Well the rain just doesn't want to stop. This summer we had 10 inches in July, 10 inches in August and so far in Sept 8 inches. Kind of a wet season and we are suffering through with the rest of the area.
Our fall planted transplants are coming along nicely; we have over 13,000 growing into nice size transplants. Some of the snaps are ready but all the others are coming along and should be ready in a week or more. We have slowed down on watering and feeding with organic food to slow the growing in case the rain doesn’t stop sooner than later.
We are also getting ready to plant cover crops. Trying a new one this year- field radishes. They are suppose to open the subsoil which I have one garden in dire need. They grow really large and long radishes over the winter and then rot- they leave deep voids in the soil that open that it up for drainage and deep root penetration.
We will also plant crimson clover that actually feed the soil nitrogen, suppresses weeds and adds lots of organic mass when turned under come spring. We will mix with the clover winter rye which is a great weed suppressor and adds tons of organic matter when turned under in spring.
Growing cover crops when your garden isn't growing flowers or vegetables is such a soil builder. If you leave the garden bare, weeds grow and go to seed to make many more weeds next season, why not plant the seeds of a cover crop instead- it will protect the soil from erosion, prevent weeds, provide habitat for wildlife and beneficial insects, adds nitrogen and tons of organic mass.
Cover crops are available online or at your local feed and seed store or savvy garden store.
The target is to plant the seeds 6 weeks before your first frost date.
Looking forward to dryer times!
Lisa