Helen Vanella, Master Gardeners of Greene County
| Special to the News-Leader
My zucchini plants have died. Is it too late to plant seeds for new plants this season?
It is possibly a bit late to plant zucchini at the end of August, but it might work if you want to try a very early variety of zucchini. There are some very early varieties of zucchini that mature in 41 to 45 days instead of 50 to 60 and may produce a crop before frost. Average first day of frost in our area (6b) is around Oct. 15, but if frost is later than average there may be time. It may be worth risking a few seeds to see what happens.
What can I plant now for a crop before frost hits?
Although September is too late to plant most things, it is still possible to plant several things that will mature before frost. Many vegetables, such as leafy greens, root vegetables, and peas may be planted now. It is important to select varieties that have the shortest days to maturity when possible. Virtually any early spring vegetable will also be happy growing in early fall, since these plants need cooler weather. Crops such as spinach, kale, lettuce, turnips, beets, as well as peas all fall into this category. In addition, garlic and shallots are also suitable to be planted in fall for a spring harvest.
What is succession planting? Is this something I should consider?
Succession planting allows the gardener to get the most out of whatever space is available, making maximum yields possible, also making the most of the nutrients in the soil. Some of the pros of this method include extended harvest, more efficient use of garden space, and a more continuous supply of vegetables from the garden. Seeds may be planted in a staggered manner, spacing plantings at intervals throughout the season, or sequentially, planting a new crop after an earlier one is harvested. An example of staggered planting would include planting lettuce, zucchini, or other vegetables, at two-week intervals to extend harvest time. Examples of sequential planting would include planting radishes, planting bush beans when the radishes are finished, then going to lettuce for a fall crop. Another example would be planting a fast-growing crop such as lettuce when a tomato plant has finished and is pulled.
Rotation of crops is also a good idea when possible, following heavy feeders such as corn or tomatoes with plants of different families that will have different nutritional requirements. If heavy feeders follow a similar crop, the soil should be enriched with compost and the like before planting to ensure proper nutrient levels.
When planting crops using succession planting, it is important to consider your timing in planting certain vegetables later in the season, comparing the days to harvest on the seed packet to the first date of average frost in your area to determine if there will be enough time for maturity of the crop. Using succession planting is well worth utilizing in your garden. As with any gardening endeavor, starting small is good.
Readers can pose questions or get more information by calling 417-874-2963 and talking to one of the trained volunteers staffing the Master Gardener Hotline at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Greene County located inside the Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807.
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