Tips on Planting a Vegetable Garden

Where earlier planting has been done, crops such as lettuce, peas and cabbage have been or will soon be removed. Space remaining, or space vacated in the garden by harvest, may still be utilized for a late summer crop of vegetables. The tight crust which may have formed on the soil surface where clay soils were subjected to heavy rains must be broken up thoroughly before planting. Heavy rains after planting may again from a tight crust that can reduce seed germination.

Since vegetables planted in midsummer are subjected to more severe conditions than those planted during a normal spring, some special care may be helpful to get good seed germination. Frequent light watering to keep the soil surface soft and easily penetrated by small seedlings is helpful. Where daily light watering can not be done, other techniques may be used.

The simplest method to use to keep soil from crusting over when planting small seeds such as lettuce is a slat board cover. A thin board is placed directly on top of each seeded row after planting. This will not only keep the soil from crusting over, but will keep it cool. Since there is total darkness beneath the board, it must be lifted as soon as germination begins. Therefore, a few days after seeding, a daily inspection is necessary to look for the first signs of germination.

As soon as germination begins the board must be lifted and supported so that light gets beneath it, but so that it still shades the seedlings from hot afternoon sun. After a few days it should be totally removed. Pieces of paper or strips of cloth may also be used over the row, but are less effective. However, they allow some light to penetrate if daily inspections and prompt removal are not possible. After seedlings have germinated, a mulch helps maintain loose soil, conserve moisture and keep down weeds. Small seedlings can be quickly consumed by insects or disease. Therefore, take prompt action if pests appear.

Bush beans can be successfully planted in July for a continuous supply of beans in fall. Seedlings made at about 2-week intervals until early August provide continuous harvest until frost. Corn may be planted until about mid July. During hot weather corn will develop rapidly, often faster than the number of days indicated for a spring planting. However, as cool weather arrives growth slows and late plantings will have reduced production and ear size.

Even vine crops, such as summer squash and cucumber, still stand a chance for adequate production from mid-summer planting. Bush cucumbers tend to start producing quickly, and can be planted if seeds are available. Start seeds of cabbage, broccoli or Chinese cabbage now for a fall crop. These may be started indoors, or in a protected bed outdoors, to develop transplants to move into the garden in late July. By late July it will also be time to begin seeding vegetables such as lettuce, turnip and radish for a fall crop.

A Harvest of Color: Growing a Vegetable Garden, by Melanie Eclare.