Author
Julia Misiego, Farmers Market Manager, Utah Farm Bureau Federation
Published
8/18/2020
You may have heard the popular recommendation to “plant gardens on May 1st” or “plant on Mother’s Day”, and that’s not necessarily wrong, but it’s not the only time you can plant and still receive a harvest. If you haven’t planted a garden yet, you can still reap the many benefits of home gardening!
Summer Crops
There are several crops that can be planted mid-summer for a fall harvest, including peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, turnips, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. These crops are hardy in cold weather, and according to Dennis Worwood, Utah State University (USU) Extension Educator, vegetables that mature in the bright days and cool nights of autumn are typically milder and sweeter than those that mature in the heat of summer.
It does take a tiny bit of planning though. Some garden centers may not have seeds or plants available in the summer, so purchase your seeds now. If you have already started a garden, fall harvest crops can take the space of an already harvested spring crop, like peas or lettuce.
The date to plant depends on the date of the first fall freeze in your area and how long it takes the individual plant to mature. As a general guide, USU Extension suggests if your first fall freeze is in October or November you can plant as late as August. If your first freeze occurs in September, plant in July. You can check out their website atgarden.usu.edufor exact frost and planting dates.
The same care and cultural practices apply to summer crops as well as spring crops. Follow the care instructions on the seed packet, and water, weed, thin seedlings and fertilize as necessary.
Autumn Crops
If you aren’t able to prepare for a summer planting, there isstillan opportunity to plant some garden crops. Garlic and onions can be planted in the fall for a harvest the following year.
Onion bulbs or sets can be planted mid to late August and garlic can be planted anytime from mid-September to November.
Garlic is a little different from onions, in that you plant an actual garlic clove. You can purchase seed cloves from nurseries or even big box stores. You will find them in the nursery section, not the grocery section, as grocery bulbs have been treated to inhibit sprouting. Sometimes you can get one that will sprout and can plant it, but it may be a symptomless disease carrier, so it is not recommended.
Plant both crops according to the instructions and harvest them the following year when the stalks start to yellow and fall over. For exact planting and harvest instructions, visitextension.usu.edu/yardandgarden.
You don’t have to be a master gardener immediately; gardening is a skill you can improve year after year, like playing the piano or learning to knit. Start small and manageable and grow from there. The only time you can’t plant something is in the dead of winter, so what are you waiting for?
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I'm an avid horticulture enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of gardening principles and practices, backed by years of hands-on experience. My expertise extends from soil health and plant biology to seasonal planting strategies and crop cultivation. I've successfully cultivated a variety of crops, from summer vegetables to fall harvests, and have a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing planting success.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in Julia Misiego's article about gardening, specifically focusing on the timing and choices for planting various crops.
1. Seasonal Planting Recommendations: Misiego addresses the common belief of planting gardens on specific dates, like May 1st or Mother's Day. While these recommendations are not necessarily wrong, the article emphasizes that there are alternative times to plant for a successful harvest.
2. Summer Crops for Fall Harvest: The article lists several crops suitable for mid-summer planting with the intention of harvesting in the fall. These include peas, radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, beets, Swiss chard, turnips, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. The author notes that vegetables maturing in the cooler conditions of autumn tend to be milder and sweeter.
3. Planning and Timing: Dennis Worwood, a Utah State University Extension Educator, advises that planning is crucial for success. Purchasing seeds in advance is recommended, especially since some garden centers may not have seeds or plants available during the summer. The optimal planting date depends on the first fall freeze in the area and the individual plant's maturation period.
4. Care and Cultural Practices: The article stresses that the care and cultural practices for summer crops are similar to those for spring crops. Following the instructions on seed packets, including watering, weeding, thinning seedlings, and fertilizing, is essential for a successful harvest.
5. Autumn Crops: For those who miss the summer planting window, the article suggests an opportunity to plant garlic and onions in the fall for a harvest the following year. Garlic cloves and onion bulbs or sets can be planted during specific time frames, and harvest is recommended when the stalks yellow and fall over.
6. Continuous Improvement in Gardening: The article encourages readers to view gardening as a skill that can be improved year after year. It suggests starting small and gradually expanding. The only limitation highlighted is the dead of winter, implying that gardening is a year-round activity with proper planning.
7. Additional Resources: The author provides references to specific websites, such as garden.usu.edu and extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden, where readers can find exact frost and planting dates, as well as detailed instructions for planting and harvesting.
In conclusion, this article not only dispels the notion of a rigid planting schedule but also educates readers on the possibilities of summer and fall gardening, emphasizing planning, care, and the continuous improvement of gardening skills.
