Fall Vegetable Garden Helps Extend Growing Season

Getting the most life out of a garden area by planting a fall vegetable garden with products that are more conducive to growing in cooler weather can extend the growing season in most areas of the country. Depending on where you live will determine the right time of the year to put in a fall vegetable garden and the types of plants or seeds being used will also determine the amount of preparation that will be needed.

Many cool crops such as carrots, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are more amenable to maturing in cooler weather and when you can plant from seed or will need transplantable plants will also hinge on the type of soil in which the plants are growing. Typically, August 1 is about the time for putting in a fall vegetable garden, especially in the middle of the country, with those living further north adjusting the planting schedule according to their location.

Ground preparation can begin as soon as the summer harvest is ending, and any remnants of the plants and weeds will need to be removed before planting the fall vegetable garden crops. Consider that most of the plants will have a 60 to 80 day maturity period, the appropriate time for planting can be adjusted. Crops that do well in the hot summer months probably will not survive a cool climate harvest, and with most of them, the first frost will end their life.

Planning And Diligence Required For Success

With a fall vegetable garden, planning which plants will be used can make life easier on the gardener. While many may grow well from seeds, in the late summer the soil can form a crust on the surface that will make it nearly impossible for tender plants to break through. Vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage may experience better growth if planted from plants that are four to six weeks old.

When planting from seeds, they need to be placed at least two inches deep as the moisture content in the soil is generally less than in the spring. Additionally, many seeds do not fare well in soil above 85-degrees and when planting under these conditions covering the soil with burlap or newspaper may help keep the dirt cooler and improve the odds of a fall vegetable garden success.

During the growth of a fall vegetable garden, the plants will require about one inch of water every week, including rain. In dry climates, the gardener can use a rain gauge while watering to make sure they provide the right amount of water for a good harvest from their fall vegetable garden.