina)

Equally delicious but more mainstream carrot varieties currently planted in our Estate Garden are:

  • Napoli
  • Mokum
  • Gold Nugget
  • White Satin
  • Malbec
  • Purple Haze
  • Purple Sun

September 16, 2020

Categories: Uncategorized

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