Late Summer Plant Picks: What to Plant in Utah Now for a Fall Harvest

As summer comes to an end, it's the ideal time to renew your garden with new plantings that will thrive in the cooler fall months. In Utah, the transition from summer to fall provides a unique chance to cultivate a diverse range of crops and flowers that will yield a large harvest. Here's a how-to guide for choosing the right plants, preparing the soil, selecting fast-growing kinds, companion planting for a healthy garden, and safeguarding young plants from pests.

Selecting the Right Vegetables and Flowers for Late Planting

For a successful fall harvest, select veggies and flowers that will mature before the first frost. Cool-season crops are your best bet because they thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall. Some great veggie choices include:

1. Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard grow quickly and are tolerant of cooler temperatures.
2. Root Vegetables: Beets, radishes, and carrots can be sown directly into the garden and harvested in late fall.
3. Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are hardy plants that do well in fall’s cooler climate.

For flowers, consider planting:

1. Pansies: These colorful blooms are frost-tolerant and can add a splash of color to your garden well into fall.
2. Marigolds: Besides their bright appearance, marigolds can help repel pests.
3. Calendula: Known for their medicinal properties, these flowers are also edible and can brighten up both your garden and your plate.

How to Ensure Proper Soil Conditions for New Plants

Soil preparation is important for the success of late-summer plantings. Begin by removing any wasted summer crops and weeds that may contain pests and diseases. Next, add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to strengthen its structure and offer necessary nutrients. A soil test can indicate whether further additions, such as lime or sulfur, are required to regulate pH levels.

Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to promote proper root penetration and drainage. Mulching around new plants can assist to keep moisture in, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.

Tips on Quick-Growing Varieties Suitable for Utah's Climate

When time is of the essence, choose fast-growing vegetable varieties that reach maturity before the first frost. Here are several rapidly growing possibilities well-suited to Utah's climate:

1. Radishes: Ready to harvest in as little as 25 days, radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables.
2. Lettuce: Many lettuce varieties mature in 30-45 days, providing a quick and continuous harvest.
3. Turnips: These can be harvested in about 60 days and can withstand light frosts, making them ideal for fall gardens.

Companion Planting Suggestions for a Healthier Garden

Companion planting can increase garden yield while deterring pests. Combining some plants can boost soil health, attract beneficial insects, and create a more resilient garden ecosystem. Here are some useful companion planting combinations:

1. Carrots and Radishes: Radishes mature quickly and can help break up the soil for slower-growing carrots.
2. Lettuce and Brassicas: Lettuce can provide ground cover to keep the soil cool and moist for brassicas.
3. Marigolds and Vegetables: Planting marigolds among vegetables can repel nematodes and other pests.

Steps for Safeguarding Young Plants from Summer Pests

Protecting young plants from pests is essential, especially in late summer when insect numbers are high. Here are some methods to protect your garden.

1. Row Covers: Use lightweight row covers to protect seedlings from insects and larger pests like birds.
2. Organic Pesticides: Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage insect pests without harming beneficial insects.
3. Physical Barriers: Install collars around the base of young plants to deter cutworms and other ground-dwelling pests.

Regular monitoring and early intervention are essential for keeping your garden healthy. Any damaged or sick plants should be removed as soon as possible to minimize pest and disease transmission.

A rich and bright fall garden in Utah can be achieved by selecting the correct plants, preparing your soil, choosing quick-growing kinds, practicing companion planting, and safeguarding young plants from pests. With a little care and forethought, your garden will survive during the cooler months, offering fresh vegetables and gorgeous blooms. To get the greatest garden supplies and advice, call The Dirt Bag.