Washington County Cooperative Extension Service
Helping You Grow! HORTICULTURE August 2014
Autumn Vegetable Gardening
Volume 10, Issue 8 Inside this issue:
Beekeepers
2
Horticulture Calendar
2
Plant of The Month
2
A Note From Dennis
2
Wheelbarrow Series
3
Spider Mites
3
August To Do’s
4
Garden Club
5
Lincoln Homestead MG
5
MG Class To Begin
5
Spider Mites Continued
6
Like Us at Washington County Horticulture
Early August is the time to start planting and planning for your fall garden. Many people don’t even think about vegetable gardening in the fall but it is actually the best time to grow many of our cool season vegetables. Taste and quality of most cool season vegetables is better in the fall because the weather is getting cooler when harvest and ripening time nears instead of hotter like it does in the spring. Vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflowers, and turnips develop bitter compounds in hot weather; however in cooler weather such as in late September and October these plants store sugars and starches which greatly improve their taste. Now is the time to
plant broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower transplants into the garden. Keep in mind; these are cool season crops that will need extra water in hot dry weather to get established.
to seed) and doesn’t have a mild flavor. This is because they plant it too late in the spring and hot dry weather causes the flavor to deteriorate as well as stresses the plant which tells it to reproduce or bolt. Fall planted You can also seed crops such spinach in September won’t go to seed because of the as beets, bush beans, cool weather and short day length. Individual leaves kale, collards, Bibb can be harvested to cook or lettuce, and add to a salad. These smaller spinach plants will generradishes in early August. ally over winter and give Radish can you early great tasting spinach next spring. even be planted all After your fall crop the way to is up and actively growing mid Septem- side dress it with nitrogen ber. With fertilizer such as ammonibeans, keep in mind that um nitrate or urea. If using generally bush beans can be ammonium nitrate apply planted until August 15 and five tablespoons per 10 feet still make before frost, of row or 3 tablespoons of however be sure to pick urea per 10 feet of row four early maturing varieties. to six inches away from the The other crops mentioned plants. Make sure not to let can be planted anytime in ammonium nitrate touch August. the leaves it will burn them. Many people in our If it doesn’t rain water the plants soon to activate the area don’t plant spinach because it tends to bolt (go fertilizer.
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Volume 10, Issue 4
Lincoln Trail Beekeeper’s Association News and Events Beekeepers meet the first Monday of each month at the Washington County Extension Office.
August Horticulture Calendar Master Gardener Association Meeting Tuesday evening Monday August 18th at 6:00 P.M. at Saint Catharine's August 12th at 6:30 PM at the Extension Office 4H Leaf Walk Extension Today Radio Program Thursday August 14th Tuesday August 19th at 10:30 A.M. and Thursday Auat 11:00 AM on WBRT 1320 AM. gust 21st at 6:30 P.M. Wheelbarrow Series Class on Fall Washington County Extension District Board Meeting Cover and Green Manure Crops. Friday August 15th at Noon at the Extension Office Saturday August 16th Kentucky State Fair Horticulture ID Contest.
Thursday August 28th Extension Today Radio Program on WBRT 1320 AM at 11:00 A.M.
Plant of The Month - Yellow Moon And Stars Watermelon I grew this watermelon for the first time this year, they had the plants at a local Farm Store and I just happened to be there so I tried them, and I have to admit this is probably the easiest and tastiest watermelon I have ever grown! Six plants cost $2.00 and I have gotten several really nice size melons of which have gone to friends and family because we just can’t eat that many watermelons at once! I have grown yellow watermelons before and they have all been much sweeter than the regular red versions, I have found that yellow fruits seem to be sweeter either in tomatoes, raspberries, or watermelons. Next year give this melon a try, you won’t be disappointed and it’s an heirloom so seed saving is an added benefit! Below is the description from Baker Creek: The picture is one of the watermelons I grew this year. 90-95 days. Rare, this is the yellow-meated strain of this fine heirloom; these are very delicious and have beautiful, yellow-orange meat that is very sweet. The large fruit can grow to 40 lbs, and they have large, yellow "Moons and Stars" covering their nearly black rinds. Our favorite variety of the planetary watermelons, it was a real favorite at our 2004 "Heirloom Garden Show". A great variety for farmers' markets
A Note From Dennis Its been a nice summer, a little dry at times but for the most part I have had a bumper crop of just about everything! Granted I also had a $200.00 water bill in June but its worth it because we will enjoy home grown fruits and vegetables all winter! The great thing about growing and preserving your own is that you know exactly what’s in it and that peace of mind along with the great flavor is why we work so hard. That, and the fact that I really enjoy it! School has started back and the girls were excited and a bit nervous for their first day but it all when off without a hitch and they really are happy to be back in the swing of things. They both have wonderful teachers and we are happy about that as well. Happy Gardening!
Volume 10, Issue 4
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Wheelbarrow Series Registration-Classes Meet Tuesdays at 10:30 AM and Thursdays at 6:30 PM For More Information Call 859-336-7741
Two Spotted Spider Mites Can Be Formidable Pests The two-spotted spider mite in the leaves; just tiny pinprick (TSSM) is a common and destructive spots caused by emptied cells pest with an extremely wide host (Figure 2). This causes infested range that includes many trees, leaves to gradually lose color and shrubs, flowers, appear to be sufferweeds, fruits, and ing from drought vegetable crops. stress. Problems increase during hot, dry An infestation typi- Figure 2. Typical two-spotted spider mite weather but early cally starts at the feeding spots seen on upperside of infestsigns and sympbottom of the plant. ed leaf. (Photo: Lee Townsend, UK) toms are easy to TSSM-damaged overlook. Not leaves lose water and Weather and natural enemies usually only are these photosynthetic capa- keep TSSM populations at acceptable levels. Very dry conditions upset mites tiny but they bility. As mite numlive out of sight bers increase, infested the balance and mite populations can on the underside Figure 1. Two-spotted spider mites areas of leaves change explode. Drought stress triggers: of leaves (Figure and eggs on lower surface of infested from gray-green, to 1). yellow, to coppery leaf. (Photo: Lee Townsend, UK) TSSM to leave grass or other brown and drop. As hosts where they had been living. TSSM use needle-like mouthparts to leaf quality drops, the mite infesta Improved food quality of other remove the contents of individual tion moves upward. hosts due to higher nutritional concells as they feed. There are no holes
August To Do’s Flowers
Lawns
trol weeds and conserve moisture.
To control powdery mildew on begonia, phlox, rose, or zinnia try not to wet the foliage. Use a fungicide spray such as Cleary's or immunox.
If you have dead looking spots in your yard don’t be alarmed it may just be dormant. When and if we have wetter cooler conditions many of these “dead spots” may green up.
Prune out old canes that have fruited from June-bearing raspberries. This will reduce disease spread.
Continue to dead head annuals and perennials unless you want to save the seeds. Most of our annuals will continue to bloom until frost if kept dead headed, watered, and fertilized. Many perennials will re-flower if dead headed as well.
Sharpen your lawn mower blade.
When the raspberry and blackberry harvest is over spray the plants well with sevin. This will kill the Japanese beetles and the cane borers. Now is a good time to thin out strawberry plants. It is best to leave 5-7 plants per row for a good harvest next year.
Make a mental note of the apple and Mid Au- pear trees that have had or have fire blight. Next spring those are the gust is trees that will have the most cankers. the time to control grub larvae. By pruning those out you will greatly Mow your lawn and rake any grass reduce the amount of innoculum clippings or thatch before applying available for the disease to spread. any chemical. This will allow the If your apples are late maturing conDivide perennial phlox, day lily, iris, chemical to get into the soil faster. and spring flowering bulbs such as Apply Dylox or Bayer Advanced 24 tinue sprays for apple scab. Also any leaves that fall should be raked up tulip and daffodil in August. hour grub control. and disposed of because they harbor spores for future disease outbreaks. Trees And Shrubs Don’t fertilize turf until October, It is a good idea to clean up fallen Water trees and shrubs once a week, November, or December. Fertilizing fruit from under any fruit trees innow will only stress the turf even especially spring flowering ones. stead of letting They set next years flowers buds in more. it decompose in late summer and fall. place. This deGet a soil test bris will also harbor disease Don’t prune trees and shrubs now. done now on your lawn. The organisms for This will force new tender growth results will be next years outthat will get killed this winter. available later this break. fall when the recWhen picking Apply a new layer of mulch if you ommended one and ripening haven’t already. This will buffer the and only fertilizer application for low blueberries it is best to allow the bersoil temperature this winter and will maintenance turf is needed. ries to remain on the plant for 3 days hold in much needed moisture durafter it turns purple. This will allow ing the late summer and fall which is it to develop maximum flavor and Fruit generally dry. sugar content. Keep mulch at least 2-3 inches deep around bush and vine fruits to con-
Washington County Garden Club News and Events Annual Garden Club Pot-Luck August 26, 2014 At the Washington County Extension Office at 6:00 P.M., bring your best dishes and a healthy appetite. We will also plan our September and October meetings. Please call the Extension Office to let us know you plan to attend, the club is providing the meat.
Lincoln Homestead Master Gardeners News and Events Next meeting is Tuesday evening August 12th at 6:30 P.M. at the Extension Office. Save The Date: State Master Gardener Conference September 11-12.
Master Gardener Class Set To Begin September 8th The Kentucky Master Gardener Program is set to begin at the Washington County Extension Office on Monday September 8, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. until 4 P.M. We will meet on the following Mondays from 1:00 until 4 P.M., September 8, 15, 22, 29; October 6, 20, November 10, 17, 24; and December 1. We will also have an all day trip to Lexington to be scheduled once class begins. The Kentucky Master Gardener Program is a 14 week program taught by Horticulture Extension Agents and University of Kentucky Specialists. Participants will learn in depth about an array of topics including botany, entomology, turf care, fruit and vegetable production, disease management, and an array of other topics some of which the students get to pick. This program is for those that have a desire to learn and a deep interest in horticulture and community. The cost for this program is $50.00 which covers the cost of the book (which you get to keep). If you are have a spouse, partner, or even good friend and each of you would like to become a Kentucky Master Gardener you can share the book and pay only $50.00. Upon completion of the classes each participant is required to complete 30 hours of volunteer work within one calendar year in their community, volunteering at the extension office is encouraged. When you complete your volunteer work you will get a pin stating your name and the Kentucky Master Gardener Logo. The Master Gardener Program gives individuals the opportunity to learn about horticulture, meet people who have like interests, and gives them a chance to help those in need. If you would like more information about becoming a Kentucky Master Gardener call Dennis Morgeson Washington County Agent for Horticulture at 859-3367741, don’t worry if you aren’t a resident of Washington County, everyone is welcomed and encouraged to complete our program if your county doesn’t offer it. I need at least ten participants for a class so if you are interested contact me as soon as possible.
Washington County Cooperative Extension Service 211 Progress Road Springfield KY, 40069 Office 859-336-7741 Fax 859-336-7445 Email dennis.morgeson@uky.edu
We Are On The Web!!! washington.ca.uky.edu Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WashingtonCounty-Horticulture/140659449317295
Spider Mites Continued Growers should be monitoring for spider mites and mite damage at least on a weekly basis, particularly during hot, dry weather. Greenhouses and high tunnels are more likely to have spider mites than the field since the hot, dry condi- Figure 3. Webbing and gold flecking of tomato fruit caused by twoSpider Mites on Vegetables tions within spotted spider mite. (Photo: Ric Bessin, UK) tunnels proReports of TSSM activity on vegetable crops has increased over the past mote more rapid development of Growers (ID-36). Some of the matecouple of weeks, particularly on to- mite populations. While mites can rials are only used as miticides, while attack a wide variety of vegetable matoes and beans. As populations Brigade and Danitol are pyrethroids get larger, webbing may become ap- plants, tomatoes, beans, watermelthat are insecticides and they are mitons, and eggplant are among those parent between leaves and other icides at high rates. plant parts (Figure 3). The mites can most commonly affected by spider be seen with a hand lens so produc- mites. By Ric Bessin and Lee Townsend, ers should confirm active populaCommercial growers have a number Extension Entomologists tions if they see foliar damage. of miticides available to control mites; these are listed in Vegetable Monitoring and Management Production Guide for Commercial tent of sap. Reduced effectiveness of fungal diseases that attack mites. These diseases are favored by cool temperatures and high humidity. TSSM development is more rapid at higher temperatures. Homeowner options for TSSM control are limited to insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils. These require direct contact so thorough plant coverage is required, along with repeated applications.