Fall Crops Maine

Fall Growing in

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

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.

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.

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.

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.