Here at the yardstead we are planting our fall garden. Many people believe that after the summer vegetables have gone that they must wait until next year to plan their next garden. Yet there are many cold hardy vegetables we can plant now to carry us through to the next spring season. In some cases this requires heavy mulching or using a row cover but in most cases it requires no special protection at all.
In the panhandle of Florida and in much of the south east it is time to plant broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, collards, kale and kohlrabi. These vegetables need to be planted 3 months before the first frost to ensure good production. Carrots, turnips and beets can be planted from now until approximately 8 weeks before the first frost. In September, begin planting spinach which will germinate well for a fall harvest and up to the first frost for an excellent early spring harvest. Shallots, garlic, and onions can also be planted now for the spring and early summer harvest next year.