Fall Gardening
What to Plant. Crops that are best adapted to fall culture are mainly the cool-season crops, although cucumbers, summer squash and beans can be grown as fall crops. Most spring vegetables are adaptable to fall gardening, but many Kansas gardeners report little success in growing fall peas.
When to Plant. Planting dates are influenced by how long it takes the crop to develop and how tolerant the crop is of first frosts or freezes. Crops such as potatoes or cabbage require a long period of development, thus a mid-July planting date, while crops such as lettuce or radishes can be planted in early September.
Fertilizing & Soil Prep. Extensive soil prep probably will not be needed for fall planting. A light surface cultivation will loosen the soil to prepare the seedbed.
High nitrogen fertilizer, like Coop Poop, is good for most crops as it will ensure lush vegetative growth prior to crop development in the cool fall weather.
Watering. It’s hard to establish a cool-season garden in the blazing August heat! If growing from seed, you may want to start seeds in containers or pots for transplanting in a cool, protected place. Before planting in the garden, place your containers in direct sun and provide lots of moisture for 2-4 days. This acclimates your little sprouts to the wind, direct sun and harsh environs of the summer! Maintain regular water in the fall garden, this is easier in the cooler fall weather. Your plants need to be watered one inch every 5-6 days.
Frosts & Freezes. The first frosts of fall will damage some sensitive crops, however, the frosts also make some crops taste even better. The back of this page contains a list of vegetable crops and their sensitivity to cold and frost.
When to Plant. Planting dates are influenced by how long it takes the crop to develop and how tolerant the crop is of first frosts or freezes. Crops such as potatoes or cabbage require a long period of development, thus a mid-July planting date, while crops such as lettuce or radishes can be planted in early September.
Fertilizing & Soil Prep. Extensive soil prep probably will not be needed for fall planting. A light surface cultivation will loosen the soil to prepare the seedbed.
High nitrogen fertilizer, like Coop Poop, is good for most crops as it will ensure lush vegetative growth prior to crop development in the cool fall weather.
Watering. It’s hard to establish a cool-season garden in the blazing August heat! If growing from seed, you may want to start seeds in containers or pots for transplanting in a cool, protected place. Before planting in the garden, place your containers in direct sun and provide lots of moisture for 2-4 days. This acclimates your little sprouts to the wind, direct sun and harsh environs of the summer! Maintain regular water in the fall garden, this is easier in the cooler fall weather. Your plants need to be watered one inch every 5-6 days.
Frosts & Freezes. The first frosts of fall will damage some sensitive crops, however, the frosts also make some crops taste even better. The back of this page contains a list of vegetable crops and their sensitivity to cold and frost.
Sensitivity of Fall-Planted Vegetables to Freezing Temperature
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