Fall Vegetable Garden

Even experienced gardeners often overlook the fact that their gardening efforts can extend well into the fall season, while in some parts of the world, gardening is a company most of the year. Extending the gardening season is becoming more critical for us all because of the changing dynamics of the world's food supply. This is a situation we have to live with for a long period of time, so it'sa good idea to do our part. The victory gardens of World War II contributed 40% of the country's food supply, proving that we can make a difference.

It is difficult to think about planting more vegetables at a time when fresh produce is so abundant in our garden, but in late July and early September are good times to plant cool weather crops. Fall plants such as broccoli and cauliflower usually taste better when grown in cooler weather, while others such as kale and Swiss chard-are at their peak flavor after the first frost.

Fall planting requires less work because the soil has been tilled in the spring, a light cultivation is usually all that is necessary after the removal of all waste from the previous crop. Place debris in your compost heap, after making sure to remove all vegetation sick, Top dress the garden with compost or organic mulch, and working in your soil. Then you can proceed with the plant using the methods recommended.

Examples of plants are good fall broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, endive, cabbage, lettuce, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, mustard and spinach. Do not plant the same crops back in the same place, but rotate your crops to reduce potential disease problems.

It's a good idea to consult your local garden center, or your local county extension for advice on the proper planting time for your growing zone.

As autumn approaches, protection of these crops must be considered. One method is to cover the crops with sheets, plastic sheeting, or mulch that traps heat radiated from the earth and raise the temperature enough to protect them against a light frost.

Some crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, potatoes, chard, Chinese cabbage and cabbage are not affected by frost or even moderate freezes and can be left in the garden until the game freezes hard in. Root crops such as beets, carrots, parsnips and turnips can be re-mulched, left in the garden and dug up as needed.

If a hard frost is expected, choose mature green tomatoes or pull entire plants.
Keep them in a cool dry place (65 degrees) where they mature in about two weeks. delicate plants such as squash, peppers and eggplant should be harvested and stored in a location similar to that of tomatoes.

After harvest and during that time is always nice, many tasks can be completed in anticipation of spring and the garden next year. Clean yard waste, adding soil amendments to your land and make a plan to plant your garden to decide how you want to rotate your crops while garden this year is still fresh in your mind that are three jobs out of the track.

Now you can relax in your chair, read seed catalogs and dream of those prize-winning vegetables you are going to do.