BARCO, N.C.–As the summer gardening season begins to wind down, it is time to plan for that fall garden to ensure you have an abundant supply of fresh vegetables. There are several things that you can begin doing now to prepare for your fall garden.
The first step is to be sure to remove and dispose of old vegetable plant debris. This debris can harbor future insect and disease problems that could negatively affect your fall garden. If you have not obtained a soil sample from your garden, do it now. Sampling boxes and forms are available at the Currituck Extension Center. Soil sample reports will contain recommendations for soil amendments so that your garden can be most productive and avoid potential problems. Having your soil sample analyzed is free during the fall. There is a $4 fee per sample for testing between the months of December and March. Till and prepare the soil for plants and seeds that will be planted in fall gardens. Any full season summer vegetable plants such as tomatoes, peppers and eggplant should be cleared of weeds and grass. Properly maintained, these plants will produce vegetables until the first frost.
So what should you plant and when? Plant transplants of broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards and lettuce between August 15 and September 1. Plant seeds of radishes, kohlrabi, turnips, rutabagas, as well as kale, mustard and spinach August thru early September. Muscadine grapes and local apples should be ready for harvest around the last week in August and early September. For all your gardening questions, contact the Currituck County Center of NC Cooperative Extension at 252-232-2261. Happy Gardening!
–Cameron Lowe, Currituck County Center