Extension

Oklahomans are still experiencing typical summer heat, but with the fall season quickly approaching, it’s time to get those cool-season plants planted. The cooler weather and hopefully increased rainfall are a good combination for growing cool-season vegetables and extending the growing season for some warm-season crops.

 

A few good choices for a fall garden include spinach, beets, carrots, Swiss chard, mesclun mixes, turnips and radishes. These plants mature rapidly and are more tolerant to early frosts and freezes. If all goes well and the weather cooperates, gardeners may be able to harvest into the early winter months.

 

It’s a good idea to amend the soil before planting a fall garden. Add compost or ammonium nitrate to help replenish the nutrients in the soil.

 

Supplemental irrigation will help establish early growth. Drip irrigation is a great way to water the garden efficiently. Check with the county Oklahoma State University Extension office for information on drip irrigation in the garden. Gardeners can conserve water by watering only the furrows or rows and waiting for rainfall for general watering.

 

When preparing seeds to plant, soak them overnight to speed up germination and seedling emergence. Don’t soak bean and pea seeds. Cover the seeded rows to reduce soil temperature and keep it from drying out. A layer of mulch will help control weeds and regulate soil moisture and temperature.

 

Keep an eye out for insect pests by checking plants frequently. Employ protective measures quickly if cabbage worms, aphids, etc., are spotted.

 

Gardeners who already have established warm-season crops can extend the growing season. Tomato and pepper plants that are still producing can be covered during early frosts to protect them from cold damage. Plants grown in containers can be moved indoors and placed by a window for continued growth.

 

Try to keep a handle on weeds and control them when they’re still small. Weeds compete for important moisture and nutrients in the soil. An alternative is to use mulch in the garden to impede weed growth.

 

There’s still time to plant a second round of quick-maturing summer squash or bush beans for a nice fall harvest.

 

There’s nothing quite like the taste of fresh produce from the garden, so get those fall planting beds ready and extend the flavors of the garden into the late fall and early winter.