| Vermont Home Gardener August Garden Abundance! After the excessive rains of July, gardens are in full maturity and producing an abundance of veggies, herbs, flowers, (and weeds) and soon to be harvested potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, and more. It's the reward that a hard-working gardener deserves and should enjoy this time of year. Proper harvesting is key to successful production, and the more you pick the more you get! Leaving blossoms or fruits on plants to get over-ripe or go to seed tells the plant its job is done and to stop production. Keep "deadheading" your geraniums, marigolds, calendula, snapdragons, & zinnias so they will provide more blossoms instead of seeds. Of course, abundance can become a burden too, unless we have some good ways to deal with it. Let's look at what to plant in August, what to do with too many zucchinis, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc., and which pests are out there now. What to do in August? This is a great time to get your garden soil tested for acidity (pH) and nutrient levels. Follow the instructions at the https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab and they will provide recommendations for improving your soils. Don't waste time and money applying lime or fertilizers without first knowing what your soil really needs! Note that soil tests are FREE until August 15 if you were affected by the floods. As plants come out of the garden there might be some open space where we can plant late crops to get another harvest. Carrots and beets can still be planted for a nice fall crop. Also, continue planting your favorite salad greens (leaf lettuce, mesclun mix, spinach, kale, arugula, etc.). If you add a little extra compost or organic fertilizer, mulch, and keep them watered they will grow well and won't bolt as the days get shorter. Read the complete article at https://vermonthomegardener.com/ | 
