It may seem silly to think about planting fall vegetables when we just started harvesting the fruits and veggies of summer — tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn. It is time to ensure the taste of fresh-picked produce well into fall.
Fall is the third season of vegetable gardening. Winter-weary gardeners are eager for the first season of cool-season varieties in spring, and tomatoes and peppers are the superstars of summer. But many gardeners miss the chance for the most hospitable season for growing — fall.
The benefits of gardening in fall are many. Cool weather brings out the sweetest flavor of many vegetables. Damage caused by insects and diseases is reduced. Cooler temperatures decrease the need to water as often.
What to plant
The average date of the first hard frost is the most important factor when considering which vegetables to plant. In our area, the first hard frost is expected sometime early in October. To determine which plants will have time to mature before frost, check the back of seed packets for the number of days to maturity. If transplants are planted, reduce that number by a couple weeks. Subtract that number from the first frost date and then add a week or so. As days become shorter, plants will take a little longer to mature than they did in the longer days of summer.
Most vegetables suitable for growing in spring are ideal for fall gardening, too. Leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and radishes are the most popular choices. Consider planting herbs, too. Cilantro, chives, mint, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme all enjoy fall’s cooler temperatures.
Where to plant
As space in the vegetable garden opens up while harvesting in summer, fill it with a fall crop. For example, after all the peas are picked, remove the vines and plant a row of spinach. When all the cucumbers are removed from their vines, broccoli transplants can take their place.
I grow vegetables in containers on a sunny deck and follow this same principle. Raised gardens hold lettuce and cabbage in spring. As the lettuce is harvested, the cabbage plants grow large enough to fill the containers. When the final cabbage is picked, these boxes host another round of lettuce, but this time it shares the space with kohlrabies.
Container gardening is perfect for fall herbs and vegetables. If tomatoes and peppers are still monopolizing the garden, plant a container of fall vegetables. A pot of cool-weather herbs placed just outside the kitchen door will keep herbs at the cook’s fingertips.
As annuals become summer worn, why not replace them with fall vegetables and herbs?
How to plant
Seeds can be started directly in the garden or container. Loosen the top couple inches of soil before planting. Directions on seed packets will guide depth and spacing of seeds. Keep the soil moist, but not wet, until they germinate. Transplants should also be kept slightly moist for a week or so while their roots establish.
If a spell of hot weather occurs in August, be sure plants are well watered. Consider shading plants with purchased row covers or light-colored sheets. If containers aren’t too heavy, they can be moved to a shadier spot during the heat wave.
Don’t miss out on the third season of vegetable gardening and enjoy the taste of homegrown vegetables well into fall.
• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter’s Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.
