It's not too late to start a garden

Summer is upon us, alongside the heat and humidity, too. For many in western Kentucky the tomatoes, cucumbers and squash are already coming in by the bucketload. As grocery costs continue to rise, some may be wondering: is it too late to start a garden? The answer to that is no. 

There are many fast maturing crops that can be planted and will produce a crop before the weather turns cold. There are also many vegetables for which a late summer planting and fall harvest is recommended for better flavor and production.

Bush beans are one of the easiest crops to start in midsummer. Quick-maturing varieties, such as Contender and Provider, produce beans in as soon as 50 days. The Farmers Almanac recommends planting a short row of bush beans every two weeks to ensure continuous production until the end of harvest season. Another popular legume to plant in late summer is peas, though they are better started in late August as most varieties prefer much cooler temps. It is important to note that fall pea crops often produce less than in spring. 

Carrots are another vegetable that thrives in late July planting. The warmer weather of late summer speeds up the germination process and the cooler temperature of early fall will, according to many gardeners, give the root vegetable a sweeter, more flavorful taste. Other root vegetables that are recommended for a fall harvest are beets, turnips and radishes. 

Lettuce is one of the first things planted in a spring garden, but some heat tolerant varieties make a great addition to the late summer garden. Varieties that grow well in our area (zone 7b according to the USDA zone map) are Parris Island Cos, a romaine variety and Black Seeded Simpson, a looseleaf variety. Planting the lettuce in a part of the garden where it will receive shade or using a shade cloth, as well as providing adequate moisture, can help keep the plants from bolting or turning bitter.

Late July and into early August is a good time to plant members of the brassicas family. This includes cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi. This is another group of plants that is said to favor the cooler fall temperatures which give the leaves a sweeter more robust flavor. Other popular salad greens such as spinach and swiss chard can be started from late July into early August. 

While some might be lucky to have family, friends or neighbors who garden and thus find themselves the beneficiary of a fruitful squash or cucumber harvest, those who aren’t can still grow a quick crop for themselves. 

Fast growing, pickling varieties of cucumbers such as Calypso or National Pickling will mature in as little as 50 days. Zucchini, yellow crookneck and patty pan squash only take around 40 days to mature, leaving plenty of warm weather for a bountiful squash harvest. July is also the last chance one has to plant winter squash such as butternut, acorn or delicata, as these take 80 to 100 days to mature. 

Flowers are an excellent addition to any garden, and July is a great time to plant. Many flower farms and those that specialize in fall decor will start sunflowers in late June and July in order to have blooms available for fall decorations. Nasturtiums, cosmos, and zinnias are all fast growing varieties that are easy for beginners to grow. July is also a great time to start biennials (flowering plants that usually - depending on climate - take two years to complete a biological life cycle) such as foxglove and columbine. 

For those in Calloway County who feel that they need to learn more about gardening before starting their own garden, the Calloway County Extension Office begins a new Master Gardeners class with an orientation Thursday, July 16. To reserve a spot, call the extension office at  270-753-1452, or email Matt Chadwick at matthew.chadwick@uky.edu. 

A special presentation called Planting for Monarchs will follow the orientation at 6:30 PM, taught by current certified members of the Master Gardeners of Calloway county. The presentation is a part of a monthly program called Thursday night talks, which is free to the public - no reservation required - every third Thursday, and will discuss ways to attract butterflies and other pollinators to your yard and garden. Snacks and drinks will be provided.