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Post by Latitude33 on Sept 11, 2021 17:07:20 GMT -5
It's weird here, I admit it. Not talking lifestyle, politics, people or current events. From a gardening perspective, it's just different. Locally, it is still in the 90s and has the potential to continue to be warm well into November. I blame la nina. What that means for the garden is, its a odd ball transition time. Time to make deep edits to warm season veggies, but still time enough to plant one last round of determinate tomatoes or Anaheim peppers, and/or chard. Time to give one last boost of nitrogen to the plant babies then a quick switch to urge the blooms into produce. At the same time, we have the option to start/plant cool season veggies in micro climates right now. In the past I have seen many gardeners at the CG just give up around this time of year. It's as if the season has a split personality. Sorry, just a heat stress induced rant. I need something cold to drink.
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Post by gianna on Sept 11, 2021 20:23:36 GMT -5
I like gardening in SoCal because you can do some gardening 12 months of the year. I never pay any attention to things like first and last frost dates - there is no frost in my microclimate (The avocado belt). It used to be rare, but with climate change, I've not had a frost in maybe 20 years. But I do follow a few general rules. Summer crops like squash and green beans don't do as well cuz the days are shorter, temps cooler, and the sun is lower. And lettuce doesnt do as well in summer because it's too hot for most of them. There are tricks to keep it cool, but those take time.
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Post by desertwoman on Sept 11, 2021 23:18:20 GMT -5
I started my first garden in SoCal but only for 2 years before moving out of state. Two years in Oregon and then to New Mexico. I have gardened in Northern New Mexico for 40 years and I realized I wouldn't know how to garden in a year round environment. If I was ever to move back there I would be a beginner gardener. Every area has its gifts and challenges. I have learned to work with what I have and it is second nature at this point. And at this age, I am grateful for the 4 month break. But I do envy both of you not having frost dates! I have never, in all these years, acclimated to cold winters. They suck.  |
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Sept 12, 2021 10:58:43 GMT -5
Here in Michigan the exceptionally hot weather seems to have contributed to unprecedented growth. The (junk) trees began growing at something like twice the normal rate last year, and continued this year. The unwanted vegetation - same situation. Even the yews around the house have grown at a phenomenal rate. The one on the back has shot up about 2' this year, blocking my view outside.
Grapevines migrated from the garden to surrounding the house, and are now growing up to the roof. I'll have a lot of wreath making material this year, more than I need. So I'm saving the small trees that have to be cut down to use in a fence and enclosure for some new beds I want to create.
What has surprised me as well is the fact that the grass never stopped growing during all the heat. I could always look forward to some lawn mowing downtime in August, but not this year.
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