Released August 13, 2009

SALINA, Kan. – Home vegetable gardening rose from its long-time slump this year in a resounding resurgence of popularity that now can continue into fall.

“Some vegetables are simply better suited for harvesting in fall, rather than summer. Besides, fall gardening extends the growing season for those who love fresh-picked flavor. It’s also a second chance for gardeners who missed some or all of spring’s planting deadlines,” said Chip Miller horticulturist with Kansas State University Research and Extension.

Among Miller’s favorites for fall are cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.

“These cole crops are short-lived in spring. They quit producing as soon as summertime temperatures arrive. They bolt -- go to seed,” he explained. “In contrast, planting cole crops in summer gets them off to a quick start. Then fall’s cool weather promotes a long harvest of high-quality produce.”

Other good planting options for fall gardens are snap beans, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, Chinese cabbage, Swiss chard, collards, bush-type cucumbers, endive, kale, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, bibb lettuce, mustard, snow peas, Irish potatoes, radishes, spinach, summer squash and turnips.

“Lettuce, snow pea and spinach seeds won’t germinate well if soil temperature are 85 degrees or above,” Miller cautioned. “So, you may want to plant more of them, slightly deeper than you would in spring. After planting, you also can shade the seed row with a light layer of mulch. That should help, too.”

He listed the following as other tricks that can foster fall gardening success:

• Prepare by removing weeds and garden residues and then tilling or spading at least 6 to 8 inches deep. Consider incorporating 1 to 2 pounds of general analysis fertilizer (e.g., 12-12-12) per 100 square feet.

• If you won’t have time to maintain a consistent water supply, start with transplants, rather than seeds.

• Seeded areas can form a hard crust that interferes with sprouting. Prevent crust’s forming by applying a light layer of a vermiculite, compost or peat moss mulch over the seed row.

• Seed potatoes showing the greatest tendency to sprout are best for fall. If you don’t have some on hand, buy them from an organic grower. (Supermarket potatoes won’t do. They’re treated to inhibit sprouting.)

--30--

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/ksrenews/story/briefs081309.aspx

Editor: Elaine Edwards, elainee@ksu.edu