Posted on August 17, 2023 by Van Becelaere Greenhouse

As the temperatures begin to cool and the days get shorter, now is an ideal time of year to start planning and preparing your fall garden for the upcoming Fall harvest. In today’s blog, we’ll explore the advantages of fall planting and provide valuable tips for gardening in our region.

Preparing Your Garden Beds for Fall Planting

Preparing your garden beds for fall planting is essential to ensure a successful and bountiful fall harvest. So, it’s important to:

1. Remove Summer Crops
2. Soil Test
3. Apply a new layer of mulch

1. Remove Summer Crops

A vital first step to prepping your fall garden is removing any remaining summer crops that have finished producing. Clearing your garden beds of these plants will help reduce disease spread and control pest issues while allowing new plants to grow.

2. Soil Test

Your next step in preparing your garden beds for fall planting is to assess the condition of your soil. At this stage, you will want to complete a soil test to see the pH levels and nutrient contents in your garden soil.

A good soil sample for gardeners in Southeast Kansas can either be:

• Mailed along with a $10.00 check to the Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas
• Dropped off at the Crawford County Extensions Office in Girard, Kansas

After testing, you’ll receive a soil test report that will help you determine if any amendments are needed to create an optimal growing environment for your plants. If you’re looking for a faster way to test your soil, you can look for a soil test kit at one of your local garden centers in Pittsburg, Kansas.

To improve soil fertility and structure, consider adding beneficial organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. These amendments help retain moisture, enhance nutrient availability, and promote microbial activity in the soil.

3. Apply A New Layer of Mulch

Mulching is another crucial technique that can benefit your fall garden beds. Applying a layer of organic mulch helps:

• Regulate Soil Temperature
• Prevent Weed Growth
• Conserve Moisture
• Protects Against Erosion

You can use mulch material like straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves. Lay down a layer two to three inches in depth on top of the soil and around your fall starter plants.

Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruits of Your Fall Garden Efforts

Nurturing your garden to produce a bountiful fall harvest means enjoying the fruits of your fall garden efforts. It can be a rewarding experience and endeavor worth traversing.

You can set yourself up for success when planting in your garden beds by following these tips for your fall planting in Southeast Kansas. If you’re looking for a healthy selection of fall starter plants, drop by Van Becelaere Greenhouse in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can also answer all your garden questions and help you find what you’re looking to plant this fall season; start by referencing Hummert International’s Midwest Vegetable Planting Guide.