Vegetable Garden Update

Here are a few observations of what is happening in vegetable gardens this week.

• Harvest is finally in full swing, yeah!
• Late blight continues to spread to additional gardens. It is infecting more tomato plants than potato plants.
• Early blight and bacterial spot are abundant also.
• Downy Mildew has arrived. Downy will kill cucumbers and other vine crops.
• Powdery mildew is showing up on early planted summer squash. I expect to see it attack pumpkins and winter squash soon.
• Squash bugs are out in force on summer squash.
• You should have fall cole crops planted by now. You will need to check them for cabbage worms.
• You have time for a fall lettuce and spinach planting if you do it this week.
• If you have not harvested your onions, do it ASAP. Store them in a cool place.
• Be prepared to water. Because the soil has been wet all season, your plants do not have a deep root system so they are more susceptible to dry periods.
• Finally, keep the fruit picked. If fruit is allowed to stay on the plant beyond its usable stage, the plant will put energy into the old fruit and stop producing new fruit.

For more information contact your local cooperative extension office. In Lackawanna County call 963-6842 and ask for the Garden Helpline or email LackawannaMG@psu.edu

John Esslinger, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County

So. What's happening in YOUR garden, be it vegetable, fruit or flower? We'd love to hear from you!