As the high temperatures of September fade, the weather has started to cool down. This month marks the arrival of two important solar terms: "White Dew" and "Autumn Equinox," signaling a busy period for vegetable production. It's a time when autumn vegetables are being harvested, and winter and spring vegetables are being sown. Based on the current weather conditions, it's essential to carry out timely sowing and cultivation of autumn crops.
First, closely monitor the weather and strengthen management during thunderstorms. This month, natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rains, and droughts could still occur, so proactive measures must be taken to minimize damage and manage post-disaster recovery effectively. Additionally, many winter vegetables begin their sowing phase this month, especially in its latter half. Therefore, it's crucial to implement strong anti-disaster strategies during seedling development.
Thunderstorms and hail may also appear this month, which can severely impact vegetable crops. To mitigate damage, the following steps should be taken:
1. If crops suffer significant losses, consider replanting with fast-growing leafy vegetables like long beans, cucumbers, or lettuce based on the situation.
2. For crops like tomatoes, cowpeas, and cucumbers that have lost about 50% of their yield, use lateral branches for regrowth. For cabbages and lettuces without branching ability, intercrop with climbing plants like cowpeas or cucumbers.
3. Apply foliar fertilizers every seven days for three times to enhance plant resilience and photosynthetic capacity.
4. Remove damaged leaves and branches promptly to prevent disease spread from rot.
5. After locust infestations, crops often sustain wounds, making them more susceptible to infections. Timely spraying is necessary to control the spread.
Second, focus on vegetable farming activities:
1. **Sowing and Seedlings**: This month is ideal for greenhouse cultivation of eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers. High temperatures and rain can lead to rapid germination, but leggy growth and waterlogging may occur. Use plastic greenhouses, manage ventilation, and cover with shade nets during peak sunlight hours. Transplant seedlings once they reach 2 leaves and 1 heart.
Autumn vegetables like celery, radishes, spinach, and stem lettuce should continue to be sown. Choose quality seeds and prepare good soil. For example, autumn peas can be sown in mid-to-late September for early November harvest, using varieties like Pea 6 or Pea 4. Early September is the best time to sow autumn potatoes (Dongnong 303), and green garlic seedlings can be planted from August to early September. Fast-growing crops like young vegetables and spinach should be sown in batches to ensure continuous supply.
2. **Transplanting**: Continue transplanting cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and celery. Choose suitable plots and maintain proper spacing. Transplant on cloudy days or after 3 p.m., and provide enough root water. Shade nets can help improve survival rates. Prepare seedbeds for winter vegetables like mustard and pickled cabbage in late September to early October.
3. **Field Management**: Vegetables enter a critical growth phase this month. Greenhouse management should include proper ventilation, cooling, and rain protection. Water regularly, preferably via drip irrigation, and use growth regulators to protect flowers. In open fields, follow non-polluted vegetable production standards, including weeding, pruning, and pest control.
4. **Harvesting**: This month is ideal for harvesting Chinese cabbage, leeks, autumn beans, edamame, radishes, and gourds. Timely harvesting ensures a steady supply of off-season vegetables.
5. **Pest Control**: Common pests include cutworms, diamondback moths, and aphids. Use appropriate pesticides like Bt or spinosad. Diseases like black spot and soft rot require fungicides such as chlorothalonil or streptomycin. Always follow guidelines for safe pesticide use and observe safety intervals before harvest.
6. **Greenhouse Disinfection**: Before planting in October, start disinfecting greenhouses in September to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. This helps create a healthier environment for future crops.
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