Calhoun County, AL –There is plenty of sunshine available in September, October, and early November. Zone 7b, 8a have late frost dates. Growing fall vegetable greens are easy option. Lettuce, spinach, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, and radish are all quick germination. I grow greens in the ground, inside pots, and in straw bales. After my last harvest based on the frost, I cover my in-ground area to prevent the soil from drying out during the winter months. In the spring I remove the cover & amend the soil with fresh black kow soil bags, compost, and shredded bark chips. These amendments assist your 2025 crop success. I always wash my greens in a salt water rinse, to remove bugs. The second rinse is clear water. By potting your greens you can place those pots in a garage or shed to keep the frost off them. I return the pots outdoors on the warmer fall/winter days. These ideas should help you extend your growing season. Remember you can freeze vegetable greens. Frozen greens thaw out easily and make great stir-fried or cooked down seasoned in a Dutch pot with a lid. I encourage you to experience fall crop plantings.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, raised bed garden, and in-ground garden. Both her surnames are agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: [email protected]
