Planting your second (fall) cold season crop

With my tomatoes changing colors and having a consistent harvest of cucumbers it is now time to start thinking about a second season crop of cold season vegetables. If you were less than successful with your spring cold season crop as I was, definitely consider giving a fall crop a try. There are many advantages since pests are less active and temperatures decrease and will lower temperatures and more rain it is a pretty low labor harvest. The cool weather can also help pull the sugar out and give you much sweeter veggies compared to your spring crop

If I have already convinced you to start a fall crop the important thing is timing, though many of the cold season plants can survive a couple light frosts you should start your planting 6-8 weeks before you first fall frost. You can extend your growing season (or take it through the whole winter) by providing some plastic covering for a little added protection. If you want more information of having fresh vegetables all winter long I recommend checking out Four-Season Harvest: Organic Vegetables from Your Home Garden All Year Long

Your choices for what to plant are basically the same as what you may have planted early last spring. Some of my favorites are lettuce, spinach, Swiss chard, beets, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, scallions, and radishes.

With a little planning and minimal effort you can continue to harvest inexpensive produce with minimal effort.

6 Responses to “Planting your second (fall) cold season crop”

  1. Compostings Says:

    I am so excited for my fall crops! My tomatoes didn’t do so well this year and I need to be boosted! I’m going to try for more peas. Broccoli, lettuces, spinach, kale.


  2. Karen Says:

    Yay for winter veggies! I like them almost as much for “winter interest” (i.e. just something to look at when everything else is underground or dead) as for the food aspect.- Karenhttp://greenwalks.wordpress.com


  3. Anthony Says:

    I planted lettuce, chard, rabe, bok choy, arugala and carrots over the weekend. I’m hoping to have time to build a hoop house or a cold frame and keep my cold season crops going through at least some of the winter. Going to try and get some spinach, beets and parsnips in the ground this weekend. It might be too late for the roots already though. We’ll see. Good luck with your fall crops.


  4. Eve Says:

    I am getting my energy up to start my fall garden. I haven’t decided yet just what to plant because I have no room in my freezer. It must be something we will eat without too much excess. Staggering crops is soemthing I am very poor at but I am learning to cut way back on the amount I plant for two people.


  5. Karen Says:

    I like to plant arugula and it usually lives through the winter just fine, springing back even after frosts. Lots of asian veggies work well for winter gardens too. Yum!


  6. harvz Says:

    I love your site. Lots of interesting reading and healthy all the way. Great stuff.


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