Start these seeds in September for a tasty autumn harvest!
I like to call this time of the year "second spring" because the garden may be looking tired from summer, but there's so much you can still plant right now. We visited Long Island Cauliflower Association in Riverhead for some tips and inspiration!
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September does not mean the vegetable garden is finished. As summer heat starts to fade, cooler weather creates another opportunity to grow fresh vegetables, especially crops that prefer milder temperatures. In fact, September can feel like a second spring for gardeners.
For September planting, think spinach, lettuce, kale, radishes, turnips, mustard greens, arugula and other leafy greens. These crops can be started from seed and are well suited to the cooler conditions of the season. Radishes are particularly rewarding because they mature quickly, making them a great choice when you want a harvest without a long wait. Cornell Cooperative Extension's planting guidance also recommends late season planting of crops including spinach, leaf lettuce, kale, turnips and radishes.
Pay attention to the days to maturity on the seed packet. The shorter the growing time, the better your chances of getting a harvest before the season winds down. Later this season, you can plant garlic starts (they're just small cloves) which will remain dormant until next spring and be ready for harvest in 10 months.
Not too late for some warm weather veggies
I don't recommend planting warm-weather loving veggies from seed this time of the year since they take at least 2 months to produce their first fruits from seed (and shorter days and cooler nights can slow down the maturity process even more); however, you may be able to get a small harvest from seedlings purchased at local nurseries. This time of the year many nurseries are selling what's left of their inventory at deeply discounted prices so it could be a good bang for your buck!
Shop Where the Farmers Shop
This week's garden guide was put together with the help of John Bokina, owner of the Long Island Cauliflower Association has been serving growers for generations and is a great destination for gardeners looking for seeds and growing supplies. While it has deep roots in commercial agriculture, home gardeners can shop there too. With a wide selection of vegetable seeds, it is a place to find plenty of options for your fall garden, and many packets are generously filled, giving gardeners plenty of seeds for their money.
Long Island Cauliflower Association carries countless different types of plants from seed. The packets are loaded with high quality seeds at a great price. The seeds are tested for successful germination. You'll also find a variety of garden supplies and fun seasonal decor at their shop located in Riverhead. You can learn more from their website Long Island Cauliflower Association. Their store is located at 139 Marcy Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
