This has been an interesting summer from the garden perspective. Winter weather ensured our apple harvest was non-existent. We did not have a single blossom this spring, which in turn means no apples. Depending on the stage of development of the bud, there can be slight or severe damage to the crop that is temperature dependant.
The cherry harvest was also less than usual, which was likely due to cool spring temperatures. Other crops like saskatoons were affected by low rainfall during development. A trip to the lake in north central Saskatchewan, showed great production of these berries close to the water and literally no production in other areas due to a dry season.
Now in the garden itself it has also been interesting. Asparagus did well until the end of June with great production but only due to supplemental watering. Some years, not a drop of water is needed to ensure asparagus in multiple ways for a period of two to three months.
We hope your tomato harvest is in peak production. There is nothing like garden grown tomatoes for flavour. In my garden, I grow everything in containers, which is especially amazing when you talk about tomato production. Each tomato plant has an individual home in what in the past held a tree. Pots that are about 20 to 24 inches across I find are best as now in August, when the tomato plants are in peak production and very large in size I can keep ahead of their water needs with once a day watering even when it is 30 C outside. In the spring when you plant, it is tempting to plant a couple of plants in each large pot, but be strong, as they will fill the pot by August.
We have also harvested carrots, peas and cucumbers and peppers are almost ready to begin enjoying at the table. If I would have planted zucchini, it would be, I am sure, become a gift to anyone and everyone! If you purchase zucchini at the market or the grocer it’s a sign you have no friends!
Short season crops like spinach, lettuce and spring onions are now in their third successive planting. We have been enjoying fabulous salads with all sorts of ingredients from the garden. My children, and now grandchildren, love to go and fill a basket from the garden to make a salad, as there are edible greens, flowers and more that will make not only a beautiful salad but one that is filled with a vast array of nutrients.
If you are experiencing hot weather, then water well and enjoy the fruits of your labours. It is the 30 C weather that makes our production soar. Just remember that water is that limiting factor when your tomatoes and other crops are sizing up.
It is amazing August is already here,which is also the bell that tolls that fall is just around the corner. This year I have a plan to extend my season but placing my favourite tomatoes in a small greenhouse to allow me to enjoy that fresh garden process well into fall. Enjoy that final weeks of summer.
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com; facebook: @schoolofhort; twitter: @hortiuclturepat; instagram: patyplant or at saskhort.com.
