Growing A Bountiful Fall Harvest

Laddy Lau

At the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center, veteran master gardener, Doris Stahl, shared fantastic gardening tips to approximately 30 local gardeners on how to extend their harvest into the fall.  With 26 years of horticulture education experience, Doris provided several ideas for gardeners to consider when planning for an extended season.  

Here are a few tips:

1. Consider timing, drainage and low areas in your yard when planning your garden
2. Sow seeds a little deeper during the summer to protect them from sun 
3. Use floating row covers to protect your plants from wind
4. Incorporate cover crops in your garden to add nutrients back into your soil and aid rotation of your plants
5. Utilize early and late variety plants to optimize your garden harvest
6. Know your plant hardiness zone to determine the best time to directly sow seeds or transplant your seedlings 

With useful tips, Doris highlighted her presentation with examples of how to use a floating row cover and cold frames. If you are not familiar with cold frames, think of it as a mini-greenhouse.  Cold frames are transparent enclosures that protect plants from cold, wet conditions while trapping heat at night during early spring.

Example of a cold frame

Suggested books for the urban gardener with an interest in seasonal gardening 

 We are halfway through the 2018 Master Class schedule which are free, public workshops.  You don't have to be a gardener to participate.  It is a great a way to learn new things, meet people with shared interests, and maybe take a plant(s) home. (psst...today there were fig saplings).  Join our urban gardening community today!!

Great turnout of local gardeners eager to engage in conversation on seasonal gardening