September is upon us and there is still time to get some quick-growing fall vegetables planted.
Beets
• Beets and broccoli will mature to harvest in four weeks.
• Lettuce, both looseleaf and head, can be planted.
• English and snap peas can go in the ground and be ready for harvesting by October.
• Spinach only takes three weeks to be ready for harvesting.
• Turnip greens can go in right up until the end of the month.
• If you want garlic next spring, you do need to get it in by October.
Many summer crops, like tomatoes and peppers, are continuing to produce. Fresh produce can continue to come from your vegetable garden through October.
The Rutherford County Farmer’s Market takes place every Tuesday and Friday, from 7 a.m. to noon through October. Free, educational classes are offered at 9 a.m. each market day and last approximately one hour. The Market is located at Lane Agri-Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd.
If you are interested in learning more about gardening or interests related to gardening, drop into one of the free classes at the Farmer’s Market.
The Master Gardener’s Association also meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The potluck is followed by a presentation. The meeting is open to anyone interested in learning about gardening.
Backyard Poultry Class, Sept. 12 at the Rutherford County Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s Market Class Schedule
Sept. 9 – Rainscaping
Katie Peay, RC Stormwater
Learn to create a rain garden to reduce flooding using native plants and conservation methods.
Sept. 12 – Backyard Poultry
Michael Shirley, RC Extension Agent
Requirements for meat-producing chickens on a small scale.
Sept. 16 – Vermicomposting
Mark Murphy, CMG
Make friends with worms! Let them eat your leftovers and create “black gold” to add to your gardens!
Sept. 19 – Be Prepared When Disaster Strikes
Misty Layne-Watkins, RC Extension Agent
Learn to keep your food and water supplies safe during disasters of all sorts.
Sept. 23 – Winterize Your Garden Tools and Equipment
Ken Roberge, CMG
Garden tools can be expensive to replace. Learn to keep yours in top performance condition.
Sept. 26 – Fall Tasks for the Garden
Reggie Reeves, CMG
What to do now to prepare your garden for spring. Focus on organic methods.
September is a good month to grow and eat fresh spinach.
Sept. 30 – Seasonal Eating
Misty Layne-Watkins, RC Extension Agent
Taste new dishes made with the seasons freshest, locally grown produce. Free recipes.
Oct. 3 – Fermented Vegetables
Tony Johnston, MTSU
Learn the ins and outs of preserving vegetables using the ancient method of brine pickling!
For more information about the Rutherford County Farmer’s Market and upcoming gardening upcoming classes visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford.
