The 2022 Fall Planting Window is Now ... Don't Miss it!

My personal definition of being a periodic lazy gardener is missing the fall planting and seeding window. 

Basil Plants Seeded in a Smart Pot®, late Summer

Not this year. Albeit getting a slow start, at least I'm in the game. 

Lettuce was seeded yesterday, the online ordered garlic seed arrives in mid-September. I also purchase local garlic planting stock from independent garden centers. 

A few perennials not available locally are due to arrive the first week of September. It's time to give the pollinator and herb beds a facelift with new perennials.

Fall planting gives plants a huge head start on next year. 

Don't forget planting bulbs this fall, shop early (now) for the best selection. 

Fall Planted Garlic

Fall Veg Seeding Planting Basics -

Along the Colorado Front Range we typically use mid-October as the first frost or freeze date, so focus on crops that will can be harvested starting in thirty days or so.

The seed packet will list days to harvest. No brainer easily seeded, quick maturing cool crops include - lettuce, spinach, arugula, green onions and radishes. For warm crops, try seeding basil even though it may not grow up to six sets of leaves, they should grow beyond the micro green stage if seeded immediately. Use these tasty young seedlings in salads, on tomatoes and in sauces. 

Tuck in seeds wherever there is room in the landscape or vegetable area. Try the shady side of taller crops like tomatoes and pole beans. This location keeps the plants cooler late in the day. 

Season extenders allow for extra fall growing days and extended harvest. Consider putting up tunnels or cold frames.  

Check the chart below for plants that can be seeded now and into early September. Oops for you and me if seeding didn't happen in July.

 

Many thanks to the following companies for reference - Botanical Interests Inc., Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Renee’s Garden, John Scheepers Seeds, Park Seed, Pinetree Garden Seeds, Colorado State University, Cornell University.

References -  

Time to Seed Fall Vegetables

How to Plant Garlic in the Fall Video

Fall Planting (Tree Focus)

Easiest Perennials for Colorado Gardens 

Betty's FREE Fall Planting Garlic Class at Echter's Nursery, Arvada, CO. September 17, 2022, 2:00 to 3:00 PM.