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A. Cool weather greens are difficult to germinate in hot weather. Try planting them in pots or egg cartons to set under a tree or on the patio. Lettuces need light to germinate, so don’t plant too deeply. Avoid crusting soil. Water with liquid seaweed as they grow. When the temperatures cool off—sometime in October—set them in the garden.

One of John Dromgoole’s tricks that the producer has used a few times: line a plastic plant tray with newspaper and fill with potting soil. Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves on them, use a butter knife or similar tool to transfer them to pots, or to set in the garden. The producer is always careful to clean the butter knife really well before putting it out at Thanksgiving! It gets more use as a garden tool.

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Philippine Violet (Barleria cristata)
Philippine violet is a root hardy perennial that forms an attractive upright shrub reaching about 3 feet tall. The dark green foliage is very attractive and virtually pest and disease free. But it’s in late summer to fall that the real show begins, as the upright plant stems load up with an abundance of blue flowers. A white blooming form is also available. Keep the soil moderately moist and mulch plants well to protect them over the winter. This plant is currently underutilized but sure to grow in popularity fast!

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Plan to apply corn gluten in the next two weeks. It’s a natural weed seed preemergent, and supplies a little nitrogen as well.

Get the roses ready for their fall show. Shear back by 1/3 and fertilize with a liquid blend. You can still plant one more crop of green beans.

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