Fall Garden Tips

  As published in Southampton Spirit on 10/18/04.

   As fall approaches, there are some things that can be done to help for the next spring. The following are some tips for fall gardening.

   The key to planting early next year is to prepare the soil now. Turn beds over and add organic matter. Fresh manure added now will age nicely by spring. If you don't have access to any, use mushroom manure, compost, or dehydrated manure.

   The biggest challenge in getting seeds or plants in the ground early are heavy spring rains. Mulch the top of beds with straw or more of your organic matter and you'll be ready to plant in March.

   Cleaning up in the fall also will help prepare you for spring planting. Pull all plant material out of the garden and put it in the compost pile. Disease and pests lurk in the brown foliage waiting for spring to emerge. Every area that's cleaned out should be replenished with organic matter.

   Cut any woody perennials back. This will help them be ready to jump back next spring. Many cool crops like lettuce, kale and spinach will sleep all winter and can be picked in April. They will need a little protection and the most effective is a floating row cover.

   Seeds can be started now for the over-wintered garden. There is still time to get a crop of radishes. They love the cool weather and will be ready to pick in about a month.