Are you wondering where your next tomato sandwich will come from? Tomatoes and most other summer vegetables stop producing when the temperatures are consistently around 95 degrees. The good news is that now is the time to replant summer vegetables to get a good harvest before the first frost. Tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, peas and beans will all bring a good harvest for your fall table.

There are a few things to consider when planting now. The obvious issue is water. It is very hot, so if you are going to set new transplants out you will need to be vigilant with watering. Also, fall tends to be dry so if you are going to be away from the garden for periods of time you will need to make arrangements for watering in your absence. Another issue to consider is garden pests. If you typically have a problem in the spring, you will have more of a problem in the fall because the insects reproduce many times throughout the year.

Now is also the time to think about cool season vegetables such as broccoli and cabbages. If you start them from seed they will be ready to plant in September and October and will thrive in the cool weather.

Other tidbits — I am looking for a climbing plant or vine for a shady area. After doing a little research I have settled on a climbing hydrangea and thought I would pass that information along to you. It produces white flowers that are sort of flat on top, like a lace cap. In addition to climbing up a fence or trellis, it will also crawl along the ground. I plan to plant one this fall for a good start next spring. I will let you know if I have any luck.

Once again, there is a plant on the MSU calendar this month of which I have not heard. It is a browallia. It turns out that the Endless Illuminating Browallia is a proven winner. Browallia is also known as bush violet, sapphire flower and amethyst flower. As these names imply, the flowers are a bluish purple. Browallia is a heat tolerant annual that grows 12-16 inches tall. It can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant.

The Adams County Master Gardeners are hosting a garden tour each month. The public is welcome, and it is always fun to see what other people are doing in their gardens so keep an eye on Tracings and come out to enjoy a free tour.

Email your questions or comments to me at newsroom@natchezdemocrat.com.

 

Karen O’Neal is an Adams County Master Gardener and writes a monthly gardening column for The Democrat.