August 9, 2025 - Weekly Gardening Guide

Episode Transcript

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Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast! I'm your host, John Morgan, and we're diving into Week 33 of our gardening calendar for the Mid-Ohio Valley, covering August 9th through the 15th. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, we've got your weekly tips to keep your garden thriving. And folks, I'm excited to say the weather forecast is back in action after my recent time off—more on that adventure in a bit!

First up, let's talk weather, because things are heating up this week. Outside of a stray afternoon shower or storm popping up here and there, we're looking at mostly dry conditions prevailing into next week. But keep in mind, that dryness comes with building heat and humidity. Then, towards mid-week, widespread showers and storms are expected to make a comeback. Temperatures are trending hotter through the weekend, with highs potentially pushing into the 90s in parts of the lowlands. The good news? Humidity should stay low enough that those "feels like" temperatures won't hit heat advisory levels. So, stay hydrated out there, and maybe plan your heavier garden work for the cooler mornings.

Now, onto the heart of the show—your gardening to-dos for the week. We've got a mix of seeding, planting, and some watchful maintenance to ensure a bountiful fall harvest.

Starting with rutabagas: It's prime time to seed these hardy root veggies. They're perfect for our region since they love cooler weather as we head into fall. Sow them directly in the ground about a half-inch deep, spacing seeds 4 to 6 inches apart in rows 18 inches wide. Keep the soil moist, and they'll be ready to harvest in about 90 days—just in time for those hearty autumn stews.

Next, keep a close eye on your pumpkins and winter squash for powdery mildew. This fungal foe thrives in humid conditions, which we're starting to see build up. Look for white, powdery spots on the leaves. If you spot it early, remove affected leaves and improve air circulation around your plants. A baking soda spray—one teaspoon per quart of water with a dash of dish soap—can help prevent spread. Don't let it sneak up on you; catching it now saves your crop!

Moving on to more seeding: Radishes and leeks are on the list. Radishes are quick growers—seed them now for a fast fall crop. Plant them shallow, about a quarter-inch deep, and thin to 2 inches apart. They'll be ready in just 3-4 weeks. Leeks take longer, but starting them this week sets you up for overwintering success. Sow in trenches for easy blanching, and mulch well to protect from frost later on.

If you're a berry lover, this is your week to plant strawberries. Opt for everbearing or day-neutral varieties for extended harvests. Plant them in well-drained soil with crowns at soil level, spacing 12-18 inches apart. Mulch with straw to keep weeds down and moisture in—perfect for our warming temps.

Don't forget fall herbs! Seed cilantro, dill, parsley, and chives now. They're cool-season tolerant and will give you fresh flavors through the autumn. Scatter seeds lightly on the surface and press them in; most germinate quickly with consistent moisture.

Finally, bok choy— this Asian green is a fall superstar. Seed it directly, spacing 6-12 inches apart depending on variety. It bolts in heat, so with our building warmth, get it in early this week and provide some shade if needed. Harvest baby leaves for salads or let it mature for stir-fries.

Whew, that's a packed week, but tackling these now will pay off big time as the seasons shift. Remember, gardening's all about timing and a little TLC.

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Before I sign off, a quick shoutout: Keep an eye out for new episodes of Bob's LIVE, now moving to Thursdays at 1 PM. I just got back from an epic 20-day road trip through the Southwest, where I filmed some incredible content just for the show—from the oldest plants on Earth to the unique desert flora that thrives in those harsh conditions. Bob's LIVE is going west this August, so tune in for some wild west plant adventures!

Thanks for joining me for the Keep Growing Podcast. Get out there, beat the heat, and, of course, keep growing.

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