Top things you can plant late summer
If you’re thinking about starting a garden this year, it’s not too late to get some things in the ground.
While most vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers will be required to be pre-grown, you can still plant several leafy greens from the seed, according to Rachelle Hofmeister, manager of the tree, shrub, and perennial department at Dutch Growers.
“You would still have enough time to get them in the ground now and still have a harvest,” Hofmeister said, noting that these sorts of plants have a shorter maturity date.
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
These are also perfect for first time gardeners because they are fairly easy to grow, Hofmeister noted.
“They grow fast so it’s easy to have success with those sorts of things and then it helps you build your confidence to try other things,” she said.
Hofmeister said it is also the perfect time to plant perennial flowers, which grow back every season.
She said it is a good idea to mix flowers in with your vegetable garden because they attract pollinators.
Perennial flowers that bees are attracted to include flowers that have a flat landing pad.
- Coneflowers
- Yarrows
- Milkweed
- Shasta daisies
Plants such as marigold or salvia (sage) have the added bonus of keeping bugs out of your garden.
“[This] helps to deter pests because they don’t like the aroma or the fragrance that’s given off by the flower,” she said.
If you have pets, Hofmeister noted that the vast majority of all perennial flowering plants are fine, but tomato plants can be toxic to dogs, as they are in the nightshade family.
If you already have a garden, she recommends using a floating row cover to protect your plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbages, from white moths.
“[It] is a really good non-toxic way to protect your plants by not having to spray any chemicals,” she said. “Also really good for keeping flea beetles off of your plants.”
She also recommends keeping up with the soil in your garden.
“It’s really important to work in things like compost, or worm casting or peat moss into the ground, on a regular basis every year or so to help to recharge that soil and help to add organic matter and drainage, it really helps a lot,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.