Raising your own vegetables is good for your health and well being. The time and effort you spend to till, plant and tend a garden pays big dividends in both exercise and the quality of the food you harvest. As an added bonus, the money you save at the grocery is significant. Here are a few tips on making your vegetable garden a three season project.
Vegetables to Grow in the Fall
You can begin fall gardening as early as the first of July and as late as the middle of September. Lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, beets, green beans, radishes, and peas can all get a second planting. Seeds often go on sale after the first of July. Check the seed package for the length of time from sprouting to harvest. If the time is less than 60 days you can probably plant the seed as late as August 15th. This year I seeded broccoli, beets and fall lettuce on August 1st, green beans and more lettuce on August 16th. I planted spinach on September 20. With the help of a little floating row cover I expect to have green beans, broccoli and spinach for Thanksgiving.
Some of your plants have long growing seasons and will stay in the garden from May to September. Tomatoes and potatoes, peppers, winter squash and pumpkins will all have a long growing season. Your spring short season crops will be nearing the end of their harvest by mid July. The first of July is the time to plan your fall garden.
When to Plant for Fall Harvest
If some of your spring crops did not grow well, or maybe the weeds got the best of you, a fall garden gives you a second chance. As soon as you harvest one of your spring crops begin planting again. Clean out the beds where your spring crops grew, add another inch of two of compost or sprinkle a little 10-10-10 fertilizer on the soil. Then till easily with just a spading fork and a garden rake. Now you are ready to plant your fall garden.
Lettuce is a perfect three season crop. Check the seed catalogs for varieties that are proven to do well in summer or fall gardens. Plant a spring lettuce mix, a summer lettuce mix and a fall lettuce mix as the seasons progress. That way you always have plenty of fresh lettuce for salads. Nothing is better in early August than a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich made from your own lettuce and tomatoes.
Rains are much less frequent in the north after mid August so be prepared to water your garden several times a week. Weeds will take advantage of the watering so you’ll still get a little exercise hand cultivating.
Extend your growing season with floating row cover. This light weight fabric is inexpensive and keeps for years. It’s the perfect remedy for frosty nights in late September and early October. Cold hardy crops such as broccoli, cabbage and spinach should keep producing through to Thanksgiving with the aid of a little cover.
Give fall gardening a try. With a little care and planning you will be rewarded with a great fall harvest.
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