August
August is the beginning of the harvest season in the
Northwest. If you haven’t planted a vegetable garden
it’s not too late to plant some seed vegetables like radishes and
carrots. Be sure to plant them in a new location to help prevent
root maggots.
If you planted corn, it can be harvested about 17 to 20
days after silk begins to appears on the top. Now is also the
time to harvest potatoes. Once the potato plants have died down, dig
up one or two of the hills of potato tubers. Rub the potato skin to
see if it has hardened. If it comes off easily wait a week or two
before harvesting the rest.
It is time to begin curing or “lodging” your
onions and garlic by pushing the tops over as they begin to turn yellow.
This forces the bulbs into their final maturing stage. About three
weeks after bending the tops dig up the onions and garlic. Then
spread them out in a dry and shaded place away from dew or rain. In
about 10 days you will then be able to trim away the roots and tops.
Enjoy now, or store in a cool, dry place.
In August, there are a few plants you need to stop
fertilizing, like roses and most all of your trees. This helps the
new growth to harden. You’ll want to make sure you still keep
watering them, especially on those few hot days that we have.
If you have grapevines, it’s time to cut back the
vines to the second leaf following the last bunch of grapes. This
will put the plant’s energy into creating juicy fruit verses a leggy
plant. Similarly, tomatoes also need to be hardened off now.
Stop watering your tomatoes planted in the ground, but not the ones
planted in pots. Tomatoes originated from arid areas like Mexico, so
the stress of reducing their water at this time of year creates juicer
tomatoes versus lush foliage.
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