#40. Seasonal Gardening - Autumn
Late sowing in the vegetable garden generally takes place in September, when the ground is still warm. Seeds tend to germinate quicker when the ground is warm. Depending on the area where you live, longer summers give you a few extra weeks to plant vegetables. Quite a number of vegetables can be sown all through the month of September and possibly even later.
Soil preparation is the key to getting your vegetable garden ready for spring time. You need to replenish soil nutrients at the end of the growing season. If you cover the ground with black plastic, it will protect the soil, killing off the weeds. If you already have clean beds, you can sow green manure of mustard. It will keep weeds at bay and nourish the soil, giving you a nutritious crop to dig back into the earth.
Vegetable planting ideas for autumn include: Broad beans and peas Planting broad beans and peas can be done in September, and all the way through to mid-November. When you sow early, you are actually benefiting by establishing the plants for the winter. Plants begin to flower and bear fruit earlier as well. Find out what the best beans and peas varieties for your area before you invest in the seeds.
Leafy vegetables
Planting leafy vegetables in September will give the plants plenty of time to grow. Remember that decreasing light means the late sowings will not flower or bear fruit in time for winter. Some ideas for outdoor planting include pak choi, winter cress, spinach and spicy oriental salad mixes. These plants tend to germinate quickly and provide an ample supply of leafy vegetables right up to the time of the first frosts.
If you own a greenhouse, you can sow winter lettuce varieties, like „White Density'. But it will have to be sown under glass. If you don't have a greenhouse you can still sow winter lettuce using a cold frame.
Christmas potatoes
Plant your Christmas potatoes in pots in the month of September. Now you will be able to have a fresh crop ready for harvesting to serve with your turkey. The important thing with all autumn plantings is to establish the plants properly before the first frosts hit. Once the frost arrives, the plants need to be brought indoors and kept in a sheltered spot. Water and earth the pots until December, and get ready to dig up your crop on the twenty fourth.