Written by Charlotte West
It’s that time of year again, when many are gearing up for a fall garden. There are two meanings to “fall garden,” one being that planting cool-weather crops will yield you a crop before the first freeze. The second meaning is if a frost comes before your garden provides a yield, you usually will get an early spring crop.
So, what to plant? Cool weather vegetables are things such as cabbage, lettuce, spinach, chard, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, beets, or carrots, just to name a few.
Most local nurseries have a planting guide for the best times to plant in your region. Most living in Washington County have two options. If planting from seed, you should have already planted a month ago. However, it’s not to late to plant from healthy starts. This method should increase your odds of a good crop this season.
I recommend making sure when you purchase seeds or starts to purchase non-GMO. I also recommend purchasing your plants from a place that does not chemically treat their plants. If you are unsure if your plants have been chemically treated, look for holes or chew marks on your starts. This could be a sign of non-chemically treated plants. If you ask the nursery or greenhouse, they should be knowledgeable regarding where they get their stock and their treatment. If not, I would rethink my purchase.
Some local nurseries still grow plants from their own seed. By all means, educate yourself. This will save you time and money. Once the plants are in your own hands, you are free to treat your plants, if need be, by using chemicals safe for use or going the organic way. I have found that often, for every chemical way to rid your plants of pests, there is an organic way as well.
A fun fact: Winter squash does not mean you will get a crop this season, but rather that the winter squash you may have planted in the spring will store for a long time, often through winter. Thus, the term “winter squash” was born.
What to do if your garden is going to have to winter overdue to an early frost is pretty simple. Depending on how much rain or snow we receive, once a month or so, just go out and give your plants a small drink.
Above all, enjoy yourself. Gardening should be fun and can be rewarding.
In future articles, I hope to discuss a wide range of topics, from how water can insulate your plants and trees and tomatoes and their care to when to plant trees.
Happy gardening!
West moved to southern Utah in 2004 from the farmlands of southern Arkansas, where cultivating the earth is a way of life. Her experiences give her a unique perspective on how plants grow, adapt, and survive in different climates. She finds great joy in sharing her knowledge with others and tending to her garden. From seedlings to 70-year-old elms, she can help you with your horticulture needs.
