As summer winds down, it’s time to convert your garden into a patchwork of crisp fall greens and flavorful roots!There are a few simple stepsto get a fall garden growing: prepare your garden beds, plant crops that are suited for fall growing conditions, and maintain. It's time to get started!
Prepare your garden beds
Clear
To transition your garden from summer to fall, clear out any spent crops. Remove bolting greens and early plantings of summer squash, cucumbers, and beans that are nearing the end of their cycle (do not discard insect infested and diseased plant debris into your compost pile). Some of the root systems may be well-established and difficultto remove by hand. I use the Golden Fork, easily becoming one of the most useful tools in my garden. Just push the sturdy fork in with your feet (jump on it if you must) and lift and loosen using the ergonomic T-shaped handle.
Remember, leaving a cover crop in the unused beds will help amend your soil come spring. I have chickweed and clover that will remain in the resting beds.Also consider leaving a few sunflowers that have gone to seed for the birds to enjoy and a few stands of dead stems, which can serve as an overwintering habitat for native pollinators.Keepsummer crops, like tomatoes and okra, which can continue to produce fruits up until the first frost. If you are short on space, experiment with a sowing of leafy greens and shallow roots, such as lettuce or radishes, under and around such crops. These cool weather vegetables can benefit from filtered shade on the hot days of early autumn.
Amend
Once you’ve cleared a space to plant, replenish the soil with organic compost. For an extra boost, toss in biologically active microorganisms, naturally found in manure.
This year I harvested my goat manure.Goats not only produce neat pelletized droppings, but their manure doesn’t typically attract insects or burn plants as does manure from cows or horses. Goat manure is virtually odorless and is beneficial for the soil. I rake the poop out into a wheel barow, straw and all and distribute it amongst the beds.Scoop, dump, and voila! DONE!
Another reason why goat manure is the perfect starter compost, is because goat droppings can be used in nearly any type of garden IMMEDIATELY without having to wait for a “breaking down” compost period.Andwhen left to break down into compost, goat manure in garden beds can create the optimal growing conditions for your plants come spring!Read moreabout Uses For Goat Manure.
Unless you have had a soil test done, hold off on fertilizers with high levels of NPK- nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Rather, add light, slow release, fertilizers such as Symphony (baked chicken manure). Symphony and other soil amendments can be purchased by the pound in the ‘soil bar’ in the shop.
Choose plants that are suited for fall growing conditions
Many garden vegetables thrive in the cooler weather of autumn and will continue to produce into the winter months with a little bit of protection. These cool-weather crops are extremely flavorful, because when temperatures drop, they will convert starches into sugars, which act as an anti-freezing agent for their cells.Frost-kissed carrots are incredibly sweet as opposed to those grown in mild climates, which cantaste bland or even bitter.
What vegetables should you plant in your fall garden? The list is similar to that of spring vegetables, such as: lettuce, beets, carrots, spinach, peas, kale, mustards, arugula, turnips, bunching onions and chard. In parts of the southeast, like Asheville, you can even grow cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, as long as seeds germinate in late July and you prepare for and early frost. If you missed the window, it’s not too late to put transplants in the ground. Stop by the shop to choose from a variety of heirloom and organic vegetable starts fromAppalachian Seed. We also carry seeds byBaker Creek Seed Companyand Asheville’s ownSow True Seed.
For a planting schedule, check out theFarmer’s AlmanacandJohnny’s Selected Seedsfree online calendars. Simply plug in your zip code for a customized calendar. For more accurate dates, contact your localCooperative Extension Agentor talk with experienced gardeners. They will attest that you can fudge dates. Elliot Coleman'sWinter Harvest Handbookis an excellent guide to extending the harvest through the winter months.
Maintain your fall garden
Water
Seeds and delicate transplants are at risk of drying out in the heat of August and September. To ensure success, plant in the cool of the day, and keep the soil consistently moist until your plants are established. Applying a 4-6 inch layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings) around your transplants will help keep moisture in the soil. If you sow seeds, a light layer of straw can prevent them from drying out during the germination stage.
Pest Control
As evening temperatures cool, the garden pests you battled in the spring will creep back in. Check out our blog postSlugs, Aphids, and Flea Beetles, Oh My!for tips on managing these insects. Another pest worth mentioning is the cabbage worm. They love to munch on your kale, cabbage, collards, and other members of the brassica family. TheFarmer’s Almanacshares good advice on how to identify and remove this pest. Swing by our shop to pick up some row cover,yellow sticky tabs, orbacillus thuringiensis(orBt)spray. Interested in natural pest control? We recommend grabbing a copy of Rodale’sThe Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Pest and Disease Control.
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Enter your fall gardening questions or tips in the comments below! If you don’t have a garden, but wish you did, check out our blogHow to Create a Raised Bedto get started.
As a seasoned gardening enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can attest to the transformative process of transitioning a summer garden into a vibrant patchwork of fall greens and flavorful roots. The evidence of my expertise lies in the meticulous care I give to my own garden, implementing proven techniques and utilizing specialized tools like the Golden Fork, which has become an indispensable asset in my gardening endeavors.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article and provide additional insights:
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Prepare Your Garden Beds:
- Clearing out spent crops is essential for a successful transition. The use of tools like the Golden Fork, mentioned in the article, is not only practical but demonstrates a deep understanding of efficient gardening practices.
- Leaving cover crops in unused beds, such as chickweed and clover, showcases a knowledge of soil enrichment strategies, promoting healthier soil in the coming spring.
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Amend the Soil:
- The article emphasizes the use of organic compost, particularly goat manure, for soil replenishment. The detailed process of using goat manure, with its benefits like pelletized droppings and minimal odor, indicates a hands-on familiarity with sustainable soil management.
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Choose Plants Suited for Fall Growing:
- The recommendation to plant cool-weather crops like lettuce, beets, carrots, and kale reflects an understanding of the seasonal needs of vegetables. The insight into the flavor enhancement of frost-kissed carrots underscores a nuanced awareness of plant biology and taste development.
- The mention of specific heirloom and organic vegetable starts from reputable seed companies like Baker Creek Seed Company and Sow True Seed demonstrates a commitment to quality and diversity in plant selection.
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Maintain Your Fall Garden:
- The importance of watering seeds and transplants during the heat of August and September reveals a practical approach to garden maintenance, emphasizing the significance of timing for optimal results.
- Addressing potential pest issues, such as slugs, aphids, and cabbage worms, showcases a comprehensive knowledge of common challenges in fall gardening. Recommending specific pest control products like row cover and Bt spray indicates a familiarity with effective solutions.
In conclusion, the article provides a well-rounded guide to transitioning and maintaining a fall garden, drawing on a wealth of practical experience and a deep understanding of horticulture. If there are any specific questions or additional insights needed, feel free to ask!
