What Do You Call A Belt Made Of Watches? A Waist Of Time!!
I am glad that summer is coming to an end and I hope everyone has enjoyed this blast of heat and I’m glad it won’t be long before it comes to an end. I sure am noticing the shortening of the days, sundown by 8pm and some very chilly mornings. Not to worry though there is still plenty of growing season left and I well imagine that produce from the garden is being enjoyed by all gardeners.
My tomatoes are really starting to produce now that I’ve given them a good pruning. The garlic this year is stunning and all hung up and nearly cured enough to remove it from the stock. I will putting the bulbs in a cool dark place and will select the best for replanting at the end of September.
I saw an incredible show this last week on sleep. All cells, I learned, need sleep and several animals and birds have made adaptions to ensure that they get this sleep. Seals are able to turn off one half of their brains at a time and get their much needed sleep while Geese can shut their minds down and get some sleep but are still able to swim and they were conducting some experiments on whether they can actually fly as well.
That would explain the long migratory flights that some birds take although does not explain how they would not get lost or collide with other birds or objects. I’m sure that they must have explained that fact but it was late and I think I fell asleep. So of course if all cells need sleep and plants are made of cells, they must sleep.
Plants do have a Circadian Rhythms that is what lets the brain know when we should be sleeping and when we should be awake. This Circadian Rhythm actually alters their metabolism. This allows a plant to prepare for winter by the shortening of days, the storage of energy and the reduction of growth.
Some plants like Cabbage are able to launch a chemical defence against predators by giving off a pungent chemical at first light in the morning. This is when its more voracious of pests the caterpillar is up and doing the most damage and this chemical make the Cabbage less palatable to them.
Some plants fold up their leaves at night to reduce water loss because the process of transportation is halted as tiny pores on the plant do not open and allow for the release of water vapour.
Photosynthesis shuts down in most plants at night, this changes the plants ability to produce oxygen while using carbon dioxide. These two processes are why it is best to water your garden in the morning allowing the plant the daylight hours to rid itself of wet leaves and stem therefor preventing fungal and bacterial problems as well as damage to the flowers and foliage of your plants.
Morning watering also can help prevent heat stress. Transplanting in the early evening is advisable as the cooler temperature and increased humidity will help with wilt and transplant stress. Yes, a good nights sleep after transplanting or harvesting is always good!
Happy Gardening!
Samantha Nason
BS Ranch & Greenhouses
250 547 6567
sam1nason@gmail.com
