What to Plant in Summer for a Beautiful Fall Garden
As we enter the last bit of May, it's an excellent time to start planning your summer planting to ensure a vibrant and bountiful fall garden. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to plant now to enjoy a stunning garden come autumn!
Summer is the ideal time to plant cool-weather vegetables that will thrive as the temperatures begin to drop in the fall:
Broccoli: Start broccoli seeds indoors now and transplant them outside in late summer. This will give them enough time to mature before the first frost.
Kale: Direct sow kale in your garden in mid to late summer. Kale is known for its hardiness and will continue to produce even after the first frost.
Brussels Sprouts: Plant Brussels sprout seedlings now for a delicious fall harvest. They require a longer growing season, so getting them in the ground soon is key
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are another fantastic option for planting in the summer, ready for harvest in the cooler fall months.
Carrots: Carrots can be sown directly into the garden soil. They develop their sweetest flavors after a few frosts, making them perfect for a fall harvest.
Beets: Plant beets in the summer to ensure a fresh supply in the fall. They grow quickly and can be harvested before the hard frost sets in.
Radishes: Radishes grow exceptionally fast and can be sown multiple times throughout the summer for continuous harvests. They are perfect for adding a quick turnaround crop to your garden.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are a staple for any fall garden, and planting them in the summer will ensure you have a fresh supply when other plants are starting to wind down.
Spinach: Spinach grows best in cooler weather and can be planted in late summer. It will mature quickly and can withstand light frosts.
Lettuce: For a continuous harvest of fresh greens, sow lettuce seeds every couple of weeks. This staggered planting will keep you supplied with fresh leaves well into the fall.
Flowers for Fall Blooms
Planting certain flowers in the summer can ensure your garden is full of color when many other plants have faded.
Mums (Chrysanthemums): Mums are quintessential fall flowers. Plant them in early summer to ensure they are established and ready to bloom in the fall.
Asters: These perennials provide late-season color and attract pollinators. Plant them in the summer for a beautiful fall display.
Tips for Successful Summer Planting
To maximize the success of your summer planting, consider these tips:
Watering: Summer heat can be tough on young plants, so ensure they get consistent and adequate watering. Early morning or late evening is the best time to water to reduce evaporation.
Mulching: Apply mulch around your plants to help retain moisture, keep roots cool, and reduce weed growth.
Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests and use organic pest control methods to protect your plants without harming beneficial insects.
Timing: Seedlings started in the summer will be blooming during the fall, it’s best to choose plants that can handle the slightly cooler temperatures of the fall. Always think one season ahead.
Conclusion
By strategically planting these crops and flowers during the summer, you can look forward to a productive and beautiful fall garden. Enjoy the process of nurturing your garden through the seasons and reap the rewards of your efforts with a vibrant display of fall blooms and bountiful harvests.
