Summer activities in the garden

Potatoes. Potatoes never bloomed, but as stalks yellowed and potatoes near the surface showed, it was time to harvest. Only a few plants were pulled, potatoes allowed to air dry in a shady place, then they will be washed, dried again, and stored in the vegetable keeper of my refrigerator. Any potatoes growing near the surface and showing green in the skin are used first, the green portion removed. This is being done in batches for better drying. Cucumbers. Cucumbers, along with strawberries and potatoes, have a fun factor of hiding so you must be smarter than they are. Cucumbers are the same color as their leaves so it is not enough to look carefully and push leaves around. Pretend you have passed a section, then look back, the different angle of looking often reveals a sneaky cuke. Cooled cucumbers are amazingly refreshing. New trees. If you planted a tree or shrub this year or last, they still need special attention during dry times. When rainfall is spotty or non-existent be sure to provide two gallons/inch of stem diameter/week all at once. It is better for root development for the water to come all at once rather than daily. Houseplants. Houseplants are expected to grow during the summer so they get a fertilizer drink early on to support growth. They get another one now to supply nutrients washed out by rains or watering. It is probably the last fertilizing they will get this year since they are not encouraged to grow over the winter, just stay alive. Pruning. Pruning has been put off since it is so humid and hot outside but try to do a little every so often. Woody plants that bloomed in late spring/early summer like mock orange, lilac, flowering quince, (male) holly, and buttonbush should be pruned to keep them manageable. Evergreens like yew and juniper should be pruned, in all these cases there is enough time for new growth to sprout and then harden off before frost. Prune to remove unwanted woody plants. Invasive, non-native plants like tree of heaven and woody honeysuckle, natives like mulberry, dogwood, and redbud, and the seeds of oaks, maples and elms that are growing near your foundation or elsewhere should be pruned to their base then poisoned to prevent regrowth. Herbs. The annual herbs, basil, dill, parsley and cilantro, are all growing well now. Leaves can be dried (air, oven or dehydrator) or stored for use in the refrigerator by rinsing them, then wrapping in paper towels so the towel is wet. They keep well for a week or more and you have fresh herbs at their peak. Planning. A few of my raised beds are emptying as garlic, peas, and potatoes are harvested and the beds prepared for late summer plantings. Whatever was growing there has depleted the soil of nutrients, add nutrients back with granular fertilizer, a bag of potting soil, your own compost, etc. In late July or August, peas, carrots, spinach and zucchini are planted for fall harvest. They may not like the heat but will thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall. It is probably not too late to plant melons and pumpkins since they still have 2-3 months of growing time. Enjoy the amazing taste of fresh vegetables from your garden. Susan Carty is professor emerita at Heidelberg University.