Welcome to Can You Dig It?, your monthly column for all things related to the farm or garden so you don’t ruin the best part of growing food: harvesting. This month we want to continue to talk about pests and diseases and share some direct seeded vegetables that will savor the cooler weather we have coming right around the corner. Let’s jump right in it.

Managing Pests and Diseases
During a hot and humid August, steering your plants toward a successful harvest can be challenging, but here are seven effective strategies for your garden as we move into August:

● Regular Monitoring
Check plants frequently for signs of pests and disease. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Problems can be specific to each plant so get familiar with the common issues for each vegetable you’re planting.
● Watering Practices
Water your plants early in the morning to reduce humidity levels around them. Want to minimize fungal diseases? Avoid overhead watering, if possible.
● Mulching
In many of the best practices for preventative measures to keep plants healthy, you will almost always see mulching as one of the top ways to retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds. Mulch also helps prevent soil-borne diseases from splashing onto plants.
● Crop Rotation
Rotate your crops each year to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil. This practice disrupts the life cycles of pests and reduces disease incidences.
● Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a strategy that introduces beneficial insects, using traps, and applying only organic pesticides as an absolute last resort. We should all be striving to minimize chemical use and promote a pesticide-free ecosystem.
● Sanitation
I really have to do this better myself. Removing and disposing of any diseased plant or plant debris promptly will reduce the spread of pathogens. If you’re doing this consistently, you’re ahead of the game for sure.
● Companion Planting
I’ve done full articles on this in the past, and, yes, the rumors of interplanting certain crops to repel pests or in some cases to redirect pests to focus on another herb or plant is a strategy you should be using to keep your plants healthier during the season. Marigolds, basil, cilantro, lemon balm and more should be considered as crucial for all levels of farming and gardening.

Time for Direct Seeding for Fall
In zone 6, August is a great time to direct seed several vegetables for a fall harvest. Here are some options to consider: Arugula, Bush Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Carrots, Chives, Kohlrabi, Kale, Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Radishes, Peas, Spinach, Turnips.
Thank you for your time, and, as always, for any farm or gardening questions, please reach out to canyoudigit413@gmail.com ■