Tip: Add some color to your cool-season vegetable garden by planting ‘Purple Vienna’ kohlrabi (pictured above) seeds early this month. Best harvested at two to three inches in diameter, the veggie boasts a sweet, turnip-like flavor.
Ask an Expert
Q. What’s the best method for figuring out how much sunlight different areas of my garden receive?
Q. Sun mapping is a great way to collect light data that will allow you to garden with confidence. To start, sketch part or all of your property; you can use graph paper—or a copy of your property plat—for increased accuracy. Draw any fixed elements that will cast shadows, such as the house, shed, and fence, plus larger trees and shrubs. Photograph the areas in morning, mid-morning, noon, afternoon, and evening. Label your images to coordinate with the sun map. Use different colored pencils to mark where sun and shade hits at various points in the day (see sketch at right), and create new maps as the seasons change.
Dig It
What’s happening this month?
October 4-28
The Fall Tours
This Preservation Society of Charleston fundraiser includes walking tours through historical downtown homes and their gorgeous green spaces. The Private Gardens of Charleston events are also offered on October 10, 17, and 24, with each led by a professional designer or landscape architect, as well as a horticulturist. Locations & times vary. $100-$25. preservationsociety.org
October 6
Bird Fest 2018
Learn about the avian species of South Carolina during this Old Santee Canal Park extravaganza. Demonstrations, bird-friendly products, guided tours, and a photography tutorial are all part of the fun. Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stony Landing Dr., Moncks Corner. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 (includes park admission). oldsanteecanalpark.org
October 20
Native Plant Sale
The Lowcountry Chapter of the South Carolina Native Plant Society sells colorful perennials, shrubs, trees, grasses, ferns, and edibles during this annual fall event, which takes place during the Palmetto State’s Native Plant Week (October 13 to 20). Be ready to shop right at 9 a.m., as the goods go quickly. Charles Towne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Rd. Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. scnps.org
