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August can be a busy month. Summer crops are at their peak and fall crops need attention. It's time to look ahead to fall and winter markets. Yet, it may still be so hot you just don't want to do anything! We'll suggest some practical ideas and, we hope, provide some encouragement to keep you going.
There's Still Time To Grow Fall Crops
Looking at the calendar, you may realize there's not much time left until your first frost. But if you act fast, you can still get a good harvest of field crops in the next 30-60 days. You will need to pay extra attention to seeds and seedlings to prevent them from perishing in the heat, but once you get them established, they will thrive as the weather cools off.
Recommended fall crops
Basil: For authentic basil flavor in a more compact plant, try Genovese. Fine leaf or Greek basil takes just 30 days to reach maturity.
Beets: All varieties are good for fall planting, maturing in 45-55 days (longer in fall because of decreasing day length). Beet greens are delicious, though somewhat acidic, additions to a salad, so save the thinnings and use the tops after harvest.
Broccoli Raab: It's ready in just 35 days.
Broccoli: Arcadia and Marathon have good cold resistance and will sweeten up after a frost.
Cabbage: There are delicious, early cabbage maturing in 62-65 days. For mini cabbage, space the plants 8-12" in row, 12-18" between rows. Alcosa Savoy is cold-tolerant and matures in 72 days, making it a good choice for hoophouses.
Carrots: Napoli is the best variety for fall and winter harvest.
Cilantro: At just 55 days to maturity, this cool-loving herb can be cut well into fall with some frost protection.
Endive, Escarole, and Radicchio: All can be grown for fall crops.
Greens: Mache is an ideal winter salad item, maturing in 50 days. It is a versatile, vigorous, mildew-resistant variety.
Kale and Collards: All are cold-tolerant and will survive light frosts.
Lettuce: For baby lettuce and salad mix, most any variety will produce in fall.
Onions: Grow the bunching/scallion types.
Radishes: Grow a variety of colors and shapes, and succession plant every week until 45 days before hard frost.
Swiss Chard: Quick to grow for baby bunches and salad mix; be ready to protect from frost for full-size bunches.
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Reprinted
from JSS Advantage August 2011