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| Fall Gardens Offer Large Variety of Vegetables By Trisha Gedon | |
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| Posted by Agricultural Communication Services on Thursday, Jul. 15, 2004 | |
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STILLWATER, Okla. - Despite the fact that Oklahomans are just getting into the heat of the summer, gardening enthusiasts need to be planning for their fall garden crops. Some of the best quality garden vegetables are produced and harvested during the fall season when warm, sunny days are followed by cool, humid nights, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service consumer horticulturist. "Under these climatic conditions, plant soil metabolism is low, therefore, more of the food manufactured by the plant becomes a high-quality vegetable product," Hillock said. "To ensure a bountiful harvest in the fall, gardeners need to start getting ready now." As with any garden, adequate soil preparation, available garden space, selected plantings, space for plantings and obtaining the quantity and varieties of seed must be taken into consideration. Some crops are more easily grown when seeds are planted early, then transplanting the seedlings to the garden at a later time. Transplants and seeds can be planted in the garden in mid-July through September. Keep in mind that the time of planting is dependent upon the length of time required to produce the crop. Hillock said seeds leftover from the spring planting can be used if the seeds were stored in a cool, dry location or in a refrigerator or freezer. When gardeners are ready to plant the seeds, the seeds need to be soaked overnight. This will speed up germination and seedling emergence. Cowpea beans, pole beans, cilantro, sweet corn, eggplant, peppers, pumpkin, squash, broccoli, carrots, parsnip and tomatoes all can be planted in mid- to late-July. Lima beans, cucumbers, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, Irish potatoes, leaf lettuce, green peas, radish, rutabaga, Swiss chard and turnips should be planted sometime between early-August and mid-September. "Soil preparation for fall gardens is just as important as it is for the gardens you planted in the spring," Hillock said. "Modifying or improving the soil prior to and during the gardening season is vital for a successful garden. Various fertilizer elements are necessary for plant growth and can be easily applied." However, other aspects of soil improvement may not be as easily accomplished. Organic matter needs to be incorporated into sandy soil to help reduce the drying of the soil and improve nutrient availability. Heavy clay soil combined with organic matter will improve soil aeration, water absorption and drainage. Keep in mind that when conditions are favorable for growing vegetables, they also are favorable for grass and weeds. Mulch the soil or cultivate when the grass and weed plans are small and more easily eradicated. "A fall garden is a great way to maintain fresh quality produce. Gardens do take time and effort, but the results are more than worth it," Hillock said. ### Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer. |
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