NOT FOUND: plant lady.jpgYeah you! Are we ready to put our winter garden in? Now is the time to till under the spent plants before they dry up and lose all of their potential for amending by decomposition. Some of our plants are just now starting to get going, that’s fine – leave them alone. Some are just about done but still producing some. What you want to do with those is give them a shot of Miracle Grow to force the last bit of life out of them for one last harvest. And after that we want to till them under. Doing this while still green they release beneficial nutrients and organic nitrogen as they decompose and this increases the microbial activity. The compost we have been “growing” can be tilled in with them, also any egg shells you can get your hands on. Some winter veggies should be starters (by this time). Others will be safe to start by seed: cabbage, herbs and strawberries.

I highly recommend planting starters (established seedlings with roots). Broccoli and cauliflower should also be a matured seedling. Lettuce, turnips, carrots, greens, radishes, rhubarb and asparagus can be planted by seed or rhizomes. Flower bulbs are beautiful to throw in with seeds to add beautiful color. Remember bulbs should be planted in numbers together such as tulips, daffodils, narcissus, crocus, etc. If some of your late producing veggies are “vining” such as squash, cucumber etc. remember the frost will kill them so the Miracle Gro method toward the end will be good for them. This is the only time ya’ll ever hear me recommend Miracle Gro besides maybe one time only at planting.

I took Restaurant Eric’s advice and came to Vaqueros in my parking lot. I did not have the Eric Taco but I did have the “Plant Lady Juice”. Just joking on the name but it is a cucumber and lime drink they make in a huge jar. It even came in a frothy mug. Wow! I coined it the “Plant Lady Juice”. It is crazy. The carnitas burrito with potatoes and guacamole was pretty yummy too but I’ve never had anything to drink as refreshing as that. All the talk about veggies and cucumbers it seemed fitting. Those of us who grew corn can use the corn stalks for decorations for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Since they are most likely all dried up by now they will just crumble as chaff when you try to till them.

NOT FOUND: plant lady2.jpgThis month in the nursery we will be getting in the cool season winter color along with the rest of the bulbs and winter veggies. If you buy mums, cyclamen, primrose etc. remember they can take the winter sun but when summertime returns be sure they are planted where they will be protected in such by the canopy of a deciduous tree. A lot of times these plants are considered holiday annuals because where we plant them at the end of summer/early fall is not in their best interest during other seasons. Just a reminder to practice thoughtful planting.

I want to say ya’ll are so cute and I am continually blessed each time one of you come to me for ideas, help or advice. I do want to remind you that I can be reached via email at plantlady@northsacnews.com. I have noticed that more and more of you have been seeking me in person, when a picture sent by email could have saved you gas or me seeing some of you in your cute little jammies. Don’t get me wrong, I love you and that’s what I’m here for. Sometimes it’s easier to look at a picture when you come to me for help designing landscape or ask me, "what can I plant right here?" Email me pictures or, when you do come to see me, maybe show me a picture on your phone. If you send a question by e-mail, you won’t always have to wait for the next month’s issue to get your answer. Some of you have shared that with me, so I finally decided to get internet service to make myself more available to you.

I want to share a recipe for skunk or cat problems. This comes to us via John Timblin the Keystone Cop of the Shriners. Take equal parts of Dawn dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. Thank you John because so many people have had skunk or cat problems (or odor from carcasses that cannot be reached).

One last thing as we approach the end of summer and begin fall: keep in mind to use balanced fertilizers or Super Green. Stay away from anything too high in phosphorous promoting delicate new growth while changing seasons.

The Plant Lady