Search news

Plant now to extend fall harvest

Media contact:

Robert E. Thomas
Information Specialist
University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group
Phone: 573-882-2480
E-Mail: thomasr@missouri.edu

Published: Friday, August 21, 2009

Story source:

David H. Trinklein, 573-882-9631

COLUMBIA, Mo. –Gardeners looking to extend their vegetable season can plant in August and early September, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.

“Many cool-season and some warm-season vegetables attain their peak quality when grown and harvested as late crops,” said David Trinklein.

The main challenge with fall production of cool-season vegetables is seeding or transplanting a crop when the weather is hot. Moisture is critical. Apply water immediately after seeding or transplanting.

Plant seeds slightly deeper than you would plant them in spring to improve moisture availability for germination and root growth.

You can use seed you bought last spring if it has been kept in a cool, dry location.

Cool-season vegetables thrive in the cooler nights of late summer and fall and tolerate frost.

Because getting uniform seed germination and seedling emergence in the high soil temperatures may be difficult, consider transplanting started plants from local greenhouses or nurseries.

Transplant 4- to 6-week-old crops into the garden. Late afternoon or early evening planting will reduce transplant shock, Trinklein said.

Collards, kale, mustard and turnip greens, and lettuce are well adapted to fall garden conditions. You can seed greens through August and harvest them approximately 50 days from seeding.

Lettuce and spinach grow well in the fall. An ideal planting time is the first week in September. Spinach often overwinters successfully and produces abundantly in April.

Many warm-season vegetables, including fall tomatoes, snap beans and squash, can successfully grow in late summer and fall.

For more information on planting dates, see the MU Extension guide “Vegetable Planting Calendar” (G0601), available for purchase or free download at extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6201.

###