Fall Growing in

ALABAMA

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Growing Broccoli Successfully:

Choose the Right Soil: Broccoli thrives in soil that is moderately to highly fertile and well-drained.
Proper Plant Spacing: Ensure your broccoli plants have enough space by placing them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart.
Sustained Growth: Maintain a consistent and healthy growth rate throughout the season by providing sufficient water and appropriate fertilizer.
Boost Growth: Around 3 to 4 weeks after transplanting, give your broccoli plants a boost by applying a light sidedress of calcium nitrate. This helps stimulate robust growth.

Sunlight Requirements: Plant onions in full sun, providing 6 to 8 hours of sunlight.
Spacing: Space onion plants 2 to 4 inches apart within rows, or place 3 to 4 plants in a 2- to 3-gallon container.
Planting Seasons: Plant onions in January through March and September through October.
Soil Preparation: Amend the soil with organic matter to establish well-drained soil conditions.
Soil Types: Avoid planting in unamended sandy or heavy clay soils.
PH Levels: If the soil pH is below 6.2, apply lime in October or November as recommended.
Container Gardening: For proper drainage in a container garden, use potting mix and ensure containers have drainage holes.
Watering: Maintain soil consistently moist without saturating it. Apply 1 to 2 inches of water each week. Avoid wetting onion leaves to prevent fungal disease.
Mulch: Add a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture in the soil.

Start with Transplants: Begin with transplants rather than seeds to ensure mature plants before the first frost.
Proper Spacing: Plant cauliflower 18-24 inches apart in well-prepared soil.
Maintain Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent premature head formation.
Use Mulch: Mulch can help retain moisture in your garden.
Blanching Technique: When the cauliflower head reaches about 3 inches, employ the blanching technique (bind leaves together over head).
Protect from Sun: Blanching protects cauliflower heads from the sun, keeping them bright and avoiding sun scorch.
Monitor Closely: After blanching, check the head regularly. It will be ready in about a week to a week and a half.

Cold-Hardy Plant: Kale is cold-hardy and can be planted alongside broccoli and cabbage starts.
Proper Spacing: Plant kale with spacing that varies depending on the variety but generally falls within 12 to 18 inches apart.
Early Harvest: Harvest kale leaves when plants have grown to a reasonable size and have abundant foliage.
Use Clean Shears: For harvesting, use clean shears as needed.
Surviving Hot Summers: Unlike other cole crops, kale can endure heat with proper care.
Ample Watering: Ensure thorough watering during the hot months.