Starting Your Fall Vegetable Garden

Introduction to Fall Gardening

Fall is a fantastic time to start a vegetable garden in Middle Tennessee. Cooler temperatures and fewer pests make it an ideal season for growing a variety of crops. Here are some essential tips and tricks from Nature's Best to help you get started with your fall vegetable garden.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

Selecting the right vegetables is crucial for a successful fall garden. Here are some top choices for Tennessee:

1. Leafy Greens

• Examples: Swiss chard, spinach, kale, lettuce, and arugula.
• Benefits: These vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and can be harvested multiple times.

2. Root Vegetables

• Examples: Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips.
• Benefits: Root vegetables grow well in the fall and can be stored for extended periods of time.

3. Brassicas

• Examples: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
• Benefits: These vegetables are hardy and can withstand light frosts.

Preparing Your Garden

1. Soil Preparation

• Testing: Test your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
• Amendments: Add compost or organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. For smaller and raised gardens we have a variety of bagged materials that would be great for this. For larger gardens we sell bulk materials as well, such as compost, pine fines and sand. Purchasing bulk material requires a truck or trailer.

2. Planting Techniques

• Timing: Plant your fall crops in late summer to early fall, allowing enough time for growth before the first frost. Our average first frost date generally falls around November 1st.
• Spacing: Follow recommended spacing guidelines for each vegetable to ensure healthy growth. General spacing guidelines are as follows:
  • Leafy Greens: 3” - 5” apart
  • Root Vegetables: will depend on type, but somewhere between 2” - 6” apart
  • Brassicas: 12” - 18” apart

Watering and Maintenance

1. Watering

• Frequency: Water your garden consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Method: Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots. If hand watering, try to water roots and not the plant’s top.

2. Mulching

• Benefits: Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Materials: Use organic mulches like straw, leaves, or grass clippings.

Pest and Disease Management

1. Pest Control

• Methods: Use row covers to protect plants from insects, and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps by installing plants such as Gaillardia, Echinacea, Coreopsis, GoldenRod, and Tansy. 
• Organic Solutions: Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pest populations. You can also manually remove larger insects from your plants to reduce their population. Use caution - some may sting.

2. Disease Prevention

• Practices: Rotate crops to prevent soil-borne diseases and remove any diseased plants promptly.
• Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for signs of disease and address issues early.

Harvesting and Storage

Harvesting Tips

• Timing: Harvest vegetables at their peak maturity for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Techniques: Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging plants.

Storage

• Methods: Store root vegetables in a cool, dark place and leafy greens in the refrigerator.
• Preservation: Consider canning, freezing, or drying surplus produce for long-term storage.

Enjoy Your Fall Harvest

Starting a fall vegetable garden in Tennessee can be a rewarding experience. By choosing the right crops, preparing your garden, and maintaining it properly, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest! Nature's Best is here to support you with all your gardening needs, from soil amendments to pest control solutions. Please speak with our knowledgeable staff to answer all your questions about getting started! Happy Gardening!