SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – After baking summer heat, we’re now enjoying more fall-like temps.
Mandi Turner, the retail manager of Carson’s Nurseries, took notice as more people came in for fall plants.
“Over the last couple of days, we’ve seen a more increase in sales,” Turner said. “It’s because the temperatures aren’t as blazing hot out here and people actually want to get outside and kind of enjoy the cool weather.”
Customers are looking for mums and other fall flowers and trees to plant for the upcoming fall season. Additionally, Kelly McGowan with the MU Extension in Greene County notes that certain vegetables can now be planted.
“Things like broccoli, cauliflower, some of our greens, some of the different types of lettuces do really well in cooler temperatures,” McGowan said. “Plus, there are even winter hearty varieties of a lot of different types of salad greens that can even be grown in winter.”
McGowan also recommends that people have their soil tested at their local MU Extension office to determine if any nutrients are lacking that might hinder future planting. Nitrogen fertilizers, top dressing with compost, and root starters can help address those concerns.
No matter if it’s hearty fall or early winter vegetables ready to go into the ground or picking up some of these mums for yourself, Turner & McGowan say that you have to stick to a regular watering schedule. And – do not rely on Mother Nature or lawn sprinklers to do the watering.
“In temperatures above 85, we’re watering twice a week,” Turner said. “But the amount is dependent on the size of the plant. Temperatures below 85… we’re watering once a week.”
“We want about an inch or so of water per week,” McGowan said. “I would suggest either irrigating, watering by hand, whatever you can do to make sure that you’re giving those plants some water.”
No matter if you’re seasoned or new to gardening, Turner & McGowan encourage people to give fall gardening a try, and don’t be afraid to reach out to the experts if you need any help. If you want soil testing or other help from the MU Extension, use this link to find your local MU Extension Office.
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