The Seasons of the Garden

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High summer is here, and the garden basks in the shimmering noonday heat. Dampen your shoes as you weed in the morning dew, come to understand—once again—the preciousness of water, and sniff the rich odor of the earth after a late afternoon thunderstorm.

Then, while fireflies glimmer in the lengthening dusk and the warm air is heavy with the scent of honeysuckle, give thanks for the goodness of the land.

Gleanings

We'd much rather eliminate insecticide spraying entirely . . but if you can't convince your community of the wisdom of that course of action, insist on the use of a "drift control agent". With such an additive, less wind-carried pesticide will settle on your organic acres . . . and 25-50% smaller amounts of the dangerous chemicals will be required. One such product, RAIN 200, is manufactured by Landau Chemicals, Dept. TMEN, 750 Granby Lane, Co. lumbia, South Carolina 29202.

If you're interested in the rapid expansion of the number of farmers' markets, take a look at the fine new book by Robert Sommer titled Farmers Markets of America: A Renaissance. The publication can be ordered from Capra Press, Dept. TMEN, 631 State Street, Santa Barbara, California 93101 for $6.95 plus 75C postage and handling.

The Second Season

Some of MOTHER's French Intensive beds are ready for a second crop, while established plantings flourish in others.

As Cynthia Driscoll points out (in the article beginning on page 64 of this issue), it's a shame to waste an opportunity to have an autumn harvest . . . so here are some crop suggestions for the vegetable garden's "second season".

Broccoli:If you've got the time, try Cleopatra (75 days), a frost-resistant variety . . . otherwise, grow Green Comet (55 days), which is the earliest type available.Beets:The people at Stokes warn that beets sown between July 15 and August 15 tend to become tough and stringy. If you're planting either before or after that period, however, try Stokes's Pacemaker ll (58 days) or Harris's Warrior (57 days). Both of them have sugar beets in their ancestry and superb flavor. Or, for an interesting change of pace, you may want to grow Burpee's Golden Beet (55 days).Bush beans:For a really quick crop, try Thompson ct: Morgan's Limelight (38 days). Burpee's Tenderpod is an All-America winner that matures in 50 days, and Park's Contender gives a fine crop in 49 days.Lettuce:Buttercrunch is a prime choice (75 days), or—if time is of the essence—try Burpee's two short-season varieties . .. Green lce(45 days) and Royal Oak Leaf (50 days). Cauliflower: Go with a sure thing . . . Snow Crown (53 days) is hardy and vigorous.Chinese cabbage:Harris's Early Hybrid G (50-60 days) is the best selection by far.Spinach and peas:Early September may be the best time for planting these vegetables in all but the coldest sections of the country . . and most varieties will mature in plenty of time.

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