June 30, 2008

June Draws to a Close...

· When the peas have all been picked, pull the vines and plant another vegetable. Ideas would include green beans, sweet corn, or squash.

· Broccoli will have a central head with 5 to 6 inches of stem. Cut this head after it is well developed but before it begins to loosen and separate. Removing the central head stimulates the side shoots to develop for later harvesting. Continue to cut the smaller broccoli side shoots for several weeks.

· Cauliflower will only have one central head. The mature head should be compact, firm and white. Cut the head before it become over mature and has a coarse, "ricey" appearance.

· It is easy to miss some produce when picking, which will become to large for table use. It is important to pick this large produce and discard, because over mature produce left on the vine will discourage new growth. Good examples of this problem is cucumbers and green beans.

· Try picking cucumbers at different sizes. You may prefer one variety at a smaller size while another variety may be best at a larger size.

· Garden centers may have a few plants still available. Look for something new to try.

· Onions will do best with high temperature and low humidity during bulbing and curing. Obviously, the conditions are less than ideal this year. Harvest onion when most of the tops have fallen over naturally. Breaking over the tops early will interrupt growth, and the bulbs will be smaller and will not keep in storage. Pull the plants in the morning and allow the bulbs to air-day in the garden until late afternoon. Then place them under dry shelter on elevated slats or screens or hang them in small bunches. Full air circulation for two to three weeks is necessary for complete drying and curing.

· After potatoes have been blooming about two weeks there will be small potatoes. They can be dug but if left in the soil will continue to grow until the vines are dried.

· Plant some radish seed with squash seed or near the plants. This may help deter the squash bugs.

Information provided by Sharon Crum, Pike County Master Gardener.

Posted by Jennifer Mowen at 4:24 PM |