DATE:   8/22/96
WRITER: David W. Bradshaw (864) 656-4949

There's Been No Garden This Summer

     CLEMSON -- Visitors have stood speechless as they tried to
fathom what had happened to a garden that was once a veritable
showplace. I, on the other hand, was not phased by the sight of
so many weeds in my garden. 
     For the first time in 19 years, this has been a year of rest
-- for me and my garden.  
     Even though no seeds were planted, the garden has not been
totally unproductive. Carrots, citrons, swiss chard, and assorted
peppers volunteered as scattered remnants of better years.
     Even some of the edible weeds appeared on our table. Our
favorite was the red shanked pigweed, a member of the amaranth
family. I steam it like spinach, and my family was pleasantly
surprised at how tasty this new dish turned out. I am also told
that pigweed contains a multitude of vitamins and minor elements
missing in many more popular foods.
     I must confess that this year of rest was not a part of my
original plan, but rather, a convenient justification of my
errant ways and busy schedule.  
     Always the optimist, I searched for the silver lining to the
black cloud. I am told by Extension plant pathologists that
leaving ground fallow for one year will effectively reduce
rhizoctonia root rot in the soil by 85 percent.     
     Ah! By giving myself and the soil a much needed rest, I
could also reduce some of the disease problems prevalent in long-established garden spots.
     I have suggested to gardeners with limited space that they
should establish two separate plots in their yards. One plot
could be devoted to vegetables. The other could be planted in
annual bedding plants for cut flowers. These plantings could be
switched on alternate years.  
     The most effective fallowing, of course, would be to prevent
weeds from growing during the idle summer months. This would
remove any host plants which might otherwise support nematodes in
the absence of vegetables. 
     Remember to mulch the fallow ground to prevent erosion and
to prevent weed growth while you are enjoying your season of
rest -- David Bradshaw, Clemson Extension horticulturist 
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
Agricultural News & Publications, A-101 Poole Agricultural 
Center, Box 340311, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0311
                               END