In the September episode of A Garden Runs Through It, hosted by Cynthia White from the UC Master Gardener program of Colusa County, the focus is on dealing with heatwave damage in the garden and the tasks to prepare for fall. Cynthia emphasizes pulling out summer plants that have been burned by the heat and planting new crops for the cooler months. She shares advice from Don Shore, explaining how extreme heat can prevent vegetables like tomatoes and beans from setting fruit, and offers solutions like providing shade to protect plants.
Cynthia also discusses the importance of proper irrigation, especially during heatwaves, sharing her personal story about losing avocado fruit due to a failed watering system. She recommends using drip irrigation and other deep watering techniques, such as filling five-gallon buckets with small holes to keep water oozing out slowly around plants and trees.
For gardeners planning ahead, Cynthia suggests planting late-summer crops like squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes, which can still produce well into fall. She highlights heat-tolerant plants like zinnias, salvias, and cosmos for continued garden color, as well as vegetables like beets and swiss chard for planting in September.
The episode concludes with reminders to monitor irrigation systems, water deeply, and plan for next year's garden. Gardening tips and event information can be found on the Master Gardeners of Colusa County's website and social media pages.
Do you have a question for the Master Gardeners, email karbarrera@ucanr.edu; be sure to include "GARDEN PODCAST" in the subject line to have your question considered to be answered on the show.
- For more information about the UC Master Gardeners of Colusa County, click here
- To sign up for the UC Master Gardener's of Colusa County Newsletter, click here
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Want to give to the UC Master Gardner's of Colusa County? Donate at: https://ucanr.edu/sites/donate/?fund_id=1283 - be sure to mention you heard the podcast.
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Jan 1 202516 mins