Many gardeners do not even consider fall gardening because of the winter frosts that might make an early appearance. On the contrary, fall gardening will result in excellent vegetables and will extend crops long after spring planted plants are finished. Vegetables produced from fall gardening are sometimes sweeter and milder than those grow in the summer and offer a brand new taste to the same old veggies.
Like all gardening, your autumn garden will depend a lot on how much space you have available - and, of course, what kind of plants you like. Get advice from a local gardener before you start, but don't be discouraged about plants you don't *think* will grow in cold weather - you may be plesantly suprised. Even plants like tomatos and peppers will grow just fine until they encounter frost. Other plants, such as cucumber and snap-beans can be planted in the summer, and will be ready to harvest in the autumn. Look out for tough vegetables, as they will grow right up until the temperature drops to about 17-20 degrees. Always remember that if you are growing root vegetables, they may still be fine to eat, even if the visible part is killed by frost.
When fall gardening, make sure and pick the vegetables with the shortest growing season so they can be full grown and harvested before the frost arrives. Most seed packages will be labeled "early season", or you can find the seeds boasting the fewest days to maturity. You may want to go after your seeds for fall gardening in spring or early summer; they are usually not kept in stock towards the end of summer. If they are stored in a cool and dry location they will keep until you are ready to plant.
To decide when to plant your autumn plants, work out when the frost is likely to hit your area. Plant your seeds with a view to them maturing just as the frost starts. A "Farmer's Almanac" will be able to help you with this.
Before you plant your autumn crops, remove any old weeds and summer plants. If you fail to do this, they may spread diseases to your healthy autumn plants. Lay down some new compost, wet it a little, then leave it for a day or so. Now you're ready to plant!
Many gardeners will run from fall gardening so they don't have to deal with frosts, but if tough, sturdy vegetables are planted they can withstand a few frosts and give you some wonderful tasting produce. Fall gardening gives you the chance to enjoy your vegetable garden for at least a little bit more time.
Like all gardening, your autumn garden will depend a lot on how much space you have available - and, of course, what kind of plants you like. Get advice from a local gardener before you start, but don't be discouraged about plants you don't *think* will grow in cold weather - you may be plesantly suprised. Even plants like tomatos and peppers will grow just fine until they encounter frost. Other plants, such as cucumber and snap-beans can be planted in the summer, and will be ready to harvest in the autumn. Look out for tough vegetables, as they will grow right up until the temperature drops to about 17-20 degrees. Always remember that if you are growing root vegetables, they may still be fine to eat, even if the visible part is killed by frost.
When fall gardening, make sure and pick the vegetables with the shortest growing season so they can be full grown and harvested before the frost arrives. Most seed packages will be labeled "early season", or you can find the seeds boasting the fewest days to maturity. You may want to go after your seeds for fall gardening in spring or early summer; they are usually not kept in stock towards the end of summer. If they are stored in a cool and dry location they will keep until you are ready to plant.
To decide when to plant your autumn plants, work out when the frost is likely to hit your area. Plant your seeds with a view to them maturing just as the frost starts. A "Farmer's Almanac" will be able to help you with this.
Before you plant your autumn crops, remove any old weeds and summer plants. If you fail to do this, they may spread diseases to your healthy autumn plants. Lay down some new compost, wet it a little, then leave it for a day or so. Now you're ready to plant!
Many gardeners will run from fall gardening so they don't have to deal with frosts, but if tough, sturdy vegetables are planted they can withstand a few frosts and give you some wonderful tasting produce. Fall gardening gives you the chance to enjoy your vegetable garden for at least a little bit more time.