Keith Farrand
Contact: info@farrandfarms.com
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Want to keep up on the latest things that are growing on at Farrand Farms? The man with the greenest thumb in Kansas City will help you with all his latest tips and share insight and info right here at Farrand's Notes. If you have some special questions or would like to suggest ideas for Keith to address just send him an email on the link under his picture.
Getting Ready for Fall
Keith
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Monday, July 19, 2010
It is time to be thinking about and planning your fall garden. Beginning about July 26th, we'll have your fall broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage plants ready. When planted now, they grow to size quickly while it is warm, but finish during the cool nights of late September and early October. You'll be rewarded with the most tender and flavorful cole crops of the year!
Other great fall crops including beets, turnips (about August 12), lettuces, radishes, and spinach (about August 20) will also treat you well. You can still plant green beans until August 5 and still expect a bountiful crop. Remember, "it ain't over until it's over"!
Helpful Hint #1: Now is the perfect time to give one last fertilization. I recommended a nice sprinkling of Zoom 5-10-5 along with 1 1/2" of watering in. In fact, continue to keep watering once a week at that 1 1/2" rate. In the flower garden, watering and fertilizing should continue at the same rate as I recommended for the vegetables.
Remember to trim off the old blooms to encourage new and fresh color. Pinch back sun coleus to 1/2 it's size and you'll be rewarded with an outstanding form and color display. They will respond very quickly and you'll be glad you took the little time it takes to do it.
It's also the perfect time to refresh and renew. If you've lost a plant or two, replant or replace them with new one gallon sizes. These plants are big and blooming and easily blend into your existing beds. They are great for creating instant pots of color on the patio for your BBQ's or when unexpected guests arrive.
Helpful Hint #2: To achieve success in midsummer, plant only fresh plants grown in larger sizes. Never use small sizes leftover from the spring. We grow ours in large 1 gallon sizes specifically for this time of year.
Helpful Hint #3: If deer are a problem, use 'Deer Scram'. I've used it three seasons now and will testify to its' effectiveness. It's organic, granular and easy to use.
Many of you are already asking about the mums for fall. I agree, they look great this year! Don't forget to ask about our reduced pricing if purchased before September 1st.
Please give us a call at (816)353-2312 and we'll do our best to help with questions you may have.
Until next time,
Keith
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