Early riches. The “early croppers” are ready for harvest — start looking for shorter season zucchinis before they get too big and spoil in the field. The first kale, Swiss chard, carrots, peas, and radishes you planted should also be nearing harvest. Staying ahead of this onslaught will prevent woody radishes and maximize the bounty of leafy greens.
Last chances. Take whatever leftover lettuce, mesclun, radish, broccoli (all “cold” crops), carrots, onions and pea seed you have left over and plant them. This is not a Hail Mary as you are certain to get a great fall harvest from these cool-season crops.
A great e-scape. Garlic scapes are ready for harvest — go out there and get them! Many gardeners do not realize the pigtail atop their garlic plants is delicious and valued. They sell for about a dollar each at farmers’ markets. Cut them off and toss them in a salad or grill them on the barbecue. Truth is, every part of the garlic plant is edible.
A thorny treasure. Sweet, delicious raspberries are maturing behind the guarded veil of their thorny branches. A good pair of rose-pruning gloves with leather gauntlet are perfect for reaching in for the harvest or go barefisted if you’re brave.
Alas, the locusts. And other insects or disease. Protect your fruit trees by applying Green Earth insecticidal soap and garden sulphur. Mark applies both at the same time in his orchard to protect his crop through to harvest.
This content was originally published here.