FALL & WINTER GARDENING
Feature Story
When you finished harvesting your tomatoes, peppers, melons, and other warm-season (planted after the last frost) vegetables, your garden might look a little "empty," lucky you there is a solution for that! Consider planting in fall and winter…yes! It is possible. For winter gardening, you will have to provide some frost protection to your vegetables (we will cover that topic in our column next month).
Also, make sure you "plan before planting." Holidays are just around the corner; with the turkey, gifts, and decorations — think about how much time do you want to dedicate to your garden this fall? Few plants might give you more success than an entire area that will not get much love, again "plan before planting." There are a few "tips" you might want to consider to prepare your garden for fall and winter,
First, look for your favorite cool-season crops. Cool season-crops are those that can be planted (or sown) in early spring, and then again in fall. Collards, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, lettuce, beets, carrots and broccoli are among the options you have for planting in fall*. Garlic is another excellent option, and there are quite some varieties in the market, so you can always try new ones. However, you will have to wait until next July to harvest your goodies — trust me, the wait is worth it!
Second crucial tip is to provide water. A certain amount of moisture is needed for seeds to germinate and then for the plant to establish and produce fruit. Water needs will vary, depending on the season, plant age, plant variety and soil type. The plant will need water to perform essential metabolic processes. Water is involved in cell turgidity, which will help in plant structure and growth. Water also transports nutrients and supports different chemical processes. Water is also involved in a process called transpiration. Transpiration happens when water is transported through the plants and released through its leaves as vapor. The transpiration process cools the plant and prevents the plant from overheating, and the plant can respond better to temperature fluctuations.
There are different ways in which we can provide water for our plants. Hand-water can be a relaxing experience for some residents. Sprinkler system might be another option. However, hand-water and sprinkler irrigation tend to be inefficient techniques. Water can be lost in the atmosphere or not even reach the entire plant-root area, where is need it. Water that stays in the leaves can create the proper environment for pathogens. However, if you prefer any of those two methods, water in the morning so plants can dry off during the day. Drip irrigation is the most efficient way to provide water to your plants. In general, there is a variety of irrigation systems available in the market today for the home gardens; however, none of them is maintenancefree. Check your irrigation systems to ensure they are working correctly; this will ensure efficient water delivering.
The third tip will be incorporating organic mulch. Mulch can help in maintaining soil temperatures warmer during periods of cold temperatures. Organic mulch can keep moisture in soils. When it decomposes, it will add organic matter to your soil, which will improve soil structure and increase overall soil health.
Lastly — and I am sorry to be the one telling you this — you may discover a few insects around that decided to join you in fall and winter gardening too. Insects will always be around, and they play a role in our environment. Then, do not let them discourage you from gardening during the following seasons.
My best advice: do not be afraid to experiment. Try new plant varieties, different frost protection methods, watering techniques, remember to record what works and what does not work for you and your garden. Your garden is an excellent teacher, so be ready to learn something.
*For a complete list of cool-season and warmseason vegetables, and other related information, please look in your browser for these two NMSU publications: "Home Vegetable Gardening in New Mexico" and "Growing Zones, Recommended Crop Varieties, and Planting and Harvesting Information for Home Vegetable Gardens in New Mexico."