Summer Gardening

A good mulch will offset a lack of rain.

Cucumbers, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, and sweet potatoes, can be planted about April 10 in Middle Georgia.

Those vegetables that will not tolerate frost, cold weather, and cold soil should not be planted so early that they will be exposed to unfavorable growing condi-tions.Some vegetables, even though frost tender, will thrive at cooler temperatures than others.

A wide variety can be planted after April first.

Snap beans like warm days and cool nights. Begin planting snap beans in the metro area after frost danger has past, but before hot weather begins. This date is usually about April 1 in Middle Georgia. Butter beans can be planted after this date also. Early planted sweet corn will usually mature before insects become a problem and can be planted after April 1. Tomatoes will thrive at lower night temperatures than will their cousin, the bell peppers. Set tomato plants after April but wait a week or two later to set pepper and eggplant. Okra seed will not germinate in cold soil so wait until soil temperatures are above 60° degrees before this vegetable is planted. The vine crops such as cucumbers, squash, watermelons, cantaloupes, and sweet potatoes, can be planted about April 10 in Middle Georgia.

Many mulch benefits…

Since summer gardens will probably be growing during a time that rainfall is in short supply, a good mulch will help offset lack of rainfall and will help suppress weed growth. Mulch will also help keep the vegetables cleaner and reduce disease problems caused by vegetables coming in contact with the ground. Organic mulches such as leaves, straw, and sawdust should be spread four inches thick and extend out to the outside of the plant. Black plastic may also be used or three or four sheets of newspaper can be substituted for plastic.

Water timing crucial in summer.

If it becomes necessary to irrigate the garden it is best to water early enough for the plants to dry off completely before nightfall. If you irrigate in the mornings, allow the dew to dry off the plants for one to two hours before irrigating. This will help prevent many diseases from occurring.

For more information on summer gardening contact your local County Extension Office.