Even in July, it’s not too late to start a garden that will provide you with fresh produce well into the fall. Here’s a quick guide on what to plant so you can enjoy a fresh from the garden Thanksgiving meal. Make sure to stagger your planting so you get small amounts of food over time instead of one large amount. Generally two harvested plants is enough for one side-sized dish for one person, every few days, so plan accordingly to avoid growing more than you and your family can eat. Depending on the climate where you live, you may need to adjust timing or the types of produce that you’re growing. These plants can also be easily grown using a hydroponic system that saves water and create a bigger yield in a fraction of the time. Start your seeds now using our GUIDE.
Beans
Choose a variety of bean that you like, and will grow well in your area. Pole beans grow tall and generally can’t support their own weight, so they will need a trellis, or some sort of support. Bush beans support themselves and are more compact for smaller gardens. Make sure the area you want to plant in has full sun, or gets 5-7 hrs of direct sun.
-If you live in a mild climate and get good sun, Green Beans are an excellent thing to plant.
-For hot climates, try Asparagus Beans, or Lima Beans that do well in heat, humidity, and drought.
-Colder, wet climates are ideal for Fava Beans.
Broccoli
Choose a variety of broccoli that you like and grows well in your area. Make sure the area you are planning on planting them in is well fertilized, well-drained, and sunny. Larger varieties need more space, so plan accordingly.
-If you live in a mild climate and get good sun, Arcadia, Belstar and Calabrese Broccolis are good varieties to plant.
-For hot climates, try the Romanesco or Natalino varieties that do well in 80 degree weather
-For cooler climates, Early Fall Rapini and Sessantina Grossa are a fast growing variety that produces continuously for several weeks.
Carrots
Choose a variety of carrots that you like and grows well in your area. Prepare your planting area by working and loosening the soil to at least 1ft deep, and fertilize it well.
-If you live in a mild climate and get good sun, Early Nantes or Kuttiger Carrots will do very well.
-For cool climates, Danvers and Healthmaster Carrots are the best varieties to plant.
Cucumbers
Choose a variety of cucumbers that you like and grows well in your area. Prepare a sunny, fertilized area for planting by making elevated rows, or hills spaced 6 ft apart. You can also use a trellis, and train the vines onto it.
-If you live in a mild climate with good sun, plant Straight Eight, County Fair, Shintokiwa, or Green Finger Cucumbers.
-For hot climates, Jelly Melon, Poona Kheera and Yard Long Armenian Cucumbers are heat resistant and do well in warm climates.
- If using a trellis, Cool Breeze and Diva cucumbers train and produce well.
Kale
Choose a variety of kale that you like and grows well in your area. Prepare your soil with a large application of fertilizer, as these plants are heavy feeders. Plant seeds at least 1ft apart. Kale does well in mild and cool climates, but can become tough if exposed to too much hot weather.
-If you live in a mild climate with good sun, plant Red Russian, Scotch Curled or Napus Kale.
Give your garden a growth boost!
© 2017
Recent Reviews