Autumn Harvest
Traditionally people start their garden in April or May. Although more gardeners are beginning to plant winter gardens it has not caught on yet because most people don't like the cold. What summer gardeners are missing is that in-between period fall. Did you know that there are more than 15 vegetables that can withstand frost?
Here are a few facts
1. Most vegetables take 3 months or less to grow. So even if you don't plant until September you will still be able to harvest before the first day of winter which is December 21st.
2. Most East Coast cities do not experience cold weather until December or January. I was born and raised in Philadelphia. The average November temps are 56 during the day and 42 at night. That's above freezing.
3. There are fewer bugs to contend with in the fall partially because they prefer warm weather
4. Fall gardens need less watering. The hot summer sun dries up soil much faster. Philadelphia gets an average of 276 hours of sunlight in July however in November that number drops to 155. The decrease is beneficial to plants that prefer partial sun and cooler temperatures.
Video - Sweet Potato Harvest from Small Pots
5. You can grow most of these crops in containers. Although you need room to grow collards, Brussels sports and cabbage there are plenty of vegetables you can grow in containers.
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