Fall Growing in

MAINE

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Successful Fall Harvest

Boost Your Garden's Productivity with These Ideal Fall Crops for Maine Climate!

Cucumber

Growing Cucumbers in Maine:

  • Choose the Right Variety: Opt for cucumber varieties that thrive in Maine's climate, such as 'Marketmore' or 'Bush Champion,' which are disease-resistant.
  • Planting Time: Cucumbers are warm-season crops, so plant them outdoors after the last frost date, usually around late May to early June.
  • Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil with good fertility by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Plant Spacing: Follow the spacing recommendations on the seed packet or plant label, typically 12-18 inches apart in rows spaced 36-48 inches apart.
  • Support: Consider providing vertical support like trellises, stakes, or cages to keep cucumber fruits off the ground and improve air circulation.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development to prevent bitterness and ensure proper fruit formation.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and consider side-dressing with nitrogen-rich fertilizer during growth. Consistent nutrients are beneficial.
  • Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Lettuce

Growing Lettuce in Maine:

  • Choose the Right Variety: Select lettuce varieties suitable for cooler climates with shorter growing seasons, like 'Butterhead,' 'Romaine,' or 'Leaf Lettuce.'
  • Planting Time: Start planting as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, around April, or plant a fall crop in late summer.
  • Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
  • Plant Spacing: Space seeds or transplants according to variety recommendations. Leaf lettuce can be planted densely, while head lettuce needs more space.
  • Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season to prevent bitterness and ensure tender leaves.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and consider a light side-dressing of fertilizer during growth.
  • Mulching: Use organic mulch to help retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

Onion

Growing Onions in Maine:

  • Choose the Right Variety: Select onion varieties suited for Maine's climate, like 'Yellow Sweet Spanish,' 'Walla Walla,' or 'Red Candy Apple.'
  • Planting Time: Plant onion sets in early spring when the soil can be worked or consider fall planting for overwintering.
  • Soil Preparation: Onions thrive in well-draining soil with good fertility. Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance soil structure and nutrient content.
  • Planting Depth: Plant sets about 1 inch deep with the pointed end up. Space them 4-6 inches apart in rows 12-18 inches apart.
  • Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during early growth.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and consider a side-dressing during growth.
  • Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, but avoid covering the onion bulbs.

Parsnip

Growing Parsnips in Maine:

  • Choose the Right Variety: Select parsnip varieties suitable for Maine's climate, like 'Hollow Crown' or 'All American.'
  • Planting Time: Plant parsnips in early spring when the soil can be worked or in late summer for a fall harvest.
  • Soil Preparation: Prepare well-draining soil by removing rocks and debris, tilling deeply to accommodate the long taproots.
  • Planting Depth: Sow parsnip seeds about 1/2 inch deep directly into the soil.
  • Thinning: Thin seedlings to 3-6 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and growth.
  • Mulching: Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, being cautious not to disturb emerging seedlings.
  • Fertilization: Parsnips usually don't require heavy fertilization, but you can apply a balanced fertilizer at planting or a light side-dressing during growth.