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Vegetable Gardening Hints, Issue #020 - Things to do in September.
September 05, 2009
Hello,

Taking the time this fall to get your garden beds and area clean and tidy is one step towards having a healthier and more successful vegetable garden next season. If cleaning up seems overwhelming do it is stages; starting with one garden bed or certain are each week.

AUGUST IS CLEAN UP MONTH


Have your garden tools handy:

A clean up tool kit should include:

  • garden gloves
  • sharp knife or scissors
  • rake
  • shovel or trowel
  • Have a wheelbarrow, large basket, or tarp nearby so you can throw any debris into it, saving steps back and forth to your compost bin.

Learn more about garden tools.

Cleaning your garden beds:

  1. As you finish harvesting your vegetables pull the plants out and remove them to the compost. If it is diseases or has pests on it make sure you bag it and put it into the trash that way you will not be spreading the problem by leaving it on the bed or putting it into your compost.
  2. Rake the garden bed and remove the debris to your compost.
  3. Add in a few inches of aged animal manure or compost and turn it under with a shovel or tiller.
  4. Plant a green manure of fall rye, vetch or field peas or mulch the bed with shredded leaves or straw.

Learn more about green manures.

Cleaning other garden areas:

  • Mow or weedeat the outer areas of your garden and pathways so weeds do not go to seed and spread.
  • Lay down more mulch to the pathways if they are mulched, cardboard or newspaper are inexpensive and effective ways to keep weeds down in your pathways. Just make sure you put something on the cardboard like wood chips, bark mulch, sawdust, or stone to keep the cardboard or newspaper from blowing around.

    Learn more about mulching.

    Fix broken items:

  • Take the time to fix or mend broken trellises, fences, garden boxes and tools. If you do not have time this month make some notes and make sure these items get done before everything is stored away.



    " My 2010 Vegetable Garden Journal " is coming soon! This journal is a simple to follow book that will help you stay organized and give you all the information you need to have a successful vegetable garden.

  • Month at a glance to do list to guide you.
  • Easy to follow planting, growing and harvesting information for 25 common vegetables.
  • Tips on watering, fertilizeing, mulching and pest management.
  • When the best time is to fertilize 25 common vegetables
  • A monthly calender with the best dates to plant by the moon cycles.

    > Get My 2009 Vegetable Garden Journal at 50% off!



    Need help with your garden layout?
     It is never to early to start planning for the fall or next season Now you know what you would like to grow, where and how are you going to make it happen? The most common ways of planting vegetables are in row, raised beds or in containers. Order one of my vegetable garden plans books for great planning ideas for your own garden.


    RECIPES

    Check out some great organic vegetable recipes

    Now is the time to start planning your vegetable garden for this coming season. I have several helpful ebooks that will provide you with easy to follow tips to having a fabulous vegetable garden. Check them out.

    Please contact me with your comments and suggestions.

    If you have enjoyed this ezine please tell a friend.

    Welcome to the world of vegetable gardening!

    Catherine

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