7.25.26 - Summer Succession
Episode Transcript
[INTRO]
Hey friends, welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast. I’m John Morgan, and I’m glad you’re here with us this week.
Whether you’re listening from Mason, Belpre, Gallipolis, or somewhere along the Ohio River, we’re all part of the same Mid-Ohio Valley growing family. This is the show where we talk practical, local tips so we can keep growing flowers, friends, and family together.
Before we dig in, a quick reminder: Head over to our website at bobsmarket.com to get your entries in for the Garden of the Year contest! Today, July 25th, is the last day for entries. The winner will be announced on Thursday’s episode of Bob’s LIVE at 2 PM. Don’t miss it—we can’t wait to celebrate one of our local gardens with you.
[Soft transition music]
Let’s look at the week ahead for our gardens, July 25 through the 31st.
High pressure will provide mainly dry weather to the area. A few passing disturbances will trigger isolated to scattered storms Saturday and Sunday, but most areas should remain dry. At this point, storms over the weekend are not looking to be severe.
Focus then shifts toward early next week, when a series of convective disturbances look to form to our north and west and drop southeast into our region. These could bring a damaging wind and heavy rain threat. Keep an eye on the forecast and have a plan ready for your plants and structures.
With that in mind, here are the three things I want you focusing on this week in the Mid-Ohio Valley garden.
First – succession planting for fall. As summer crops finish and space opens up, don’t leave that soil empty. This is a great window to succession plant for fall. Think more greens—lettuce, spinach, kale, and other cool-season crops—especially in those spots that get a little partial shade in the afternoon. The soil is still warm, which helps seeds germinate quickly, and you’ll be set up for a nice fall harvest before the first frost.
Second – Wednesday, July 29 is the Full Moon. Traditionally, many of us in the valley like to focus on root crops or soil-building tasks around the full moon. If you’ve got carrots, beets, radishes, or turnips still going, this is a good time to give them attention. Or simply add compost, work in some organic matter, and take care of the soil that will feed your fall plantings. Healthy soil is the quiet foundation of everything we grow.
Third – keep the basics strong. Keep harvesting. Water deeply when you do water—especially with the dry pattern early in the week. Stay ahead of the weeds while they’re still manageable. And with the potential for late-July heat and the storms coming later, mulch a little extra around your plants to hold moisture and protect roots. Keep a close eye on your tomatoes for blossom end rot. Consistent moisture and a little extra calcium attention go a long way in preventing it.
[Light closing music begins under]
That’s the week in a nutshell, friends. Succession plant those fall greens, work with the full moon on roots or soil, and stay on top of harvesting, deep watering, weeds, mulch, and tomato care.
We’re all in this together here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Check out our website at bobsmarket.com for show notes and more.
Until next time, keep growing
