As summer slowly starts turning into fall, it is the opportune time to start getting ready for the fall crops. Most gardeners think that the garden ends with summer, but actually the fall can be the best time of year for planting.
In late summer many pests are decreased in numbers, and weeds begin to slow their pace a bit. The days are still long, and the soil is warm. There are less gardening activities going on so you have more time to spend on your fall plants.
Many vegetables actually taste better when planted in late summer, and harvested after the first frost, such as collards. When planted in the spring and harvested in the summer, these plants can become bitter.
What Can Be Planted Now For A Fall Crop
Much of what can be planted in late July and August, depends upon which zone you live in. The southern zones (zones 7 through 9) are much hotter, which means it can make it difficult for seeds to germinate. Try starting seeds indoors until the plants get their first two true leaves. If growing indoors is not an option for you, plant directly in the garden, but make sure you keep the seedlings well watered. You may need to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
If you live in a cooler climate, say zone 6 to zone 4, try using vegetables that have quick maturity rates. A vegetable such as spinach, which is usually ready to pick in 35 to 40 days, would work nicely.
Arugula makes for a good fall vegetable
Here is a short list of vegetables you can plant now for a great fall or winter crop:
- Lettuces
- Chard
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collards
- Mustard Greens
- Turnips
- Arugula
Delicious Bok Chio is also a great fall vegetable
- Bok Choi
- Carrots
- Peas
- Kohlrabi
- Radishes
- Rutabagas
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Brussel Sprouts
There are many more than can be added to the list, but this is just a sampling.
What I’m Planning For My Fall Crops
I have taken a few tours of my garden the past few days, thinking about what I would love to have growing come fall. I don’t have room to grow many fall items, and will have to dig out a few existing vegetables to make room for the fall selections. If you plan on doing this as well, it is a good idea to pull up the existing plants when they have slowed production, but still growing.
My bewildered squash patch will soon be replaced with spinach
Here’s what I have in mind for my fall garden thus far (subject to change every ten minutes):
- Turnips
- Spinach
- Kale
- Bok Choi
- Cabbage
I’m getting excited about the fall garden just thinking about it! I hope that you are getting excited as well about what you can plant for your fall crop!
Remember, growing great vegetables doesn’t end in the summer!
More Fantastic Vegetable Gardening Articles:
