Why Plant a Fall Garden?
A fall garden is the perfect opportunity to enjoy cool-season crops that thrive as temperatures drop. Crops like kohlrabi, beets, carrots, endive, spinach, and lettuce are well-suited for fall planting and can provide delicious produce well into the cooler months.
Steps for Planting a Fall Garden
1. Select Your Crops
Choose vegetables that flourish in cooler temperatures. Popular options include:
- Kohlrabi
- Beets
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Lettuce
- Greens
- Broccoli
2. Prepare Your Soil
Clear out any spent summer crops and till the soil. Add compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil and create a healthy foundation for your fall vegetables.
3. Manage Soil Temperature
Some seeds, like spinach, require cooler soil temperatures for germination (below 75°F). Use shade fabric and water the soil generously to cool it down. A soil thermometer can help you monitor the temperature.
4. Use Season Extenders
Consider using Agribon Floating Row Cover for frost protection as temperatures drop. Wire hoops or a permanent structure can hold up the fabric, ensuring your crops stay safe from frost.
5. Timing Your Planting
To determine when to plant, calculate backward from your first frost date:
- Subtract the crop’s days to maturity.
- Subtract two weeks to account for slower autumn growth.
- Subtract the days to germination.
For example, if your first frost date is November 1st and you want to grow beets (12 weeks to maturity), plant them by mid-August.
Get Started with Fall Planting
With proper planning and preparation, your fall garden can be a success! Explore our collection of organic and non-GMO seeds to get started on your cool-season crops.
Don’t wait too long—start planting your fall garden now and enjoy a bountiful harvest! Grow Organic for Life.
