Weekend Gardening: Time To Plant Those Fall Vegetables
September 17, 2016
by Santa Rosa Extension
The slightest hint of fall is in the air. But this doesn’t mean that the vegetable gardening season is over. Fall is an excellent time to grow cool-season vegetables.
Florida is unique in that we have multiple growing seasons. There is something that can be grown in the vegetable garden all year round. Knowing which vegetables to grow during which season is the key to having a successful harvest.
In the summer, gardeners are somewhat limited in the different types of warm-season vegetables that can be grown and will survive the heat. Now with cooler days approaching, we have a much wider selection of cool-season vegetables to plant.
In September many vegetables can be planted in the garden including beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, kale, kohlrabi, leek, lettuce, mustard, onions and radish. In October, you can plant Chinese cabbage, spinach and strawberries.
These vegetables are best started from transplants but many can be direct-seeded. If you seed them directly into the soil, keep the ground moist while it’s still warm to give them a good start. Keep them well watered if you transplant, too. The later you start, the smarter it becomes to transplant to cut the time to maturity. Preparing the garden properly is as important as selecting the right plants.
Choose a sunny location. Most vegetables perform poorly in shade. An area that receives at least eight hours of sunlight per day is best. Some vegetables such as broccoli, collards and spinach will tolerate partial shade. Avoid locating your garden near hedges or trees. They not only create too much shade but also compete with the garden for moisture and nutrients.
Locating the garden near the house will make it easier to periodically check the garden for insect pests and disease. And, it is easier to keep an eye on the garden for larger pests such as birds, squirrels and rabbits. Closeness to the house will make it convenient in tending to the garden chores.
Locate the garden near a water supply so it can be watered as needed. You’ll get only moderate results if you try to grow a garden without supplemental irrigation.
Of course, it’s important to prepare beds properly before planting. To do that, clear the site of all weeds or finished vegetable plants. Turn the soil with a shovel, fork or tiller to a depth of at least 8 inches, and spread a 2-inch to 4-inch layer of organic matter (leaves, grass clippings, aged manure or compost) over the tilled soil. This helps to maintain a high level of organic matter in the soil, which encourages a strong, healthy root system, improves drainage, retains moisture, provides nutrients and promotes vigorous plant growth.
Mix the organic matter thoroughly into the soil. Turn the soil by digging with a shovel, garden fork or a tiller until the materials you’ve added are evenly distributed in the soil. When using fresh organic amendments, it’s best to wait a couple of weeks before planting your transplants or seeds.
By this time of year, insects and diseases have had all summer to build up their populations. Insects such as whiteflies, stink bugs, aphids and caterpillars are commonly seen. Since insect and disease pressure often is greater in the late summer/early fall than in the spring, watch plants carefully for problems and use appropriate control measures promptly when needed. Contact your local Extension Office for control recommendations.
Century Chamber Plans October Fall Festival, Vendors Needed
September 15, 2016
The Century Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a Fall & Craft Festival & Car Show for Saturday, October 15 at Showalter Park.
The event will feature craft booths, family fun, food, a car show and entertainment featuring The Horseshoe Halo Band and Michael Peterson.
The chamber is currently seeking vendors, entertainment and sponsors for the event. For a vendor booth application, click here. For sponsorship or other information, call Kim at (850) 256-3208 or email kgodwin@centuryflorida.us.
The festival is sponsored in part by NorthEscambia.com.
Pictured: NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
Irrigation And Crop Management Field Day Held In Oak Grove
September 14, 2016
UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County hosted an Irrigation and Crop Management Field Day Tuesday in Oak Grove.
Farmers interested in irrigation systems, crop consultants, and representatives from educational and government agencies participated in the program at Sam and Scott Walker’s Farm on North Highway 99 near Melvin Road.
Participants learned about soil moisture sensors, in ground devices that detect how much water is in the soil and alert the user to real-time watering need. The soil moisture sensors, coupled with UF/IFAS developed mobile apps, help farmers irrigate crops more precisely and efficiently.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century’s Splash Pad Opening Delayed By Valve Problem
September 13, 2016
One week ago, we reported that Century’s new splash pad was installed, but not yet officially opened.
The splash pad had been operational at times, but Century Mayor Freddie McCall said Monday that it now turned off awaiting the installation of a new part, which could happen as early as Friday. Once it’s up and running, a grand opening and official hours will be announced.
A $50,000 Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant was awarded to the town last October to fund the splash pad. The competitive grant program provides state funds to develop lands for public outdoor recreational use, such as building or renovating sports facilities or playgrounds. Century was the only recipient of the grant last year in Escambia County.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Scouts Surprise Local Heroes On 9/11
September 12, 2016
To mark 9/11 on Sunday, Webelos Scouts from Pack 499 and a girl scout from Troop 913, surprised local heroes at the Ferry Pass Fire Station with baked goods, handshakes and thank-yous for all they do everyday to protect the local community. The scouts also received a station tour. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Woodlawn’ Author To Speak In Molino This Sunday; Free Showing Of Movie
September 10, 2016
This Sunday is “Woodlawn Sunday” at Highland Baptist Church in Molino.
Todd Geralds, the author of the book Woodlawn and the son of Tandy Geralds, the coach in the film Woodlawn, will be the special guest at the church. Woodlawn is a riveting true story of courage, strength, and football at the height of racial tension in Birmingham. The book has inspired the motion picture Woodlawn, and tells the story of Coach Tandy Gerelds, his running back Tony Nathan, and a high school football game that healed a city.
Geralds will speak during the Highland Mens’ Breakfast at 7 a.m., and during morning workship at 10:45 a.m.
The church will present a special free showing of the movie Woodlawn at 6 p.m. Sunday.
The 2015 film grossed $14.4 million at the box office.
Molino Park Elementary Mourns Loss Of ‘Granny Ward’
September 9, 2016
Molino Park Elementary School is mourning the loss of a beloved volunteer known to most as just “Granny”.
Granny, Mrs. Lillian Adell Ward, passed away Wednesday at age 86. She was a foster grandparent and a longtime volunteer that gave selflessly to the students.
Funeral services for Ward are Friday afternoon at Highland Baptist Church where she was a lifetime member (complete obituary).
Pictured: Molino Park Elementary School volunteer “Granny”, Mrs. Lillian Adell Ward, passed away Wednesday. Pictured below: Granny Ward celebrates her birthday with Molino Park students last May. Photos by Kim Stefansson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Storytime Held Each Week At A Library Branch Near You
September 8, 2016
During Storytime Wednesday at the Molino Branch Library, little readers had a chance to be silly with songs and dancing, two good stories about good manners, played with bubbles and practiced their good manners by sharing bouncy balls.
Storytime — with stories, songs and movement activities designed to build future readers — is held as follows:
Molino Branch
Weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
(No Winter Break)
Century Branch
Weekly on Thursdays at 4 p.m.
(*Winter Break Dec 12 through Jan 17)
Pensacola Library
Weekly on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
(*Winter Break Dec 12 through Jan 17)
Southwest Branch
Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
(*Winter Break Dec 12 through Jan 17)
Tryon Branch
Mommy & Me: Weekly on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Mommy & Me is a lapsit program for babies and their special someone.
Preschool Story Time: Weekly on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
(*Winter Break Dec 12 through Jan 17)
Westside Branch
Weekly on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
(No Winter Break)
Pictured: Wednesday’s Storytime at the Molino Branch Library. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Let The Music Play: Escambia Academy, Northview Band Photo Gallery
September 8, 2016
For a photo gallery featuring the Northview and Escambia Academy bands from Friday night, click here (including NHS dance team, NJROTC).
For a previous game action gallery click here.
For a previous cheerleader and mini-cheerleader gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Learn To Start Your Cool Season Garden This Saturday
September 7, 2016
The Escambia Extension Horticulture Program will present a program on “Starting Your Cool Season Garden” this Saturday morning at 10:30 at the Molino Branch Library at 6450-A Highway 95A. The program will cover how to start and how to grow cool weather edibles. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.