A Fall Garden, even in Toronto? You Bet!
As odd as it may sound, the perfect weather, climate, and time
available for many vegetable gardens is in the fall, not the spring!
Pleasant early fall weather is much nicer to work in and healthier
for plants than the wet, cold weather associated with springtime.
Planning for a fall garden can be exciting and fun, and a huge success.
Even in colder climates, such as areas of Canada, like Montreal and
Toronto! No still-frozen ground to work, or the army of insects to
battle. And plants sprout faster! Quicker, Hardier
Plant Growth
Seeds planted in the colder ground temperature of spring take 25
- 60 days or more to sprout. Seeds planted in late summer to early
fall when the ground is some 30 degrees warmer generally sprout
within 4 to 7 days, greatly reducing the overall growing time before
maturity.
Seed or transplant, everything starts off faster and stronger when
planted in the late summer. That’s because there is warmer
temperatures, less wind, and more light. In the spring, early plant
growth is inhibited by cold temperatures. They mature too rapidly
in the hot summer months, and many plant varieties go to seed quicker
than they can be harvested.
The opposite is true for a fall garden. Plants start out in the
comfort of mildly warm weather, so seeds sprout quickly. As the
weather begins to cool, the plant matures at a slower rate, which
produces a stronger, healthier plant. Tending a fall garden when
there is more leisure time is enjoyable, and the weather more pleasant
to work in. Many plants can be carried right into the early winter
with just a little protection.
Fall Gardening Using the Square Foot Method
Try doing a small trial fall garden using the square foot method
of gardening (SFG). This type gardening requires less space, and
makes it very easy to protect plants from adverse weather.
Build a few 4’ X 4’ boxes, 6 to 8 inches deep, each to
be sectioned off into four 1’ X 1’ squares using a grid.
You will place a different plant type in each square, 1 to 16 individual
plants per square, depending upon plant type. Remember, unlike row
gardens, in a square foot garden you plant only the amount you actually
plan to harvest. Square foot gardening is an easier method
of gardening; less weeds, less thinning, less work, and less watering.
It is the only type gardening available to wheelchair bound individuals,
and the most convenient method for those with certain health limitations
or with limited mobility.
To insure SFG success, find books on square foot gardening at the
library, online, or in a bookstore that offer detailed information
and fully explain the specifics. Select plant types for your fall
version of the SFG that are cold hardy. As they mature they will
acclimate to the cooler temperatures and last long into the winter.
For Best Results
For the best quality garden boxes possible, sure to last year after
year, acquire the services of a professional handyman or landscape
contractor. Have several raised square foot garden beds made; either
the 4’X4’ size mentioned earlier or 6’ X 4’
beds - each sectioned into 1’ X 1’ squares.
Have the beds made from either plastic lumber or rot resistant
cedar. Also request heavy-duty aluminum or copper corner joints
that will allow for dismantling for easy winter storage. Beds that
will be placed on patios, or spend time inside the house for indoor
vegetable garden enthusiasts will also need bottoms.
Better working conditions, better growing conditions, and a healthier
harvest; all good reasons to consider as you contemplate establishing
your own fall garden. Even in colder climates, like Toronto!
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