With the adverse weather conditions many gardeners experienced this spring -- hot, dry conditions -- our attention now turns to possibly planting a garden or vegetables for the fall. Generally, the same good cultural practices need to be followed.
- Site preparation
- Soil samples, if never taken. Randomly take soil throughout the area to be planted (10-15 times) at a depth of 6 inches. Stir that all together and bring the sample to the LSU AgCenter office and for $7 per sample your soil will be analyzed for needed fertilizer and lime.
- Have a water source
- Using good seeds or transplants – saving your own seeds – If you just have the need or urge to save your open-pollinated
seeds, not hybrids, remember the seeds need to be fully matured, clean and air dried for two to three weeks and properly stored at refrigerated temperature in paper bags for a week to condition them to be placed in a freezer in sealed containers.