Planning for the Fall Vegetable Garden
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Cabbage is a great fall crop for the home vegetable gardener. |
By Jenny Peterson
In many warmer parts of the country, it's actually time to start thinking about your fall vegetable garden. Hard to believe, I know—the heat waves that have been bringing us to our knees make fall seem a million years away. But even if you live in a cooler climate, now is the time to plan for the upcoming vegetable season. Here's what you need to know to get going:
Check with your region extension service to find out what vegetables to plant at what time.
This will vary from region to region, but in some warmer climates, you can sow seeds in August. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, and various leafy greens are all great choices.
Decide if you want to use seeds, transplants, or a combination.
If you haven't already ordered seeds, plan to buy them now. Transplants should be available beginning in late October, depending upon your area.
If you're starting your garden from scratch, choose a sunny site with six to eight hours of full sun a day, although some fall veggies will grow in light shade.
If your soil is poor or rocky, consider building raised beds out of landscape timbers.
You'll want your raised beds to be a foot tall for good soil depth. Consider a bed with dimensions of 4 x 6 feet or 4 x 8 feet for ease of maintenance.
Choose your irrigation type.
Overhead irrigation can work well if the system is set to go off in the early-morning hours. Otherwise, opt for soaker or drip systems for increased efficiency and plant health.
Extra tips
Plan for some mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
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