Gardening Enthusiasm

Most people, myself included, start gardening in the spring. We are full of enthusiasm and have great plans. Then, before we realize it, it’s August and our dream garden is an overgrown weed patch. Don’t despair; plant an autumn vegetable garden. It is a good way to make up for the neglected flower garden.

Vegetables

There are a multitude of vegetables that prefer cool autumn temperatures. These include brussel sprouts, kale and cabbage. These vegetables need a good nip from Jack Frost to bring out their fabulous flavor. Specific varieties that do particularly well in an autumn garden are Red Ball cabbage, Winderbor kale and Jade Cross brussel sprouts. If you are unable to find these varieties at your local garden center or nursery, ask the staff which varieties will do well in your area. They will be happy to recommend vegetables that will make your autumn garden a success.

A Splash of Color

Once you have the vegetables planted in your garden, transplant yellow, orange and rust chrysanthemums, along with orange/red marigolds and purple salvia along the ends of the rows. Reserve a spot to add shallots and garlic later. These will be harvested next year.

Advantages of an Autumn Garden

An autumn garden has a positive twist. The seeds are planted in soil that has been warmed by the sun throughout the summer months. This hastens germination and the seeds don’t rot as often as they do in the wet conditions of spring. To be certain that many plants will grow, sow twice as many as what you usually would. It is easier to thin an abundance of plants than it is to replant later because birds, squirrels and other wildlife have eaten seeds or collected them for winter storage.

Where to Plant an Autumn Garden

Always plant an autumn garden in raised beds. Rake soil onto beds and make paths between the plants for easy access when harvesting or weeding. The raised beds should be approximately eight to twelve inches high and three to four feet wide. Length may vary, depending on the yield you wish to harvest. Soil in raised beds stays loose and allows good drainage because you are only walking on the paths.