In a pickle
Several years ago, my wife and I decided we needed to start playing pickleball.
We started slowly at first, just a casual game here and there. But, it didn’t take long to figured out that we really enjoyed it.
Now, we’re playing regularly, and I’ve even joined in a weekly men’s league. I’m not saying that I’m any good, but I sure do have a lot of fun playing!
If you’re not familiar with what pickleball is, think of it as a scaled down version of tennis, played with a Wiffle Ball-like ball and hard paddles instead of rackets.
It’s like a cross between tennis and ping-pong—with a little bit of badminton tossed in there for good measure.
Most importantly, it’s fairly easy to play... even for us old folks!
Cameron Rees, General Manager
I’m never going to make the pro circuit, but I’m still enjoying myself.
We’re into the summer grind now and hotter weather has been hanging around a lot more. I can feel it’s affect on the court on pickle ball nights, and I can see it in my landscape in between rain events. Hydration is the key for both.
Make sure you’re getting out there and enjoying your summer!
—Cameron
What’s New?
“Thymely” advice
Last chance to stop grubs
If all the Japanese Beetles buzzing around have you a little concerned about future grub problems, there’s still time to do something about it. But, your window of opportunity is almost closed.
Those Japanese Beetles, along with other common summertime beetles—like June Bugs, May Beetles and Southern Masked Chafers—are laying eggs that will hatch later on this summer; and then turn into the next generation of white grubs.
If you’re wanting to prevent them from being a problem, Hi-Yield Grub Free Zone III is your solution, and it needs to go down immediately. Don’t wait, or it won’t work.
And, don’t forget to water it in!
If you have questions, just stop by the garden store and ask.
time to get those fall seeds started
With all the tomatoes, peppers and zucchini you may be surrounded with now, it could be hard to wrap your head around preparing for fall crops. However, July and August are the best times to begin fall and winter food gardening.
Although you can use the same seeds you already have, now is the best time to start those cold tolerant varieties that everyone loves. Depending upon timing, you might look for more heat tolerant varieties as well.
There are two things to consider when preparing for fall crops:
First, have you harvested your summer crops and need to replenish? Maybe those irritating pests have done a number on those squash plants and you want to try again. Summer months can be a great time to start seeds germinating. Soils are warm, which promotes good growth, and insects and diseases are less troublesome with fall crops. Crops such as green beans, summer squash, cucumbers and basil are some that do very well through this last half of summer.
Second, is planting crops that do much better in the cooler temps. Cold crops such as garlic, carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, lettuce and spinach like the cooler temperatures. I mean, who doesn’t want to garden in cooler, refreshing temperatures?! It sure does beat the summer heat and keeps the gardening blues away.
These crops can be direct seeded, or can be started in seed trays and transplanted out later. A challenge for fall gardening is establishing seedlings because the hot, dry summer winds can dry out the soil. So, watering is key. However, some prefer to do transplants of established seedlings. Closer to September, the garden store carries things like lettuce and spinach for just this.
What about the Kansas heat?
That’s a great question. Using shade cloths, mulches and careful watering will improve the success of your fall garden. You could also start those seeds indoors amid cooler temps, and transplant them into your garden for the fall. Also, remember that those varieties that have shorter “days to maturity” are a great way to ensure you get a crop before it gets too cold. (Or, in our case, longer heat waves.)
Warm days promote growth, and cooler nights develop the flavors and quality of the harvest. In no time you’ll be knee deep in all those wonderful vegetables. With the right timing, supplies and the help of Mother Nature your fall crops could be thriving come winter.
Stop in today and speak with one of our knowledgeable staff to get you all of the supplies you need to have the most success in the fall.
I’ll see you there… Happy gardening!
—Melissa Anderson