Plan and Plant Now For Your Fall Vegetable Harvest

By Joanne K., Pitt County EMGV

Although it's the middle of summer, now is the time to start planning and planting your fall vegetable garden. The eastern NC climate allows for three-season gardening, and the cooler fall temperatures are ideal for such crops as lettuces, onions, broccoli, collards, and cabbage.

Fall planting can be done between mid-August to mid-September.

Start by getting a soil test, which is free between April 1 and the end of November. Soil test boxes and forms are available at the Pitt County Agricultural Center lobby and the NC Cooperative Extension office at 403 Government Circle, Greenville, NC 27834. Soil samples are sent to the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services lab in Raleigh, and the turnaround time is about two weeks.

As the summer crops start to decline, pull out the spent vegetation and weeds to make room for fall crops. Don't turn them under in the garden, however, as the summer build-up of insects and diseases can still linger in the soil in the warm fall temperatures, threatening your new plantings.

Till the cleared soil about 6" to 8" deep, incorporating whatever amount of lime and/or fertilizer is recommended by your soil test report. If you didn't get a test, incorporating 1 to 2 lbs. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. should work.

Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and collards can be direct-seeded now in pots for transplanting in August. If you can't find the seeds that you want, make a note to buy them next spring along with those for your summer garden.

Plant seeds at a depth two to three times the width of the seed.

Seedlings ready for transplanting

Brassica oleracea Acephala (Curly Leaf Kale). It's a cool- season biennial capable of growing two to three feet tall with thick, usually crinkled (savoy), broadly linear 18-inch long leaves borne up the stalk at a 45-degree angle.

If you miss the seed-planting window, transplants for these and other fall crops are available from local garden centers. Be careful to select healthy transplants that can withstand the summer insect buildup. Planting them on an overcast day or in early evening will help prevent the transplants from wilting.

After planting your seeds and transplants, water them well and be sure to keep them watered as seeds need moisture to germinate and transplants need it to form good roots. At least 1 inch of water per week is recommended.

Mulching around your plants will help to retain moisture, reduce weeds, maintain soil temperature, and prevent erosion. About 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, such as bark chips, compost, dried grass clippings, or pine needles, are recommended.

Be sure to check your new plantings frequently for insect and disease damage.

You may need to replant your lettuce and spinach if they fail to germinate because the soil temperature is too warm. I have planted lettuce as late as early November and had some to harvest at the end of January when the winter was mild.

To extend the growing season, you can cover the plants with plastic milk jugs with cut-off bottoms, flower pots, floating row covers supported by stakes, cold frames, etc., when frost threatens.

Between November 1 and 8 is the average first frost date in eastern North Carolina, but there may be plenty of mild days after that so remove the coverings when the temperatures rise.

Beta vulgaris (Swiss Chard) These cultivars do best in full sun to partial shade, as well as moist, rich, well-drained soil. The plants require a pH level of 6.0 to 8.0. They grow fastest in the cool temperatures of spring and fall, although they continue to produce leaves through summer.

NC Cooperative Extension offers an "Eastern North Carolina Planting Calendar for Annual Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs", which includes information on planting dates, days to harvest, and whether to plant seeds or transplants. You can request a copy from Pitt County Extension Master Gardeners at 252-902-1705 or access the guide online. For more information on vegetable gardening, go to the Extension Gardener handbook.

Plant now and enjoy your own fresh vegetables through the fall and early winter!

Photos:
Transplants - Lucy B., CC BY 2.0
Curly leaf kale - Lucy B., CC BY 2.0
Swiss chard - Kathleen M., CC BY 2.0