Caring for Your Peppers (Sown on Jul 6)
If you sowed your pepper seeds in early July, they should have sprouted and might have their first true leaves by now. Ensure they continue to receive adequate sunlight – at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal.
Continue to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. As your pepper seedlings grow, you can gradually increase your feeding regimen. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, but remember not to over-fertilize, especially with young plants.
Planning for Broccoli and Winter Squash
If you haven't sown your broccoli and winter squash yet, there's still time! These plants thrive in cooler fall temperatures. You can start broccoli seeds indoors now and plan to transplant them in a few weeks. Winter squash can be directly sown in the garden, ensuring the soil is warm and all risk of frost has passed.
While you prepare for their sowing, make sure the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter to provide a healthy foundation for these future plants.
Crop Rotation and Soil Health
To ensure the long-term health of your garden, consider practicing crop rotation. This technique involves changing the location of your plantings each year to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests. If you've been growing vegetables in the same spot for several years, it might be time to switch things up.
Additionally, amending your soil with compost or well-rotted manure can enrich its fertility and structure, providing your plants with essential nutrients.
Harvesting Herbs
If you have any herbs like basil growing from a previous sowing, you can start harvesting them. Snip the leaves to encourage bushier growth and a continual harvest throughout the season. Fresh herbs can add wonderful flavor to your culinary creations.
As you continue your gardening journey in New York, consider investing in season extension tools like row covers and hoop tunnels to prolong your growing season well into the fall.
If you have any questions or need specific advice, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support your gardening dreams!