As we leave the summer and enter the harvest season, beginner and professional gardeners are planning their harvest. Whether you are growing vegetables in a pot in your apartment or renovating your backyard garden, it is important to know that the spring garden should be managed differently from the spring garden.
The good news is that a well-prepared garden will ensure a plentiful harvest in due time, said Texas A&M Agrillif Extension Service. Richter, who hosts gardening success on KMM FM / HD-1, shares some garden tips for a successful fall garden.
Sunlight for spring vegetables
One of the most important things for a garden is learning how much sunlight your plants need. Gardens should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least six hours without disturbing the tall objects nearby.
“Crops and plants that grow for their roots and fruits should be planted in areas where there is a lot of sunlight,” he said. If you need to plant something in the shade, do it with a leaf that can withstand a little sunlight.
Healthy soil for a healthy garden
Soil quality is another important factor when planning a solid garden, says Richard.
“When you put your first plant in the ground, you are already 75% on the road to success or failure,” he said. “At that point, you have prepared or not prepared high quality soil for your plants.”
If you are unsure about the quality or health of your soil, you may want to consider a soil test. Soil testing will help you understand the exact composition of your soil. Techniques looking to learn more about soil composition can order an aggregate extension soil test.
One of the easiest ways to build a healthy soil is by adjusting it with your own fertilizer mixture. Compost contains a decomposed organic matter in a soil-like substance.
“The organic matter in the soil is essential for a garden to grow,” says Richard. Compost helps sandy soil retain more water and nutrients, and helps clay soils to flow better and improve air quality among other benefits.
If your soil has poor drainage, high planting beds will help them grow even when it is raining heavily.
When to plant vegetables for harvest
Harvest gardeners can set the stage for a plentiful harvest by selecting the best crops for their regions and planting them at the right time.
“In Texas, our spring can be short between the scorching summer heat and the first winter snow,” he said. So, we want things to be harvested quickly, and you want to choose crops that fit your environment.
The Agrilef Extension Fall provides detailed information on how to select the best varieties for any Texas area. Richter recommends contacting the district’s Agrillif Extension Offices for further assistance in autumn gardening.
It is important to know when to plant vegetables according to the region. See the Installation Guide for the suggested planting dates in Texas at https://tx.ag/FallGardenGuide.
Tips for a successful harvest
- Plan for adequate sunlight.
- Give lots of roots and fruits a lot of sun.
- Use leaves in sunny or slightly shady gardens.
- Fertilize your soil with fertilizer.
- Choose locally suitable plants.
- Visit your local AgriLe Extension Office for more help.
- See the Online Gardening Guide.
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