Plan for coming spring-summer growing seasons
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share thisThe autumn season is when gardeners begin to plan for the coming spring-summer growing seasons. This involves both plantings and some clean-up chores.
Now is the time to plant garlic. Garlic is not only good for your health; it makes other foods taste better.
Planting
Garlic is easy to grow because it has few pest problems and does well in both wet and dry years. Apply a small amount of fertilizer at planting and again May 1. Plant cloves from garlic that was grown locally or grown in a cooler region. Individual garlic cloves should be planted about 4 inches apart and about 1-1/2 inches deep. Plant only the larger cloves.
In late spring, seed heads will need to be pinched off as soon as they begin to appear. Garlic should be harvested in early to mid-July, before the foliage is completely brown. If you wait too long, the outer sheath of the bulb will rot and break open. Store garlic in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Cleanup
Rake up apple tree leaves and either compost them or dispose of them. Removing the leaves from around the trees will reduce disease problems next spring.
Fall is the best time to get a soil test and apply recommended lime. Soil test kits are $9 and are available from any county extension office.
For more information contact your local extension office. In Lackawanna County call 963-6842 or e-mail LackawannaExt@psu.edu.
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