STILLWATER – When summer starts to hide, don’t close that garden shed yet. Renewed autumn awaits in your backyard.
Oklahoma’s mild climate is ideal for spring gardening, and Oklahoma State University Extension offers educational opportunities for experienced and novice gardeners to extend the growing season.
“They thought they were having a good time in the fall, and they raised their crops in the winter,” says Julia Lawlin, a gardener in Oklahoma County. In the fall, there is beautiful sunlight and a safer climate.
This second wave will provide healthy vegetables with healthy food choices, save on grocery budgets and support a sustainable lifestyle.
“It’s my favorite time in the garden, and if you plant something in the spring, it’s a good time to start over again,” said Courtney Decalb-Myers, Cleveland County Extension Teacher.
Any summer crop that can grow in 90 days can produce a good crop in the fall. Zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, spinach and many other salads will continue to grow. Pumpkins are a popular choice, and cool seasonal produce – including broccoli, cabbage, cabbage, cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, carrots, beans and radish – is ideal for fall weather.
“All cold-pressed crops should start with plants, and those can often be found in farmers’ markets,” Lawnin said. “Remember that for hot vegetables, in the short days of the harvest and in cold weather, it may take an extra week before they are ready for harvest.
Participants in the fall gardening and Declare-Myers autumn gardening workshop will remind participants that it can be challenging to adequately cool some vegetables during those last few warm days of summer. The decision to plant is based on an accurate calendar and a small chance.
“We’ll take out our calendars and estimate when they will be planted,” said Decalb-Myers.
Moisture is the key to transplanting seeds into the ground during the cool season, and fields and shade plants are effective in keeping cold and wet.
Produced seeds, such as beans, green beans and carrots, can be consumed overnight. If they are wet and dry again, they will not usually grow. One of the biggest challenges is one time, because Lawlin called it “forgiveness.”
“Time and moisture are everything. By the end of the summer heat, the magic of the harvest will come down. ”
For spring gardening tips, see the OSU Extension fact sheet on Spring Gardening.
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