It's all about garlic!! A deep dive into the types of garlic, how to plant, best practices for growing, fertilizing, and more!

Growing Garlic

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound with many health benefits: an ancient plant used for flavor, health, and medicine for 5,000 years with only a small number of calories. Studies have shown that the properties of garlic can help lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and boost your immune system. It also contains antioxidants that may help people avoid Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Types of Garlic

There are over 600 named varieties, grouped into three types.

Hard-Neck (ophioscorodon) (German White)

Fewer but larger clovesEasier to grow in cold weatherStronger FlavorDoesn't store as wellHarder to braid

Soft-Neck (sativum) (most grocery store bought is soft-neck)

Stores the longestMild in flavorLarger bulbs and more clovesGrows best inr egions with mild wintersBest for braiding

Elephant

Actually, a leek.Grows largest of all typesHas the mildest flavorStores wellDoes not braid

How To Grow

Plant from "seed garlic" bulbs purchased or from the previous season.

"Store" garlic is often sprayed with growth inhibitor.Seed garlic has not been sprayedSeperate the cloves, do not cut them up. Plant with blunt root facing down, pointed end facing up.

You'll want to space cloves 4"-6" apart and 1"-2" deep. You should have fertile soil, well-draining is a must, pH neutral, and you should avoid planting where alliums have been planted the previous season. Organic fertilizers can help its condition if you want to take the extra step to support your growing garlic. Garlic prefers full sun, at least 6 hours of daily sunlight. Water 1" per week, let the soil dry between watering, you don't want to overwater!

Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with Dr. Joe Fertilizing Tabs (raised beds) or with 20-20-20 and Microboost (In-ground) and keep the soil moist during fertilization. Har-neck garlic varieties produce scapes around the spring and summer, by removing them, you can encourage the production of larger bulbs.

When To Harvest

You can identify garlic bulbs that are ready to be pulled from the soil when you spot green leaves growing on the sides. Check to see if the leaves at the bottom of the stem are brown - if they are, your garlic should be ready to harvest! Before pulling your bulbs, take the time to loosen the soil around the plant. You can use a digging fork but make sure you insert it away from the bulb.

Storing Your Garlic After Harvest

Let your garlic cure after harvesting it by leaving it in a cool space with good ventilation. After this period is up, you can store your harvest in a cool, and dark spot. Your garlic should not be refrigerated. Soft-neck garlic lasts longer after being harvested than hard-neck garlic. With soft-neck garlic, you can expect your bulbs to stay in good condition for 9 months to 1 year.

Alternatively, you can leave the tops on, braid your garlic, and hang them in strings. The key here is to never store them in an airtight container. Garlic bulbs should be kept in a place where they can continue to get airflow.

Products of the Week:

Root Pouch

Complete Organic Fertilizer

Dr. Joe Fertilizing Tablets

Hanging Grow Light

Tonight, Greg and Sheila do a deep dive into everything onions! When to plant, how to fertilize, and so much more!

The Right Kind of Onions

Short Day

Short-Day varieties will form bulbs with 10-12 hours of daylight and only need mild winter climates (Zones 7 and warmer). These should be planted in the fall for maturity in late spring.

Intermediate Day

Intermediate-Day varieties will form bulbs with 12-14 hours of daylight, normally grown in zones 5-7, and should be planted in the fall.

Long Day

Long-Day varieties will form bulbs with 14-16 hours of daylight, typically grown in northern regions (Zones 6 and colder), and planted in late winter/early spring. 

Types of Onions

Bulbing Onions Spring/Bunching OnionsMultiplying

Fertilizing Bulbing Onions

Two important tips to remember, plant the right type of onion for your area and plant them at the right time. (Refer above)

In-Ground Planting for Zone 8 - make sure your soil PH is between 6.0 - 6.5, about 1 week before you plant you will need to incorporate 1.5 cups per 10 ft. of the row, of Complete Organic Fertilizer into your soil. Two weeks after planting your onions, add 2 cups of 20-20-20 per 1,000 sq. ft of garden space to your Hoss Fertilizer Injector. Every week after (for 3 consecutive weeks), you will add 2 cups of 20-20-20 and 1/2 cup of Microboost per 1,000 sq. ft. of garden space to your Hoss Fertilizer Injector. Every 4th week, side-dress with ammonium sulfate. About 30 days before you get ready to harvest your onions, you want to stop fertilizing your onions.

Raised Bed Planting for Zone 8 - make sure your soil PH is between 6.0 - 6.5, about 1 week before you plant you will need to incorporate 1.5 cups per 10 ft. of the row, of Complete Organic Fertilizer into your soil. Two weeks after you plant your onions, side-dress 2 cups of Hoss Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft. of row. Every week (for 3 consecutive weeks), use one tablet of each of Dr. Joe All-Purpose Growing Bubble and Dr. Joe Nutri Bubble (mix into a 1 gallon - 5-gallon watering container). Apply the Dr. Joe fertilizer as a drench to 10 ft. of row. Every 4th week, 1/2 cup Hoss Premium Ammonium Sulfate to 10 ft. of row. Repeat as necessary until 30 days before bulbing process.

Products of the Week:

Root Pouch

Onion Plants

Warrior Bunching Onions

Natsuguro Bunching Onions

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/1SRYcgFK884

Tonight, Greg and Sheila discuss their experiences at the Homesteaders of America Conference in Virginia this past weekend. Met with lots of affiliates, YouTubers, fans of Hoss Tools, and so much more!

What's Up in the Veg and Flower Garden:

Out in the main garden, Greg has lots of Sun Sugar tomatoes growing, along with his delicata squash. Sheila is still harvesting Jambalaya Okra and has finally started seeing blooms on her Roselle Hibiscus after many months of waiting.

Homesteaders of America

Greg and Sheila both agreed that it was a truly magical and heartwarming experience to be able to meet and see everyone at the Homesteaders of America Conference. "We were surrounded by so many great, knowledgable people - from YouTubers, Affiliates, and Hoss Tools Family, we are truly blessed.", Greg Says. "It was so heartwarming to be able to hug, shake hands, share stories, and finally meet a lot of these people we've known for years face to face and also add to our Hoss Tools family.", Sheila added. We took a lot of our affiliates that were there out to dinner and had a wonderful time with everyone. They have given us much advice on how to get started in raising pigs.

Cattywampus Acres

Jason and Lauren, from Metro Atlanta, make handcrafted soap and goodies from goat's milk. Jason is a police officer and Lauren is a butcher. On their farm, they have goats, pigs, chickens, a mini donkey, and a garden. Give them a follow here!

4 Kids and A Farm

Rachel and Aaron, from Northern California, and have 4 amazing kids. Aaron is a nurse, he could not say enough about Rachel and how she has such a major role in their homestead. We had a wonderful time talking to them and their commitment to raise their own food and be self-sustainable. They love to garden and share their knowledge about raising pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. Plus, being in northern California, they get to grow year-round! Give them a follow here!

Whispering Willow Farm

Jill and Nathan are from rural Arkansas. She is a self-taught gardener, which is so amazing to see in a new generation. They have recently purchased Roots and Refuge farm and are growing quickly. Sheila really enjoys watching her videos, Jill is down to earth and has the most calming voice. Give them a follow!

Just Dig It Farm

Tracy and Gene, from Alabama, have a dream of becoming self-sufficient and striving for a better, healthier lifestyle. Tracy has the most beautiful cottage garden. If you want to be inspired by an amazing potager garden, you should check them out. They have lots of animals, orchards, and she is such an inspiration to Sheila. Follow them!

Stivers Homestead

Zack and Gen are from the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky. We also had the pleasure of meeting their daughter Ray Ray. They have a passion for preserving food, raising animals, homesteading, and gardening. They are known for their Calendula Salve! Great stuff. They also have an Airbnb. Tons of animals, including Kune Kune pigs. Y'all should check them out!

2 Quacks & 5 Clucks Farm

Scott is one of our newest affiliates, mainly on TikTok. Scott and his wife are from Virginia. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting him. He is extremely knowledgeable in gardening and has a big following. He teaches you the easy ways to garden and gives you the skills you need. They have pasteurized chickens and a growing garden! Give him a follow!

The Honeystead

Kaylee from Quail Hollow Farm is a beekeeper, gardener, and forager. On her farm, she has chickens, goats, cows,

Tonight, it is Sheila's turn to answer the gardening questions. She speaks on preserving, raised beds, and so much more! Even how she "puts up with Greg".

Ask a Gardening Expert

Q & A

What tips can you share for someone just getting started with canning and preserving their harvest?

Find a mentor with experienceUse fresh produce in good conditionHave all the proper equipment/ingredients before you startSet aside the time, once you start you have to finishFollow directions/recipe ingredients exactly

What are things you can every single year?

SoupTomatoes (stweed, Italian, Juice, Cherry)Green BeansPickles

Can you recommend some books on canning that would have information on what to look for in a pressure canner and recipes?

Sheila uses the "Ball, Blue Book - guide to preserving". It has a lot of information on the different types of pressure canners, as well as recipes.

How is irrigation systems set up in raised beds?

Currently, Sheila is using a water hose, watering can, and sometimes a sprinkler due to the fact that her 20 year+ old raised beds and the wood is "giving way". There is no system set up right now but Greg plans on redesigning the raised beds and getting the system put down.

So, you use cover crops in your raised beds?

"Not intentionally but I do plant mustard in the Fall, and in the summer I will rotate sunflowers in most of the beds.", Sheila says. It's really easy to do. I never keep my raised beds empty.

Hello, Mrs. Hoss. What are your favorite recipes for making pickled okra and whole pickles? Thank you.

"I do 3 types of pickled okra, sweet, spicy, and dill. My "go-to" book for these recipes is the Pickled Pantry. Hoss prefers the spicy okra. If you will email [email protected], and request the recipes, we will be happy to send them to you. As far as pickle recipes, I always use my grandmother's recipes for sweet pickles, fermented dill, and bread and butter.", Sheila says.

What is the best way to get into canning? Books first or jump right in?

Definitely go by a recipe from a trusted source. I love the Ball Book. Begin with something simple that requires just a water bath, such as tomatoes.

Should I add compost every year to my raised beds? I have mostly flowers. Some are perennials. Most are annuals; I had some red snapper tomatoes. Can I plant tomatoes there next year? I've heard it's not a good idea.

I add compost twice a year to my raised beds. Before my summer crop and before my fall crops. Yes, tomatoes can be planted behind the flowers.

What do you personally water bath can?

Any type of tomatoes and bread and butter pickles. I use my pressure canner for vegetables, meats, poultry, and soups/stews because of the low acidity.

Do you have any recipes for preserving homegrown ginger? (Not candied ginger)

I do not but if any of our listeners do, please send them in so we can share them.

Besides fermenting, what other ways can you preserve cabbage? Is it possible to freeze it in shreds?

I have a recipe in the Blue Book for Freezer Slaw, it includes shredded cabbage, peppers, onions, and carrots. You can email us at [email protected] for the recipe. We will send it out to you.

How do you amend your raised beds?

I use the compost and complete organic fertilizer twice a year.

We have a very special guest on the show, Dr. Glen Harris of the University of Georgia. Glen specializes in Environmental Soil & Fertilizers. Tonight, Greg and Glen do a deep dive into what exactly is in fertilizers. It's time to plant cool weather cover crops and short maturing greens (Mustard, Turnips, Kohlrabi, and Spinach).

What's In Fertilizer?

Fertilizer Labels

A generic label in most garden centers uses 13-13-13. With any and all labels, the first number you see on a fertilizer label is for Nitrogen, the second number is phosphorous, and the third is Potassium. (N, P, K) Glen states that the numbers on these labels are all the same around the world! For it to be a "complete fertilizer" it will need to also include micronutrients as the secondary, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and iron (to name a few).

Nitrogen

Ammoniacal Nitrogen (NH3-N) is nitrogen derived from ammonia. One form of nitrogen that your plants regularly use. Most commonly found in the soil is ammonium. It is naturally created by the nitrogen cycle (or introduced) through synthesized fertilizers and deposited into the soil. If you have a high PH in your soil, it can "gas up" and leave the soil (volatilization).

Plants have the ability to take up many chemical forms of nitrogen. Most common, Ammonium (NH-4) which has a positive charge and can be held by the soil; Nitrate (NO-3) which has a negative charge and will have trouble holding onto the soil (too much rain can cause this issue), and Urea ((NH-2)CO)) which has no charge. Many commercial fertilizers contain mixes of a combination of all three of these nitrogen forms. Plants need both Ammonium and Nitrate. Nitrate is very important for your soil and it is the main driver for proteins in your plant.

Urea Nitrogen, when applied to your soil, begins to break down as soon as it is applied. It will hydrolyze and convert into ammonium and carbon dioxide. The main drawback with Urea is the tendency to be lost through volatilization, which is the loss of applied nitrogen to the atmosphere as ammonia gas.

Phosphate/Phosphorous

Phosphorous plays a primary role in storing and transferring energy produced by photosynthesis for use in the growth and reproductive process in your plants. Rock Phosphate is an organic source of phosphorous and an issue with this source when putting it directly into your garden. Other types include wood ash, bone meal, manure, and vermicomposted manure. Wood Ash is the most rapidly available organic source of phosphate.

"Phosphorous should be managed. It is immobile in our soil, will build up and get bound in our soil.", Glen Harris states. It is important for early seed/seedling growth. The roots of the seedlings will have to intercept with the phosphorous and that is mainly why there is phosphorous used in started fertilizers.

Potassium

Potassium Chloride is the most widely used potassium source worldwide, this aids healthy plant growth disease resistance. It is associated with the movement of water, carbohydrates, and nutrients in plant tissue. The common salt often referred to as potash, is widely used as a major fertilizer. Potassium also helps in reducing water loss and wilting, it also reduces respiration, preventing energy losses.

Potassium chloride is a naturally mined salt, and surprisingly it is considered non-organic. You do not want too much or it could potentially kill the microbes in your soil but if used correctly, it will be very beneficial to your soil.

Just as Important

Boron is a secondary element and many of the vegetable crops need and love boron in ...

Tonight, Jennifer with Fancy Girl Farms joins Greg in a discussion into flower farming and how you and your children can enjoy the growing beautiful flowers all year long and make a little extra cash doing it!

What's Up in the Veg and Flower Garden:

In the recent weeks here in southwest Georgia, there has been a lot of rain, which has put so many farmers and gardeners behind on their fall planting. With too much rain, the ground is too saturated to plant. Greg is planning on starting his turnips and mustards in the next couple of weeks. In winter cover crops, in Zone 8 you want to go ahead and start thinking about getting your cover crops in the ground between October 1st through October 15th. Greg's favorite cover crop has always been clover. Jennifer stated that she planted red clover last year and that it did great but the white dutch clover was an issue for her. Greg suggests that Hairy Vtech and Winter Rye is the "GO-TO" mix for beginners and for those who do not know which cover crop they need to plant.

Cool Season Flowers

For the home gardener, Jennifer suggests growing Snapdragons. Snapdragons have great germination and are easy to start from seed. They take that frost great and will over-winter better than most any flower. Sweet Peas is another one that many people do not think of growing like a flower, they do require protection from the frost but when they bloom in the early spring, they don't have much bloom time but when they do, they smell amazing and look great. Strawflowers are also one that Fancy Girl Farms is growing that is very easy to grow in the winter.

Flower Arrangement:

Jennifer suggests using the 5 key ingredients in flower farming while making bouquets; focal flowers, fillers, spikes, discs, and your airy flowers. Zinnias are considered a disc or focal flower depending on the time of the year. Basil is another great filler for bouquets, adds a wonderful smell and beautiful greenery. A spike flower like the salvia or any blue flower will make the bouquet pop. Celosia is also considered a "spike" flower, it will give you the color and greenery.

Making Extra Money Growing Flowers:

How kids (and you) can make some extra money, Flower Farming! It teaches kids the value of the business and getting them involved in the importance of growing. Greg asks, "What is easy to grow for the beginner"? Jennifer suggests starting with Zinnias, the Zinnia is inexpensive, great germination rate, and produces so many blooms. Sunflowers is the 2nd top flower to grow for the beginner. Sunnies can be a "one-hit wonder", like the Pro-Cut Sunflowers. Pro-Cut produces a single stem and single bloom but with so many variations of colors, you will be a big hit at the marker. Most market farmers will get $.75 - $1.25 per stem for the sunflowers. Jennifer suggests doing a "You-Cut" day where you can be open to the public and they can cut their own sunflowers or zinnias, of course, you want to have a larger area for this. Lemon Basil and Cinnamon Basil are great to grow for bouquets; herbs, in general, are great. Think outside of the box!!

What Do You Need To Get Started:

Knowledge!! Do your research! Jennifer suggests finding a flower farmer that has been doing it a long time. Lisa Ziegler is a great one to start with, she has many books and online classes that you can take as beginners. "It truly is just learning how to start seeds and learning from there, if you can read some books and do some research before you get started, you will already be ahead of the game.", Jennifer states. Knowing what type of nutrients they need, how much water, and have just a little patience and you will be growing in no time!

We are excited to have Tracy Lee from Sakata Seeds back at Hoss HQ. With over 25 years of experience in the seed industry, Tracey has a wealth of knowledge of seed varieties of which she and Greg will discuss tonight!

Insights on Varieties for Fall Planting:

What are Brassicas? Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts, among many others, are just a few in the brassica family.

Broccoli

Tracy says " If you are hesitant at first, once you know what variety to purchase and what to look for then you will want to continue to grow broccoli. Broccoli is a very popular and big commercial crop, if you are growing or eating broccoli, there is a 75% chance it came from Sakata Seeds.

"Green Magic Broccoli is one of the best varieties to start with if you are a beginner or wanting to have great success in your harvesting. This variety (unlike many varieties) isn't "too" specific, meaning it can be grown almost anywhere and in any climate. It is wildly adapted. It will be your best bet.", Tracy says.

"Imperial Broccoli has a really strong root system and is one of the best as far as heat tolerance.", Tracy states. Greg suggests that if you are a beginner gardener or just new to growing broccoli, Imperial is the way to go.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower gets a bad reputation, it is one of the least grown crops in the home garden. "It can be a little more finicky than a lot of the other cold crops, it is a little more skeptical to heat damage and will bolt as soon as it gets warm. Frost does not improve cauliflower, you want to give it plenty of time to be able to develop ahead before your first frost.", Tracy says.

To protect the color of your cauliflower, you can take a rubber band and pull the leaves up around the head when the head is about 3-4", the leaves will shade the head and protect the color of the head.

Twister Cauliflower has a bright white head and how it got its name is from the leaves being able to fold up on its own and protect the head without having to rubber band those leaves yourself. It is also a variety that is only available to the home gardener that will do that. A "self-wrapper" variety.

Collards

Collards aren't picky when it comes to the weather, they are way more adaptable than other plants. Flash collards mature early, you can continue to cut back or "crop" this variety. "You will get a lot nicer, bigger, more uniform leaves with flash collards.", Tracy says.

A fun fact on Flash Collard, this variety has become extremely popular for growing baby greens and microgreens indoors.

Kale

Kale is known as the "superfood." Interestingly, Kale is the most cold-hardy plant. It can tolerate temperatures down to zero degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand snow. Normally, Kale takes about 3 months to mature. The top 3 most popular varieties are Red Russian Kale, Lacinato Kale, and Blue Ridge Kale.

Cabbage

"Cabbage, in general, will take freezing temperatures but it can affect the texture of the cabbage head.", Tracy says. The Bobcat Cabbage variety is considered a "fresh market" cabbage because it doesn't have that stronger, sharper, or "old-fashion" cabbage taste but it is on the sweeter side. This variety has an extremely dense head. If you get a lot of rain, cabbage heads will split.

China Star is Chinese cabbage. The best way to describe it to someone who has never tried it is "tastes like cabbage, feels like lettuce". It has the texture and the look of crisp, romaine lettuce.

Tonight, Greg and Sheila do a rapid-fire Q & A session. We asked our followers and members of the Row By Row Facebook group to send in gardening questions that they may have for Greg to answer.

Questions & Answers Part 1:

Thoughts on using Round-Up Weed Kill around the edge of the garden? I'm in Zone 8 a/b and hybrid Bermuda grass runners are hard to keep out. "There is a lot of controversy out there regarding using "round-up" but I use it around the edge of my garden. It is ideal to use for the grass runners but ultimately it is a personal preference. I do not use it in my vegetable garden but I have been known to edge my garden with it", Greg states.

Will there ever be a clear dome made for the Heavy-Duty Bottom Trays? I don't have a greenhouse and it would be helpful for us in germinating our seeds in the house. "Probably not, the heavy-duty bottom tray is a catch basin for overflow of water for the 162 cell and 338 cell seed starting trays. There are no domes currently out there that are USA-made that we can find to carry. We do have smaller trays that have domes but for the larger trays, we do not have them", Greg answers.

All of my fall crops are loaded with whiteflies. They fly out like crazy. I sprayed with Sevin but it doesn't even phase them and I spray them when they are flying out as well, doesn't seem to affect them. "Whiteflies are tough to get rid of. We have done a couple of videos on this exact issue. You want to use Horticultural Oil (you can even use dish detergent), spray early in the morning or late in the evening, spray underneath the leaf." Greg says.

What vegetable or flower should never be grown in a pot because their roots grow so deep? "I'm not saying it can't be done but I would not grow corn, okra, or roselle in pots because of their deep root system.", Greg states.

Questions & Answers Part 2:

How do you know when to harvest the Roselle bush? "You want to pick it 7-10 days after it blooms, harvest it when it's tender, not when it's dry. The more you harvest, the more blooms you will have and will be able to continue to harvest for a few weeks.", Sheila answers.

Can I plant swiss chard right now in Zone 8? "Heck yeah, you have plenty of time to plant swiss chard. It does plenty of cold weather, I would say you can plant all the way up to November.", Greg says.

Can potatoes be planted again in summer or fall? I live in North Georgia, Zone 7B. "Potatoes can be grown either time, it is a lot more difficult to get seed potatoes in the fall but it can be done. Potatoes do not like the summer heat, we will plant them in the early spring and leave the summertime for okra", Greg answers.

What are tomato varieties that you have that would do good for fall and when should they be started? "Seems like you may be a little late, we normally plant our fall tomatoes in July in Zone 8. The two varieties that I am growing that I believe would be good for almost anywhere in the fall is Florida 91 and Homestead varieties."

Questions & Answers Part 3:

When to plant collards, sown in the ground in Zone 8a for the fall? Greg says, "You can plant them now and continue to plant them up until early November."

When do I start onions and garlic in Zone 7b, slightly north of Atlanta? "With garlic, you want to plant it 2-4 weeks before your first frost date. If you are growing a short day onion variety it will be the same thing, 2-4 weeks before the first frost. Anytime between October 15th and the first of November would be the ideal time to plant both, garlic and onions in Zone 7."

I'm in South Florida, I've heard that peppers love the sun.

Tonight Greg and special guest, Jeremy Kichler from the University of Georgia Corporative Extension discuss all the dirty details on soil sample basics. Jeremy is the Colquitt County agent and has been helping commercial farmers, gardeners, and new homeowners for 21 years with researched-based information.

BASIC SOIL SAMPLING

Soil sample bags are available at most county extension offices. Soil samples routinely check the PH, Sulfur, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and so much more! If you are testing a large amount of area, you may need more than one soil sample if the soil has a lot of variation, you should take more than one sample.

Collecting Soil Sample

Most county extension offices will lend you a soil probe to collect your soil samples, you can also use a shovel. In gardening, get 6"-8" deep (around the root zone), for a lawn sample you want to go 4" deep and for orchards 8"-10". It all depends on what you are wanting to test and how deep-rooted it is. A good way to make sure you have a good test is to collect 10-12 samples throughout the area you are working with, mix them up in a "plastic" bucket (using a galvanized bucket will throw your zinc reading off), and then collect your sample with soil (fill to the line). It is very important to make sure all of your information is filled out on your soil sample bag. The typical basic soil sample costs $6.00 (USD) plus postage.

What do you get with a soil sample test?

Collecting a sample of soil is very beneficial, you receive a test of your soil levels of potassium, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and most importantly soil PH. Greg recommends adjusting PH levels (if needed) with pelletized lime. Potassium and phosphorous are two of three major elements you need to have a successful garden. If you're wanting to have a good crop of corn, phosphorous is a key element, if you are too high in this element, you can use a fertilizer with lower phosphorus (15-0-15). Potassium helps with root development and the overall health of the plant; if your soil has too much potassium, it can be leached out with a big amount of rain.

Calcium and Magnesium are two of the most misunderstood elements in the soil for vegetable gardeners. Calcium is the element that helps build the cell thickness in certain plants, such as bell peppers, and prevents blossom end rot. If calcium and magnesium get out of balance with one another, they can compete with one another. If you need to add magnesium, you can use Magnesium Sulfate. Both of these elements have the same charge but will work against each other. Zinc is an important element when it comes to pecan orchards or cornfields. If you have high zinc index levels in your soil, the higher your PH levels need to be. Greg and Jeremy cannot stress the importance of knowing soil sample basics and getting a soil sample done before gardening.

Vegetable & Ornamental Weeder

Vegetable & Ornamental Weeder is a preemergence herbicide, with the main ingredient of Trifluralin. Trifluralin is a root inhibitor, if you already have weeds up in your garden, this product will not help you. You can use the Vegetable & Ornamental Weeder will work on crabgrass, pigweed, small seed grasses, and other broadleaf grass (does not work with nutgrass). Make sure your plants (such as pumpkins, cucumbers, squash, etc.) are around 5" in height before you use the weeder around your plants.

Products of the Week

Vegetable & Ornamental Weeder

Strawberry Plugs

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://youtu.be/rYp2XzPl650

Challenges of Growing Fall Garden:

Temperature

For gardeners in late summer months, it can be tough. The heat in the southern states can become a big challenge with your spring/summer crops winding down and starting to die off. Temperature plays a big factor in wanting to get out and be in the garden. August and September normally are months of transition, starting to plan your fall garden, getting your seeds started and figuring out when to direct seed or transplant is a big factor in fall gardening. Time Management is important, garden in the early morning and late evening.

Weather

Unpredictable weather is another big factor in the southern states. A lot of rain can cause many issues in the gardening including diseased plants, such as powdery mildew, and blight. It can also stunt your crop and prevent pollinators from being able to work affecting the blossoming of fruits and vegetables. Dry weather also plays a big factor during the transition period. Drip Irrigation is a garden saver when it comes to having dry weather. Living in states that have tropical storms and hurricanes you may tend to question whether or not you would need a drip irrigation system but it is always a good idea to put down your drip tape just as a precaution.

Bug Pressure

Whiteflies are one of the biggest issues you will see during the late summer months, typically feeding on the undersides of plant leaves. They are closely related to aphids, mealybugs, and scale. Horticultural Oil works great on soft-bodied insects, safe and you can spray up until harvesting. It is best to spray early morning and/or late in the afternoon. Horticultural Oil will not work on worms, such as cabbage loopers and horn worms because they can become problematic as well. Spinosad, Monterey B.T., and Bug Buster II, you can use any these by themselves or together. A good schedule is rotating Spinosad, B.T., and Bug Buster II every 7 days.

Disease Problems

There is more humidity in the fall, which means more plant diseases. The hot temperatures and humidity will create powdery or Downey mildew in your cucumber and squash plants. Planting disease resistant varieties will also help to combat certain diseases. A fungicide and a insecticide on a 7 day schedule. Garden Phos is great for controlling late blight, root rot, and more. Stay proactive!

Weed Pressure

Weed pressure is always the worst in the fall, you are fighting against summer annuals and summer perennials, along with summer and winter weeds. Crabgrass is one of the biggest issues many gardeners have. Vegetable and Ornamental Weeder is good to use in the garden but make sure you read the label to know where you can use it depending on what crops you have growing.

Exciting Things From Hoss Tools

We currently preselling Strawberry Plugs from Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. We also will have German White Garlic cloves in the next few weeks which we've never provided to our customers in the past, we will, of course, have Elephant Garlic and our 3 varieties of shallots. Another exciting plant we will provide this fall will be 3 varieties of onion bulbs.

Products of the Week

Strawberry Plugs

Horticultural Oil

Vegetable & Ornamental Weeder

Watch the Complete Show on YouTube Below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OArTyatt4hU