Wondering if it is too late to plant vegetables this summer? The good news: no, it is not! In fact, late July and August is the time to begin planting a fall vegetable garden. Many vegetables grown in the spring also grow well in the fall. In early August there are enough days to plant bush beans, carrots, or beets to harvest before frost. Other vegetables that mature quickly like lettuce or spinach can be planted in succession beginning now. You can also consider cold tolerant vegetables like kale, radishes, turnips, mustard, Swiss chard, or kohlrabi.
Two important pieces of information to know as you determine when to plant seeds: 1) the average date of the first frost, which is mid-October, and 2) the days to maturity for each crop which is listed on the seed packet. Always add a couple extra weeks since as days get shorter, growth slows. Therefore, as of August 1, we have approximately 75 days to
Got leftover seeds and empty spaces in your garden, plant a fall garden!!
average first frost.
Before planting prepare the garden bed by removing any debris from earlier crops and remove any weeds. Then till the soil and add organic matter and/or fertilizer. Keeping the seeds moist for germination and protecting young seedlings from excessive heat are probably the greatest challenges when planting in midsummer. Be sure to watch closely and provide shade and/or mulch to conserve water in the soil. Then watch your vegetables grow as you extend the gardening season.
Vegetables that grow well in the spring will also do well in the fall like bush beans, carrots, and beets. Keep in mind vegetables that will mature quickly include lettuce and spinach. Some of the vegetables that are cold tolerant include kale, radishes, turnips, swiss chard, and kohlrabi, broccoli and cauliflower.
Take time now to plant a mid-summer garden and extend the gardening season!