Act Now For A Fall Crop

By: Ron Cusano                 July, 2009                            Vol. 2 Article 1011

     This year has been one of challenges in the garden because of all the constant almost daily rain and lack of sun here in the Northeast.  These conditions are the breeding ground of disease and poor productivity. I will address this in a future article.
     Today I want to write about planning for a Fall harvest.  If you plant only for a Summer crop, you are missing out on half the growing season, and some consider it the BEST part of the growing season for some crops. The secret to having a good Fall crop is selecting the varieties to plant and timing!  NOW, between August 1st and August 15, is the opportune time to plant most Fall crops!
     For instance, peas! Normally considered only an early Spring - early Summer crop because they love cool weather, they produce an excellent Fall crop as well. This includes shelling varieties and the edible podded varieties like Sugar Snap. The problem with planting peas in midsummer is poor germination, so I will share a little secret with you.  Loosen the soil, dig a shallow trench about 1 1/2” to 2” deep and sow thickly. Then, place 1 x 6 boards on top of the seed row. Check every day or so, and remove boards after germination takes place.  This keeps the soil cooler and at an even temperature.
     Spinach, romaine, and all the lettuce’s do well for Fall crops. Use the same technique as for the peas, except plant no deeper that 1/2”.  Broccoli & cabbage are also great for Fall planting.  Be sure to choose varieties that mature in about 60 - 75 days from planting, and starting seeds in trays for transplanting at about 3-weeks old is the method I prefer.
     Any plant that prefers cool growing conditions and matures in 60 - 75 days will do well for Fall, and you will increase your harvest well into Dec. in some areas of the Northeast, depending on the first hard freeze! Here on Long Island, my garden produces from March until December, leaving only 2-3 months to plan, start seedlings and prepare the soil, making gardening a year-round labor of love!

Blessings,

Ron
“The Garden Guy”