In this issue:
- October in the Garden – Bring On Fall
- Video: Cabbage Moth and Worm ID & Management
- Gardenerd Tip of the Month: Grow Brassicas!
- Gardenerd Product of the Month: Bolting to Seed – Short-Listed!
1. October in the Garden – Bring On Fall
I don’t know about you, but I’m soooo ready for cooler weather. This roller coaster the Southwest has been on was A LOT. I am done with the heatwaves and ready to grow cool-season veggies. Are you growing a fall garden? What will you grow? Dream big, we’re here to help you make that dream a reality.
At Gardenerd HQ this week, we’re thinning our lettuce patch and re-seeding any crops that didn’t sprout. Our potatoes are popping up through the soil, and the seeds we planted for spinach, beets, and carrots are starting to emerge already. The heat helps seeds sprout faster, but you have to water every day to keep the top 1-inch of the seed bed moist. Our brassicas are filling out under grow lights. Soon they will go in the ground. Once you see 10-days in a row with temperatures under 73ºF, that is GO TIME to plant out.
In this newsletter, we’ve got you covered when it comes to cabbage worms, as well as tips for growing brassicas of all kinds. And a recipe for homemade pumpkin puree. Also, if you are starting your holiday shopping, my new novel, Bolting to Seed is available anywhere books are sold. Let’s grow into fall together. It’s going to be a great season!
Happy gardening,
Christy
2. Video: Cabbage Moth & Worm ID and Management
Cabbage moths lead to cabbage worms, and that leads to holes in your brassicas. Watch this video to prepare for the worst, then the worst won’t happen.
Cabbage Moth & Worm ID and Management
Learn even more about keeping your crops safe from pests in our online pest control course Creating a Healthy Garden.
3. Gardenerd Tip of the Month – Growing Brassicas
Grow Brassicas!
Fall means brassicas – broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and root veggies like radishes and turnips all grow best in cooler temperatures. There are fewer pests, and the promise of rain. Here’s some guidance to grow your brassicas this season:
Romanesco – watch this video before you grow it!
Cabbage – here are 4 varieties you can grow
Kohlrabi – the alien vegetables that everyone should grow. Troubleshoot common issues with this video.
Kale – everything you every wanted to know about growing kale is here
Radishes – both spring and winter radishes are great to grow now. Here’s a tutorial
Broccoli – not sure when to harvest? Look no further than here
If you need more help, check out Plan Your Abundant Edible Garden – the full online course that will walk you through the process, step-by-step. You’ll use this every season for the rest of your gardening days. (use the discount code FALL25OFF for savings!)
4. Gardenerd Product of the Month – Bolting to Seed – 2026 Murder & Mayhem Award Short List!
Now Short-Listed for an Award! Christy’s new novel, Bolting to Seed made the Long List and then the short list for Chanticleer’s Murder & Mayhem Cozy Mystery Awards.
You can order autographed copies from Gardenerd directly (makes a great gift!), or from your favorite independent bookseller. Ebooks are also available wherever you get your digital books. Continue the story of Lizzie, Jared, and the rest of the crew at Vista Mar Community Garden. Our first review came in:
It’s a fun, fast read with plenty of heart, humor, and mystery. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll be happy to be back in the garden. And if you haven’t discovered this series yet, you’re in for a treat.
~~Lynn J.
And don’t forget…
Get your copy of High Yield Small Space Organic Gardening at your favorite bookseller, or order an autographed copy for the gardenerd in your life (even if that’s you!).
Stay tuned for more tips and tidbits from Gardenerd.com. Let’s bring on fall together, and grow our best gardens yet!
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