Planting Carrots

Planting Carrots 101

As the temperatures begin to drop signaling the arrival of fall, a gardener's attention shifts to growing cool weather crops. September/October/November is the ideal time to plant carrots. The seeds will germinate sooner with the warm temperatures. As winter approaches, the carrots go into survival mode, turning the starches into simple sugar. Winter harvested carrots are one of the best tasting vegetables!!!

Below are some EXCELLENT resources to help with growing carrots. Each resource has some special tips. 

The 7-Step Beginner's Guide To Growing Carrots 

https://oaksill.com/grow-carrots/ 

Master Class on Growing Carrots -- You Tube Video  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnAyYstikzQ

The Best Way To Plant Carrots in Summer For Fall Harvest

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmkb8njZ2f0

Cool Weather Crops

Fall is here; time to clear out the remnants of the warm weather crops.  Out with the old tomatoless plants, shriveled up zucchini, and other unproductive plants.  Time to till and amend the soil and think about planting cool weather crops.  I have been asked by gardeners for guidance on what to plant during the cooler months.  To you and other gardeners, I hope you will find the links below useful in aiding your decision on what to plant during the cool weather season.  Above all, be sure to plant veggies that you, your family, and friends enjoy!  Happy gardening!

https://veggieharvest.com/calendars/zone-10.html  

There is a list of veggies on the left side bar.  Click on the vegetable for additional information.  Also, scroll all the way down for a beautiful calendar chart on when to plant veggies.

https://www.sunset.com/garden/garden-basics/cool-season-crops-0

From Sunset magazine; short video included.

Transition To Fall and Winter Gardening

Many gardeners are wondering what to plant during the fall and winter months. My simple reply is this: brassicas (cabbage family), leafy greens, and root vegetables, plus peas.  For a more specific list, see below.
When the weather cools down (usually around late September/October) it will be time to plant these crops. 

Most important rule is to plant what you and your family enjoy eating!

Our Annual Harvest Festival Recap

Growing Together: Celebrating Community at Our Annual Lakewood Community Garden Harvest Festival

We had such a great time at our Harvest Festival (summer picnic), which took place last month.

It was a fun day filled with good food, activities, and plenty of time to connect with other people in the community. We enjoyed meeting neighbors, talking with fellow gardeners, and learning more about the people who help make the garden such a welcoming place.

One of the best parts of the festival was simply being together. There was a lot of laughter, conversation, and sharing. Events like this are a great reminder of how community gardens can bring people together in a simple and meaningful way. So we look forward to seeing more gardeners at our next event and meetings. It's a great way to feel more connected.

We’re grateful to everyone who came out, volunteered, shared their talents, and helped make the Harvest Festival such a fun day.

We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Here Come The Zucchinis!!!

There will soon be an abundance of vegetables in the garden.  Among the tomato and pepper plants, zucchini and squash claim their space as they take up prime garden real estate.  Once the plants start producing, there is no stopping the production! How about trying some new zucchini recipes this year?  Please visit the ZUCCHINI RECIPES page for some delicious ways to prepare this versatile vegetable.

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Preserving Zucchini

I am sure by now that most of you have had your fill of zucchini.  If you have a bumper crop of zucchini, chances are that your friends and neighbors are running in the opposite direction when they see you coming with armloads of zukes.  Consider preserving this precious commodity for use in soups and breads during the late fall and winter months. Check out the blog for preserving tips.

https://growagoodlife.com/preserve-zucchini/

Planting Guides & Charts

NEW!  PLANTING GUIDES & CHARTS page

Visit our PLANTING GUIDES & CHARTS page on this website for lots of helpful information on general gardening and guide to planting specific vegetables and herbs.  All gardeners will find this page beneficial.

        * Vegetable Gardening For Beginners

        * Helpful Tools To Have

        * Soil Preparation

        * Garden Layout

        * Tips For Transplanting

        * Tips For Sowing Seeds

        * Starting Seedlings

        * Watering, Weeding, Mulching, and More

        * Harvesting and Storing Vegetables

        * Garden Clean Up

       

The PLANT GROWING GUIDE is very comprehensive. What you will learn about each vegetable:

        * Description of vegetable

        * When and How to Plant

        * How to Grow and Care

        * Pest and Disease Management 

        * Recommended Varieties

        * Harvest and Storage

        * Cooking Wisdom

        * Recipes to try

Practical Planting Guide For Garden Crops