Fall Gardens and Prep

[Cherry Kelly]

With fall coming and those long winter days -- you can continue to garden.

Cold frames work well in those zones where you do not get super hard freezes (where ground freezes several inches deep).

In the mean time - you can continue to garden into first light frosts. Cover those plants you want to keep producing. Gather your tarps and bricks (rocks - heavy logs) to hold them in place. Cover your plants carefully when there is a possibility of light frost.

The best cover is to add a fence post or wooden slat that stands taller than your plants. If not, the top leaves that touch the tarp - might be frosted. Cover lightly and secure the tarp with bricks or heavy objects to keep it from being blown away and to help protect the plants underneath.

Dig and transplant anything you want to take indoors or put in a greenhouse.

Hanging basket tomatoes can simply be brought indoors and hung from rafters or other hooks in a window area.

Pepper plants should be chosen with care. The best are those that have a bark-like stem. Dig deeply around the plant to get the most roots possible. Gently shake loose the excessive dirt -but not ALL the dirt and put the plant into an appropriate deep planter pot. Add more dirt, water and leave it outdoors for a few days. (IF frost is expected - take the planter indoors at night.)

South and east windows or sunlight works the best for indoor planting. A plant stand or cardboard table works well. You might want to cover the table with plastic to prevent excess water problems. Also use proper size plastic lids under those planters that do not have their own holding for excess water runoff.