Growing a Fall food garden

For many cool-season vegetables, the fall provides a better growing environment than the spring. Too often in Northwest Ohio, spring warms up too quickly for cool-season vegetables such as lettuce and spinach. The hot weather and longer days of early summer can cause these vegetables to produce flowers early, making them small and bitter. Many leafy greens and root vegetables taste better when grown in cooler weather. A fall garden may also avoid the insect problems that are common in summer. For example, summer squash planted in spring can easily be killed by a single squash vine borer in late June and early July. Planting a fast-growing variety later in the season avoids this pest entirely. Fall gardens are typically planted in late July through early September when the soil still retains summer warmth. This timing helps seeds germinate quickly and roots become well-established. What to Know. Knowing the area's "First Frost Date" is essential for planning. Fall vegetables need enough time to mature before frost arrives, because frost can damage or kill the plants. Frost occurs when water in the air freezes on a surface that cools faster than the air. Frost causes water to freeze inside the plant cells, which expands the cells until they break. Tender plants can be damaged by a light frost, which occurs at 33-36°F. Hardier plants may be killed entirely by a freeze when temperatures reach 32°F. A heavy freeze occurs at 28°F and will kill most unprotected plants. The first frost date is based on frost dates from the recent past. Half of the time, the frost occurred before this date, and half after. The first frost date is easy to find online by searching for this term and the county or zip code. In Hancock County, Ohio, it typically occurs around October 17th. What to Grow. Choosing varieties that need a short growing season and are cold-hardy for a fall garden is best. Some vegetables that can tolerate a light frost include beets, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, Chinese cabbage, lettuce, parsnips, and potatoes. Hardy vegetables that can tolerate hard frost include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, onions, parsley, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips. Parsley, cilantro, and chives grow well in colder weather. Each seed packet will state the number of days to maturity. If the number of days to maturity is less than the number of days between now and the first frost date, there is still time to plant it. Before You Plant – Planning and Preparation. Consider planning the fall garden when planning the rest of the garden in early spring. Many garden centers don't carry fall seedlings, and seeds may be out of stock by fall. Planning allows the gardener to have all their desired varieties available in the fall and raise transplants earlier in the summer if needed. When ready to plant, remove any weeds and old plants, then till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Hot, dry soil can form a hard crust, which makes germination difficult. Placing a thin layer of compost or potting soil over the seed row can prevent the crust from forming. Lettuce, peas and spinach seeds will not develop well when the soil is hotter than 85°F. Planting these seeds slightly deeper, mulching lightly, or shading the soil can help. Protection from Frost. With protection, some plants can continue growing for weeks after the first light frost. Covering the bed with sheets supported by stakes can prevent frost damage. Individual plants can be protected by placing an upside-down milk jug or bucket over them overnight when frost is forecasted. Fall gardens are great for growing crops that prefer cooler weather. They avoid pests, allow for faster seed starting, and can maximize vegetable flavor. By choosing the right plants and preparing them carefully, anyone can enjoy vegetables well into the later months. Jennifer Merrill is an Ohio State University Extension Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteer. Find us on Facebook at "Hancock County Master Gardener Volunteers."