Gardening by the Moon Weekend To-Do
An idea as old as agriculture, based both folklore and superstition but there are scientific ideas to back it up.
Lunar Phase: 4th Quarter begins on Wednesday August 4 Saturday-Sunday: Moon in the sign of Aries - Harvest, cultivate, weed and control pests.- …When harvesting string beans be careful not to yank the beans off the stem as they’re easily broken. Beans are picked every other day when they begin to mature so make sure that they produce to their full potential.
Later in the Week
Tuesday-Wednesday: Moon in the sign of Taurus - Plant for root growth and divide perennials.- … Bearded Iris clumps can be dug up and divided at this time of the year. However, if we’re having warm to hot temperatures that is in the 90’s, I might wait for it to cool down.
- …Eggplants are harvested when the fruits reach full size, the skin is glossy, and the flesh firm. In addition, press the skin gently with your thumb. If it bounces back without cracking, the fruits are ready to harvest.
Other Things To-do
- …When the Blackberry and Raspberry harvest is completed, it's the time to prune off the old fruiting canes. These canes are pruned off at the ground as they will never produce again. Next years crop comes from the new shoots at the base of the plant. You then select the most vigorous canes and attach them to a trellis. All the rest of the growth is cut off.
- ...And finally, remove all struggling tomato, pepper and other veggies in preparation for planting the fall and winter crops. Seeds can be started now and transplants will be available in September at your favorite garden center.