Planting a vegetable garden doesn’t just have to occur in the spring. Many of the vegetables that we grow in the spring can be also planted in late summer or early fall.

By the time summer rolls around many of our cool season plants that were planted in the spring are past their prime. They become tough and bitter and will often bolt (flower). By planting these cool season crops again you can extend your gardening season and have fresh produce throughout the fall.

There are several other advantages to planting a fall vegetable garden. There are often fewer pest and weed problems in the fall compared to the spring. Many vegetables have better quality when they are grown in the fall. Additionally, some vegetables will also develop better flavor when grown in the fall, particularly after they have gone through a frost. Finally, fall gardens often require less time and labor because the soil has already been worked in the spring.

Vegetables that are typically grown in a fall vegetable garden fall into the semi-hardy and hardy categories. Semi-hardy plants such as beets, carrots, cauliflower, and lettuce can tolerate light frosts (32°F). Hardy plants such as broccoli, cabbage, radishes, and spinach can tolerate hard frosts (28°F).

To determine when you should plant your vegetables you need to determine when your first frost usually occurs. For central Illinois, it is generally mid-October. Start with that date and count backwards for the number of days it takes the crop to mature. It’s also a good idea to add a week or two for the fall factor because temperatures are getting cooler so development slows compared to spring when temperatures get warmer. Most of the vegetables you grow in the fall vegetable garden can be directly seeded in the garden. Some like broccoli and cauliflower are best done as transplants. Unfortunately, transplants are not easy to find in the summer for these plants, so to make your own start the seed indoors 6 to 8 weeks before you wish to put them in the garden (it’s a little too late this year, but as they say there’s always next year…).

Planting your fall garden really isn’t much different than starting your garden in the spring. Remove any crop residues from previous crops and pull any weeds that may be present. Soil can also be tilled and one to one and a half pounds of an all-purpose fertilizer (per 100 sq ft) or composted organic matter can be incorporated. When planting seeds, follow the directions on the seed packets. Make sure to keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated. Because the seeds are being planted at the end of summer, the soil moisture will need to be monitored closely. It is also helpful to provide some shade to seedlings in the afternoon while the temperatures are still high and the plants have yet to become well established. Once your plants have become established the maintenance is just like any other garden, make sure to control weeds and pests if necessary and water when needed. Finally, sit back and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of your labor.

Good Growing Tip of the Week: A light covering of mulch or even a board can be placed over the seeds to help retain moisture in the soil. If using a board make sure check under it frequently for sprouting seed and remove it once the seeds germinate. Checking the seed packet will give you an idea of how many days it will take for the seeds to germinate.