A wide range of crops do well when planted in late summer for fall harvest.
Many people think that the end of summer is the time that the gardening season starts to wind down.
The reality is landscape plants, lawns and vegetables do grow and thrive this time of year.
I mention this because fall is really the best time for planting, transplanting and gardening in general.
The many benefits of fall gardening include, a decline in the insect pest activity, a drop in air temperatures while the soil stays warm from the summer sun for good root development. Many common lawn and garden weeds tend to slow down or disappear when fall arrives.
Because of fall’s cooler air temperatures and predictable precipitation, plants are able to grow stronger with minimal stress.
We also seem to have additional rainfall, which provides abundant moisture for plants.
That moisture allows for more available nutrients to be absorbed by the plant, which result in thriving and healthier plants.
Late August and into early September is the ideal time to transition from the summer vegetable growing season.
Prepare your garden by removing all harvested plants and debris, check your garden soil pH, provide some new organic matter or compost, and get your seeds or transplants in the ground.
Be sure to provide some nutrients like Espoma’s Gardentone, and a liquid starter fertilizer to help jump-start any newly planted seeds and transplants.
A wide range of crops do well when planted in late summer for fall harvest.
Leafy greens, lettuce, Swiss chard, arugula, spinach, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower. Root vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, turnips and even greens like kale and collards do well planted from seed in the fall. Selected herbs like basil, Thai basil, parsley, dill, cilantro, chives and thyme do well planted in the fall. Beside this core list of reliable fall vegetable crops other considerations also include cabbage, bok choy, garlic, kohlrabi, onions and sugar snap peas.
Many of these crops can be harvested throughout the fall and depending on the frost well into winter.
I can remember some of the sweetest most flavorful broccoli I have even eaten was harvested on New Year’s Eve. So whether you are first time gardener or a long-time pro, here are a few tips to help your vegetable garden transition from summer into fall.
1. Pick the right spot. Choose a location that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. As mentioned earlier, be sure to refresh beds with compost or organic matter after cleaning our spent summer plants.
2. Timing matters, be sure to plant early as planting seeds to late will not allow for the plants to mature before cold sets in. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, chances of frost can begin around the middle of October, with the fall frost date happening around November second to the seventh. Consider frost covers to help extend the growing season and protect plants from a freeze.
3. If sowing seeds, be sure to keep them consistently moist. Newly planted seeds need steady moisture to not only germinate, but help them grow and thrive.
4. If needed be sure to thin out seedlings that could crowd roots and can limit growth.
September is spring bulb planting time. They are easy to plant, require a minimum of care, and will reward you with beautiful displays of color in the spring.
Good drainage is essential for all spring bulbs, so select a location with no standing water. Bulbs are heavy feeders, especially of phosphorus and potash.
We suggest using an organic fertilizer such as Bulbtone or Bonemeal, both of which are excellent slow release form of phosphorous and will result in a bigger flower bloom, with more intense color.
When planting be sure that each hole is three times as deep as the bulb is tall, and apply one tablespoon of fertilizer in each hole, before covering the hole with soil. Be sure to apply water to the area as needed unsure proper rooting before the ground freezes. Happy Gardening!
(Editor’s Note: Ken Morgan is the owner of Robin’s Nest Floral and Garden Center in Easton, Md.)
