Rob Last, Horticulture Agent – Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, and Hampton
As we progress through the summer heat, as gardeners, we are beginning to turn our attention to growing fall vegetable crops. A common question this year, given increasing food costs, is what and how do I grow fall vegetables.
Factors to Consider: Who is going to be doing the work? Site selection is critical to success; vegetable crops require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Is the site free draining? If not, raised beds or containers could be a better choice. The factsheet HGIC 1257, Raised Beds, is excellent for more information. In dry weather, irrigation can be essential; proximity to a potable water source will make irrigation easier. Take a soil test for the site.
Create a paper plan of the area with row spacings and crops you would like to grow. Start small; a small, well-kept garden is more productive than a more extensive area; a smaller one will also help reduce the overall workload. Which vegetables do you and your family like to eat? Space: if you have a small yard or even a balcony, vegetable crops can be effectively grown in containers. The factsheet HGIC 1251, Container Vegetable Gardening, is excellent for more information.
Potential Crops: The fall season allows us to grow a wide range of crops, from root vegetables and leafy greens to onions, cabbage, and cauliflower; more excellent information on the scope of crops and planting windows are in the factsheet HGIC 1256, Planning a Garden.
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