Although not officially announced in the Northern Hemisphere until September 22, by September 1, gardeners are aware that summer is declining and harvest activities should begin.
What are some of these works?
If you have an apricot tree, it is time to cut down the growth for the year. You want to do this before your tree goes to bed in the winter. Why trim now instead of winter? Since fungal spores are only transmitted in rainy weather, pruning can make your tree more susceptible to disease, especially Utipa Dipk. Prune now, in our summer, and your tree will not be in danger.
For more information on preventing this disease, see the University of California Cooperative Extension Consultant for San Benito County Bill Bill Coats: lodigrowers.com/download/pest_management/fungi/Eutypa/Coates_Eutypa_1994.pdf.
Summer pruning is also recommended if you have other deciduous fruit trees besides apricots, but for a variety of reasons, especially better size control. Although winter pruning encourages abundant spring growth, pruning soon after the summer is over will not have the same effect. Now make sure you keep the trees in small sizes for easy maintenance and adaptation.
For more on this topic, Matthew Sutton (fruit tree expert and owner of the local company orchid guards) recommends The Home Orchard, UC UC and Natural Resources Publication. You can also find the book “Organic Practice for Every Garden – Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Citrus, etc.” by local horticulturist in local bookstores. And for another great reference on backyard gardening culture, visit Dave Wilson Kindergarten at davewilson.com/home-garden/backyard-orchard-culture/.
Are you planning to put it in a winter garden? Although it may seem like a long time ago, tomatoes and other summer vegetables are still strong and it is time to start this project. Take the advice of the local seed Renee Shepherd – now plant seeds for winter vegetables, including potatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, onion family members, including garlic, beets, peas, spinach and some leaves. Until the spring rains begin and the soil cools.
Now that the cold weather and shortening of daylight has slowed down, your young plants will get off to a good start, creating strong plants that can withstand the harsh winter weather. Read the Renesgarden.com/blogs/gardening-resources/gardening-for-a-second-season.
The damage caused by citrus leftovers is taking its toll on our environment. Now is the time to protect your trees from this pest, which causes curling and damaged leaves in the tiny trails between the leaves. Fall This insect does its worst damage during the annual spring growing season when it attacks the moon with new leaves. Before the damage starts, you may want to apply an organic spray containing a sponge, such as Captain Jack Mut Banka or Montere Vegetable Spray. (Sponsidad approved by the Organic Agricultural Review Institute for use in organic gardens.) Reapply every two to three weeks or so for further protection until no new leaves appear and the old leaves are hardened.
Apply Spinosadad at night after the honeycombs have stopped feeding for the day, so as not to damage the honey bees that are already having enough problems. When they are awake again in the morning, the spinach dries out and poses no danger to the bees.
Horticultural advice at the San Lorenzo Garden Center by gardener Sharon Hall. Contact her at 831-423-0223.