Now that the 4th of July has passed, it’s a good time to begin thinking about the fall garden. You’re going to be harvesting, processing, and feasting now. But as some plants become less productive, it’s always a good idea to get them out of the garden. Dying and dead plants are one of the primary places where insects and disease pathogens harbor and build their populations. Sanitation is a primary aspect of pest management.
Cleaning up also gives you an opportunity to look at what space is available for things you might want to grow into the fall. Some crops such as the crucifers – broccoli, collards, Brussels sprouts – produce their best flavor when they mature during cooler weather and may even tolerate frost. Others such as many squashes are traditionally grown in the fall and may store well into the winter. You can have your own local food for Christmas dinner!
Still, most of the growing needs to happen well before frost. Frost is now about 90 to 100 days away – hard to believe, huh? That’s about the same amount of time it takes for Brussels sprouts to grow from seed to maturity. You’d better get busy!
Transplants may not be readily available, and you may direct-seed many fall crops. Because soil is often warm and dry, especially at the surface, you may plant seeds deeper than spring planting depths. You may also consider ways to keep the soil moist and cool as seeds germinate and start to grow. Some afternoon shading may be valuable during early growth. Young seedlings may need more frequent watering before roots are well established.
Insect populations and disease pressure may be greater this late in the warm season. That means gardeners need to be more proactive at keeping plants healthy and take action to prevent major infestations. While you’re picking beans, have a look at the broccoli seedlings to make sure they’re doing OK.
There will be lots of excellent growing weather as we move into September and October. With cooler weather you may have to be concerned with frost. Often plants can be protected through the first frost with a light fabric. After the first frost there are often more good growing days. You might even have fresh tomatoes for Thanksgiving – some years.
For more details on some of these suggestions as well as planting strategies for specific crops, see Growing a Fall Vegetable Garden at
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/hil-8001.pdf
It only takes about 40-50 days to grow mature cucumbers. What are you waiting for?
One more thought – North Carolina is the 2nd worst state in the nation for hunger among children under 5 years old.
http://feedingamerica.org/newsroom/press-release-archive/child-food-insecurity.aspx
If you have any excess, please consider sharing with local food banks. See locations at
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/homehort/Harvest4Hunger.html
Thanks.
alcooke
E Letters are archived at
http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/content/WGEindex and
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/homehort/WhatsGardening/WGEindex.html
Al Cooke
Extension Agent, Horticulture
Chatham County Center
N.C. Cooperative Extension
PO Box 279, Pittsboro, NC 27312
919.542-8202; Fax 919.542.8246
al_cooke@ncsu.edu
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/staff/acooke/home.html