Fall garden cornucopia

For gardening enthusiasts, a fall garden is a wonderful way to provide homegrown food later into summer and fall. Some believe the best crop and most bountiful harvest is achieved during the late summer, early fall months. This is due to the days still being warm and sunny, with night temperatures being cooler and humid. Right now is a good time to be thinking about the transition from sweetcorn and tomatoes to greens and cole crops.

Many crops, including carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, collards, lettuce, and cabbage can be planted beginning in early to mid August and even into September. Each crop varies; some may take anywhere from 50 to 100 days from planting to the time of harvest. For the best results, soak seeds overnight, then transplant into a prepared bed. Do not plant seeds any deeper than 3 times the diameter of the seed. Make sure the site is free of weeds and has the proper nutrients present. Incorporating organic matter is a good amendment for sandy or clay soils and provides nutrients. Soil fertility is very crucial; therefore add amendments either topically or by incorporation into the soil. Consult your soil test for recommendations. Follow with a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. Also consider drip irrigation or a soaker hose, which directly provides moisture to the individual plants or rows. This helps reduce soil temperature for adequate germination and conserves water. Since the sun can still be intense in July and August, you may also consider providing some shade to new transplants until established.

Proper control and scouting of insect pests and disease is still very important this time of year. Continue to look for pests regularly, since the crop can suffer losses quickly. Identification of the pest can help you to better control the problem. Sanitation is always an important factor. Be sure to keep the area free of dead leaves and debris, as they can harbor pests. Some pests can be controlled mechanically by a firm stream of water or by hand-picking of insects or diseased leaves. Other controls include cultural (adjusting planting date or environment) and chemical controls (organic and/or man-made). Whatever your pest, there should be a control to fit your individual needs.

Access Fact Sheets online at: osufacts.okstate.edu and enter the keyword in the search box.

For more information visit your local Extension office, or call the Cleveland County OSU Extension Office at 405-321-4774 or come by our office at 601 E. Robinson St. in Norman.

9/1/08
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Date: 8/25/08

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