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Gardening isn’t exclusive to spring or summer. The cool temperature of fall is perfectly suited for many of the same cool-season crops that are planted in early spring and harvested just as summer arrives.
That being said, many gardeners may find it tricky trying to sustain a garden in the fall. Frost, poor soil health and more limited daylight can all spell doom for a budding fall garden.
If you’re one of those gardeners thinking about planting in the fall, then these tips are for you.
Plant ahead of fall
It isn’t uncommon for gardeners to start their fall garden a little too late. Ideally, you should aim to start yours by later summer, just before fall sets in. Doing so gives you ample time to avoid the first hard frost that can kill your crops before harvest time.
Even cold-hardy crops like broccoli and carrots need several months to mature. Planting these crops a little too late guarantees they mature just as the frost creeps in. To avoid this mishap, plant your seeds ahead of fall. It also pays to look up the frost date/s in your area and count back the time it takes for your veggies to mature.
Plan your planting
Planting seeds early is essential, but it’ll be useless if you don’t keep track of your crops’ maturation period. This should be listed on the seed package or plant tag. While environmental factors will affect a crop’s maturation period, the number on the package or tag should be accurate and reliable enough to get by.
Clear the garden
Don’t rush to plant your seeds or seedlings if your planting space has already been used for spring and summer crops. It is important to clear the garden first to ensure good plant growth.
Take the time to pull out old plants, dig out dead bulbs, remove weed and till the soil to revitalize it before your fall planting takes place. This is also the perfect time to prep the soil with compost or organic fertilizer, especially if your fall garden is your first garden for the year.
Crops last longer in the fall – plan accordingly
Hardy crops last longer in the fall, even after they matured! That’s because the colder temperatures practically turn your garden beds into a large refrigerator, perfect for keeping your crops incubated.
For example, frost-tolerant cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and kale may stay fresh and crisp for months in the garden even after their harvest season has gone past. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce may also last for much longer in a fall garden provided you had planned adequately beforehand.
Not all crops can withstand the tough soil conditions and colder temperatures that mark fall. You’ll want to opt for crops that are suited to fall growing conditions to ensure a good harvest just before winter sets in, or during the first few weeks of spring. Here are 12 of the best fall crops to choose from:
Fall is the perfect time to plant bulbs and perennials before the ground freezes up. Just follow the tips above to get off to a strong start. You’ll be looking forward to a bountiful fall harvest in no time.
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