What I’m doing now

The heat has opinions. Work early in the morning and let the afternoon go.

• Transplant fall brassica starts into cleared beds.

  They want to be in the ground by late August so they mature in cool weather.

• Direct sow fall turnips, mustard greens, and radishes.

  Fast crops that will be ready before first frost. Sow now and succession-sow every two weeks.

• Pull exhausted summer crops as they finish.

  Do not leave spent plants standing. They harbor pests and disease and take up bed space.

• Water in the morning.

  Evening watering on hot soil raises fungal pressure. Early is better for the plants and for you.

• Sow cover crops on beds that are going to rest.

  Cowpeas work well in the August heat. Crimson clover and winter rye go in September.

• Harvest dry beans and storage onions if they are ready.

  Dry beans need to be fully dry on the vine. Onions are ready when the tops fall over on their own.