Just because the spring and summer seasons are finally withering away doesn’t mean your vegetable garden has to do the same. When the weather starts warming up, a lot of us want to take our green thumbs for a test spin, tilling the soil to plant tomatoes, peppers, herbs and sweet fruits. But there are plenty of plants that have the ability to withstand cooler temperatures, meaning your sustainable backyard food supply doesn’t have to come to an end come fall.
In Maryland, there are lots of vegetables that can go in the ground and be harvested up until the time of the first frost. These include:
- Squashes
- Birdhouse gourds
- Dipper gourds
- Sweet potatoes
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Kale
- Corn
- Garlic
Don’t forget to refresh your soil in order to improve its quality and give your veggies a mineral-rich environment in which to take root. To do so, sow a cover crop of annual rye, oats, or winter wheat between the crops that will grow until the winter frost encroaches. Remember that the ideal soil conditions for vegetable growth are loose and crumbly. Make sure, too, that your pH is in the low lead level, from 6.2-6.8.
At Lehnhoff’s, we encourage our customers to create not only beautiful landscapes, but practical ones as well. We know you’ll love the look of a fall vegetable garden. In fact, one of the latest trends we’ve seen in landscaping has been the incorporation of edibles with the other plants in your yard – particularly the leafy green variety that are in season this time of year. We’re happy to consult with you to help you plan either a full-blown backyard homestead or a small-scale selection of fresh veggies to throw together fall and winter salads. Let us help you to make the most of your outdoor space.
If you have any questions, please contact Lehnhoff’s Landscaping by calling 443.921.5789 or visit LehnoffsLandscaping.com today!
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