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| Mesquites provide just the right amount of filtered shade for herbs. |
Fall is the best time to plant cool weather crops, including
some herbs. Plan your fall garden like you would your spring garden; rotate
crops and leave some empty spaces to give the soil a rest.
Garden Clean-up
If you had a spring garden, start cleaning up what isn’t
doing well. Summer squash and melons are usually done by now, so unless you
still have fruits on the vines, pull them out. Remove any dead, diseased or
dying plants of any kind, too.
It is best not to compost plants from your garden, as in
order to kill off insect eggs and diseases, your compost pile needs to reach
temperatures above 200 degrees. It is not worth risking re-infecting your
garden.
It is a good idea to add additional compost to your garden.
Just keep in mind not to till too often, as you may end up killing all your
beloved earthworms you worked so hard to bring in.
Seedlings for Fall
Planting
Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage work best this time of
year when planted as seedlings. If your garden area is in full sun, they will
appreciate some filtered shade to acclimate them to their new environment.
Swiss chard, lettuce, kale and other greens can be purchase as seedlings, too,
or you can plant seeds directly in the ground.
Vegetable Seeds for
Fall Planting
Root crops like beets and carrots do not do well as
transplants, so use seeds instead. Try different colored varieties like golden
beets or purple carrots. Seeds of Change Beet Chioggia is also interesting,
with a red and white striped interior. Other seeds to plant:
- Sugar snap peas- If you choose a bush sugar snap pea variety, you will not need to worry about installing a trellis. I usually wait until November or December to plant these.
- Lettuce-Slow bolt varieties like red oak and black-seeded simpson will ensure a longer crop.
- Kale-All kales do quite well. Even ornamental kale is edible.
- Swiss chard-Pick one with ruby red stems for more color.
Herbs to Plant in the
Fall
- Parsley –Seeds of Change Parsley Italian Flatleaf or Parsley Forest Green are two organic options. Both are perennials and will continue to bring you fresh parsley for a year or two.
- Cilantro-Seeds of Change Cilantro Slow-Bolt ensures you will get the most out of your cilantro plants before they go to seed. Don’t forget to harvest the seeds; which are known as coriander.
- Chives- Plant Seeds of Change Chive Garden for snipping onion flavored stems to garnish your favorite recipes.
The best part about a fall garden is you don’t have to water
as often, and there are few pests to contend with. Planting now means crops
through early spring, and lots of fresh vegetables and herbs for your winter
soup recipes.
