Right now, our summer gardens are in full swing. Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and melons are all filling our kitchens with their delicious summer bounty. Our flowering trees and plants are in full bloom and summer is a buzzin’ with happy bees! But other parts of our garden may be starting to wind down. Lettuce, spinach and spring greens may have already gone to seed, and the heat may be taking its toll. Ideally, when planning our landscaping in the hot San Joaquin and Central Valley heat, we try to avoid planting too much during the May-August heat waves. So, when should we start planning our fall gardens? Now!
You’re probably busy harvesting your spring and summer crops and starting to make space for your fall plantings. Typically, September is thought to be the ideal time to start your fast-growing fall crops, when the days begin to shorten, and the sun gives the soil a bit of reprieve. During this time period the soil temperature is still warm but not overly hot. If you plant your garden too early, you’ll have the extra work of protecting the tender newbies with enough shade from the zapping summer sun.
Planning Fall Vegetable Gardens
Late August and early September are the best times to start planting many of the vegetables that will keep you supplied during the late season. Broccoli, parsley, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, leeks, and Brussels sprouts thrive when planted around this time period. You can easily plant them all from seed. The peak of summer, during the heat of August, is the best time to plant to give your plants the time they need to mature enough during prime-growing conditions.
With proper planning you can have a colorful vegetable garden this fall that is happy, healthy and productive. In the San Joaquin and Central Valley, we don’t have to worry as much about the threat of an early winter frost, but we can still use the frost planting guidelines, and maturation rates for efficient gardening. Plan out your garden by grouping them by maturation rate.
Plant for Success
Planting for success starts with the hole you dig! Taking the time to prep the soil and dig a proper hole for your nursery plants will give them the best start possible. A plant’s health is dependent upon fertilization, soil type, irrigation and planting location. The foundation of your plant sets it up for success.
Always make sure that the hole for your plant is two to three times the width of the root ball and shallow enough that it can be set upon undisturbed soil. An irregular shaped hole will promote proper root growth, so tell the perfectionist in you to take a nap and let the child within you dig a hole with rough sides! Do take care when removing the plant from its container, gently tapping the outsides to loosen it. Placement within the hole is also crucial to development. Find the “Goldilocks position” for your root ball, not too high (dry out), and not too low (rot danger).
Colorful annuals such as pansies, cyclamen, alyssum, and primrose are also ideal additions to your garden this fall to keep summer alive in your heart. The brightest colors will liven up any of those gray winter days that follow. Planning a successful fall garden starts with ideal timing, and the time is now! If you have any questions regarding fall garden planning, we’d love to chat!
