Can you really plant a second garden in July? 🌱 Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension joins Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock to explain why midsummer is the perfect time to start planning your fall harvest.

Learn which vegetables thrive when planted later in the season, why cooler temperatures create sweeter produce, and how to protect your garden from wildlife before they beat you to your tomatoes. Bruce also shares practical tips on harvesting, washing fresh produce safely, storing your vegetables, and getting the most from your home garden.

Plus, get an update on the Along the Rock pizza garden as Bruce checks in on the tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and succulent garden while offering advice for keeping plants healthy all season long.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or planting your very first vegetable garden, this episode is packed with research-based advice to help your garden flourish.

🌿 In this episode:

Why July is ideal for planting a fall garden
Best vegetables to plant for autumn harvest
When to harvest tomatoes for the best flavor
Tips for washing and storing fresh produce
Garden updates from the Along the Rock pizza garden
Free gardening resources available through University of Illinois Extension
Preview of next month's discussion on tomato diseases

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 – Introduction

00:43 – Transitioning Your Garden for Fall Vegetables

01:54 – Why Fall Vegetables Taste Sweeter

03:25 – Preventing Bolting in Summer Heat

04:30 – Favorite Fall Garden Harvests

06:57 – Customizing Your Garden Harvest

07:27 – Tomato Harvesting Tips

09:13 – Protecting Your Garden From Wildlife

09:50 – Pizza Garden Update

11:21 – The Return on Investment of Gardening

12:29 – Using Pesticides & Herbicides Safely

14:02 – How to Properly Wash Garden Produce

15:41 – Strawberry Season & Ever-Bearing Varieties

16:32 – Best Ways to Wash Fruits and Vegetables

18:38 – Apple Harvest Tips & Preventing Worm Damage

20:37 – Composting Damaged Produce

21:00 – Getting Gardening Help From University of Illinois Extension

23:00 – Upcoming Tomato Disease Segment

23:54 – The Search for the Perfect Tomato

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