Even though the mornings are starting off a wee bit cooler lately, our backyard garden is still chugging along like the Little Engine that Could.
The pink geraniums are hanging in there, and the ornamental cabbage and pansies are thriving.
Call me crazy but I think I’ll try growing cucumbers in the greenhouse this winter. I’m thinking about purchasing a small heater for the greenhouse. If anyone knows of a good one, please let me know.
I planted a few potatoes not so long ago and they are moving right along. Hopefully there will be some “new potatoes” there in a few weeks when we harvest them.
The chives got a much needed haircut.
The raised garden beds are beginning their transition from tomatoes to fall crops.
This raised garden bed has 2 different kinds of acorn squash growing in it. The leaves are starting to get a while powdery substance on them.
The Thanksgiving beets are finally recognizable.
And the broccoli, well let’s hope we are able to grow enough in time to enjoy them in a few stir fry dinners before the frost hits. I think we have 3 beds planted with broccoli now. Yee- Haw!
Rainbow Swiss Chard. You can’t kill it. Trust me, I’ve tried.
If you look closely you’ll notice most of the heirloom tomatoes are still green. I’ve been picking them as fast as I can at the first sign of color. I want to be able to harvest as many as possible before they stop growing.
And the zucchini. My dear, dear, zucchini. I think I’m going to see just how big I can get these suckers to grow. Who knows, maybe my next harvest will beat the last. I’m hoping for at least 100 more pounds of zucchini before the summers over.
Well that’s what’s happening in my garden, what’s going on at YOUR place?
Are you happy with how your garden turned out this year?
What are you going to do different next year?
Peace Out Girl Scouts
~ Mavis
Better Homes & Gardens Vegetable, Fruit & Herb Gardening
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Sue says
Are you still watering your tomatoes? I’ve heard (but confirm elsewhere, as I’m no expert) that when you stop watering, tomato plants go into survival mode which ripens the remaining fruit faster.
Thanks for such an inspiring blog!
Mavis says
Yes, still watering tomatoes. I think I will stop watering them in a few weeks once it starts to get a little nit colder.
~Melissa says
I recently read that you can cut the tomato vine at the base and bring the entire thing inside and the green ones will continue to ripen (on the vine) for a few months. I haven’t tried it but will do so this fall. Maybe you can be the other guinea pig in this experiment. 😉
Mavis says
Oh sure thanks. 😉 Sure, I suppose I can try it.
Talaena says
If you’re worried about an early frost for some of your outside beds you can always add hoop houses to them to help prolong the harvest time a bit. They are not exactly the best looking things but for a prolonged produce harvest they are so worth it! Just Google “raised garden bed hoop house” and you’ll find a ton of info on them.
Mavis says
I like this idea but the HH has already said no to hoop houses. What a stinker!
Katelyn says
That white powdery stuff is powdery mildew – it comes from the plant not getting enough sun. You can wash/scrub it off with a baking soda/water solution but, in my exeperience, unless you can find more sun, it’ll just come back. It will eventually kill the entire plant (see: my cucumbers this year). It will spread, too, if you aren’t careful so keep a close eye on it.
Michelle says
Mavis, that is probably powdery mildew on your squash plants!! You may want to spray your squash leaves pronto or they’ll be toast! I had the same trouble over the summer and lost several plants until I found out the problem. Here’s the organic solution I found that worked for me: 1 TB baking soda, 1/2 tsp liquid dish soap, 1 gal. water. You have to spray the underside of the leaves as well. I re-spray every 7 days to keep it at bay. I’m sure you’ll do your own research on how best to treat the powdery mildew – best of luck!!
Miriam says
The powdery leaves on the squash is bad and will kill the leaves the mildew is on. It is caused by getting the leaves wet. Don’t get water on the leaves when you water and if it rains, treat the leaves with 50/50 milk and water. You can even use bad milk that you left out or is past the expiration date, if you have that available.
becca says
Agree. Powdery mildew. And it will spread to all other squash family plants – pumpkins, zucchini, etc. It will also affect the veggies on the vines.
I haven’t tried the milk/water mixture but I’ll have to remember it because I get powdery mildew every year (prerequisite of a NW garden?).
This year I used, and it worked well, spray daily:
1 tbsp dish soap
1 tsp baking soda
1 gallon of water
When trimming affected leaves, be sure to wash your trimmers/scissors/knife well to spread it to disease free plants. And some say don’t compost them because the mildew spores will stick around…
Amanda says
Time for some strategic pruning and sulfur dust on that squash. My pumpkins and cucumbers have it too 🙁
Brandie says
I have become addicted to reading your blog. It has inspired me to grow things! I cant wait to start a garden. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Mavis says
Thanks Brandie. 🙂
Diane says
Mavis, if you want to grow cukes in the greenhouse over the winter, chances are you will need a grow-light setup as well as a heater (I can’t remember if you said you already have grow lights in there).The plants should get the equivalent of at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and the weak winter sun, far in the south, isn’t likely to provide enough. As far as heaters go, just make sure you get one with a good thermostat and enough BTU output for the space you have – your greenhouse is pretty large, and you’ll need enough heat to keep soil and air temp over 50 degrees. Depending on the winter weather, you might need to knock over a bank to pay the electric bill. Maybe you could grow cukes INSIDE the house, with the vines draped over the curtain rods!
Mavis says
Ha! I think the Handsome Husband would have me committed if I did that.
Kelly Broadurst says
Hi Mavis,
I love you’re blog. I just adore it and you. Thanks for so much great information on gardening and other stuff.
I am wondering what kind of soil and fertilizer you have used for all you’re veggies and in the greenhouse. Do you mix the soil and the fertilizer in you’re regualr ground soil?
I had a very good garden this year but not as great as I want it. I really think it’s the soil I used. You may have already stated what you have used and would love it if you would send me in that direction.
Thanks a bunch,
Kelly Broadhurst
Mavis says
Hi Kelly,
When we first moved in are soil was very heavy clay. Over the years we have brought in topsoil, Tagro, and garden soil as well as collected grass clippings, compost and leaf litter. Our chickens are our fertilizer. The only chemical we use is Miracle Grow about twice every summer.
Kim says
Here’s a recipe for zucchini!! http://jamiecooksitup.net/2012/08/crispy-baked-zucchini-fries/
Kat D says
Your acorn squash has powdery mildew. Happens when the weather cools. Condensation collects on the leaves at night and doesn’t dry off quickly enough in the morning, creating a nice damp place for the mildew to grow and spread. There are some sprays you can use, but I’ve never tried them – around here once the mildew fully takes over and the plant is banging on death’s door, it’s usually only a few days until a big frost anyway. All the rest of your produce is looking great!
Mavis says
I’m just too lazy. I think summer is almost over too and I’m just going to them as is.
Andrea says
Once you have powdery mildew living in your soil, it is nearly impossible to get rid of it. Next year, look for mildew-resistance seeds. In many climates, there is nothing you can do to stop the spread.