Tip of the week: Plant some food for fall

Looking to do some yard work over the long weekend? There's still time to plant leafy greens, brassica plants like broccoli and brussels sprouts, and root vegetables like beets or carrots. Late summer's cooling night-time temps and shorter days with less sunshine offer them the right conditions.

Root vegetables
Since root crops take time to develop, read the seed packets and look for varieties that mature in 60 days or less. Root crops can withstand light frost and with deep ground freeze protection they can even be picked well into the winter. 
*Tip: Cauliflower, unlike its cousin broccoli, doesn't get a high rating as it takes too long to mature when planted this time of year.

Herbs
Basil, parsley, cilantro, chervil and dill are great herbs to plant in late August. Just know they won't survive a frost unless you provide them with frost protection. Though we often have an early frost toward late September, we usually get right back to warm weather and good growing conditions. You can also plant them in containers so you can bring them inside when freeze hits, then enjoy them all winter.

Tips for late-season planting

• Keep seeds and seedlings evenly moist until the plants are a few weeks old.
• Adjust your sprinkler system to water seeded areas evenly. 
• Schedule watering times carefully to avoid over- or under-watering new seeds.
• Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer very other week.
• Apply a layer of well-seasoned compost to nurture the soil.

Don't give up on the growing season yet! Plant fall harvest flavor in your garden this weekend!