Plan for the Week | 21 – 27 JUNE

Now that Summer is officially here, work hours in the garden will be scheduled earlier in the day to avoid the heat and any afternoon thunderstorms that usually pop up this time of year.

Plant progress

All onions were harvested and are curing off-site before being donated to the Lake Norman Food Mission.  Tomatoes are running behind schedule due to late planting/cool nights in May but are showing signs the first group will be ready to pick later this week or next week.  All varieties of peppers are growing prolifically and harvested weekly. Cucumbers and pole beans are growing over their supports and should start producing soon.  Sweet potato slips are also getting ‘leggy’ and will be trained to the west fence as they continue to grow.  Eggplant is producing well and harvested weekly. Four beds were were replanted with Caribou Russet potatoes last week and should show signs of plant growth this week.

Pests & Plant Disease

Nuisance pests are becoming more prevalent so insecticidal soap is available to treat plants as needed.  BOLO for tomato hornworms, cucumber beetles, leaf-footed bugs, and aphids. Japanese Beetles are also a problem, especially on basil plants.  However, they are typically gone by mid-July.  Plant diseases are also making more of an appearance.  Copper fungicide is being applied to tomato plants, also as needed.  Any infected leaves/stems are being removed and disposed of. All spraying must be completed in the morning before temperatures get above 80 degrees.

Hose Use

Please be aware static water in hoses is very hot from sun exposure and can scald you and kill plants! If you are using the hose to water plants or clean your hands, please let the water run first until it is cool.  Never spray plants or run water on your skin until the water cools off!

The Garden Manager or Master Gardeners will be on site when the garden is open.  Please check in when you arrive to see how you can add your expertise!