Spring is only a month away and here at Tullamore Farm our attention is turning to preparing our vegetable gardens to plant out all our summer crops.
In our largest vegetable patch we try to get two crops per year from most of the raised beds.
A lot of the winter crops are being harvested and as beds empty we prepare them for planting the summer veggies and vine crops from early to mid September.
Having successful summer crops like melons, corn, capsicums and many others requires a little bit of planning and ensuring you get the timing right.
Having some understanding of your soil and the upcoming conditions will improve your success.
Our local area typically experiences hot, humid summers with frequent rain, making it ideal for a variety of summer crops.
This time of the year is often ideal for adding compost to many of the vegetable gardens and topping with fresh mulch.
During this process we remove any weeds and have those beds ready to go for September.
We generally have most of our summer crops planted out in late September with the majority by the first week of October. Preparing as many beds as possible in August makes the spring work load easier.
Some of the crops we add in September include capsicums and other nightshades, cucumbers and zucchinis, lots of melons plus corn and beans.
For crops like tomatoes, capsicums, and eggplants, it’s often beneficial to start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are strong enough and the weather is consistently warm. Alternatively you can buy established seedlings right here in Beaudesert like our local Mitre 10.
Summer crops can require regular watering, especially during dry spells.
Drip irrigation systems are used by some but we prefer to mulch well and add further mulch as needed. This reduces evaporation plus helps keep the soil cooler.
Regularly inspect your crops for signs of pests and diseases. Early detection allows for prompt action and minimises damage.
Start preparing now and enjoy the summer bounty.
