Fall Crops Louisiana

Fall Growing in

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Growing Brussels Sprouts in Louisiana:

Choose the Right Variety: Select a variety of Brussels sprouts that suits the Louisiana climate, such as 'Long Island Improved' or 'Diablo.'
Planting Time: Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop. Start seeds indoors around mid-summer (July to early August) to transplant seedlings in the fall.
Location: Opt for a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily and well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Soil Preparation: Improve soil structure and fertility by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
Seed Starting: Begin Brussels sprouts seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the expected fall frost date. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have at least two true leaves.
Spacing: Allow ample space for Brussels sprouts to grow by planting them about 24-30 inches apart in rows spaced 30-36 inches apart.
Planting Depth: Plant seedlings at the same depth as they were in their containers.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. Mulch can help retain soil moisture.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and side-dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizer once sprouts begin forming.

Select the Right Variety: Choose garlic varieties suited for Louisiana's mild winters, such as 'Creole' and 'Artichoke.'
Planting Time: Plant garlic cloves in the fall between late September and mid-November, allowing time for root establishment before winter.
Soil Preparation: Prepare well-drained soil with good fertility, incorporating compost or aged manure.
Cloves Separation: Carefully separate garlic bulbs into individual cloves just before planting, leaving the papery skin intact.
Planting Depth: Plant garlic cloves about 2 inches deep with the pointed end facing up, spacing them 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
Mulching: Apply mulch, like straw or leaves, to protect garlic cloves from extreme cold and temperature fluctuations.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to larger leaves and smaller bulbs.

Select the Right Variety: Choose collard varieties well-suited for Louisiana's climate, such as 'Georgia Southern' or 'Champion.'
Planting Time: Collards are cool-season crops. Plant seeds in the fall (August to October) for a fall and winter harvest or in early spring (February to March) for a spring harvest.
Location: Opt for a location with full sun to partial shade.
Soil Preparation: Collards thrive in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil.
Seed Sowing: Sow collard seeds directly into the garden soil. Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and space them according to the variety's recommendations (usually 12-18 inches apart).
Thinning: Thin collard seedlings as needed to provide adequate space for healthy growth.
Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during germination and as the plants grow.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to excessive leafy growth.

Select the Right Variety: Choose kale varieties suited for Louisiana's climate, such as 'Dwarf Blue Curled' or 'Lacinato' (Dinosaur Kale).
Planting Time: Kale is a cool-season crop. Plant seeds in the fall (September to October) for a fall and winter harvest or in early spring (February to March) for a spring harvest.
Location: Kale can tolerate partial shade to full sun.
Soil Preparation: Prepare well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Seed Sowing: Sow kale seeds directly into the garden soil 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them according to the variety's recommendations (usually 12-18 inches apart).
Thinning: Thin kale seedlings as needed to provide adequate space for healthy leaf development.
Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during germination and growth.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting. Kale doesn't require excessive fertilization.