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Cool season vegetables

By Bobbie Crockett, Extension Specialist – Communications UAPB School of Agriculture Fisheries and Human Sciences

Fall is a time when we easily get tempted to slow down or abandon garden activities after the hot summer days leave us, says Dr. Obadiah Njue, Extension horticulture specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Cooperative Extension Program.
“Garden lovers may feel exhausted, and the gardens are not looking attractive,” he says. “Most warm-season vegetable crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons, squash, sweet corn, okra, sweet potatoes and peas, have either completed their production cycle or are in their final stages.“

However, cool-season vegetable crops can produce right up to the first frost and some, like collards, will continue through fall and early spring when they ultimately flower, Njue says.

The following are examples of vegetables, with approximate days from seed sowing to maturity, that can be planted in the fall:  lettuce (45-65), turnips (40-55), mustard (40-50), broccoli (50-75), collard (50-75), cabbage (60-82), kale (55), spinach (42), carrots (66-75), beet (54-68), Swiss Chard (60), and Bok Choi (40-60).

“Establishing a fall garden is more challenging due to high temperatures which promote weed growth, high insect populations and, coupled with high humidity, can promote diseases,” he says. “Do not be disappointed if you have a few failures – they may be good lessons for successful future fall gardening.”

The hot and dry weather is hard on germinating seeds and young seedlings. However, Njue suggests that germination and survival of young seedlings can be improved by taking the following steps:

Water a day or two before planting. This provides adequate moisture to the planted seeds.

Where applicable, cover the seeds with moistened, non-crusting materials. A mix of composted sawdust and sand or peat moss and vermiculite may be used.  Keep the surface moist during germination and seedling establishment.

Whether you sow seed or plant transplants, water is critical in getting plants successfully established. You may have to water lightly several times a day to ensure good seed germination and seedling establishment.

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