Fall Growing in
MISSOURI
THE BEST CROPS FOR a
Successful Fall Harvest
Boost Your Garden's Productivity with These Ideal Fall Crops for Missouri'S Climate!
Broccoli
How To Grow:
To grow broccoli in Missouri, follow these steps:
Choose the Right Variety: Select broccoli varieties that are suitable for your climate and growing season. Consider both heading and sprouting types based on your preferences.
Timing: Broccoli can be grown as both a spring and fall crop in Missouri. For spring broccoli, start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings into the garden a few weeks before the last frost date. For fall broccoli, start seeds indoors in mid-summer and transplant them into the garden in late summer.
Prepare the Soil: Broccoli thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Sow or Transplant: Start broccoli seeds indoors in seed trays or pots. Transplant the seedlings into the garden when they have a few true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart.
Sunlight: Broccoli requires full sun for optimal growth. Make sure the planting area receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the early stages of growth. Avoid overwatering, as broccoli doesn't like waterlogged soil.
Fertilization: Add a balanced fertilizer to the soil before planting. You can also provide additional feedings during the growing season to support healthy growth.
Squash
How To Grow:
To grow squash in Missouri, whether it's summer squash or winter squash, follow these general steps:
Choose the Right Variety: Select squash varieties that are well-suited for your climate and intended use. There are different types of squash, including summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash) and winter squash (butternut, acorn, spaghetti).
Timing: Summer squash is a warm-season crop that can be planted after the last frost date. Winter squash, on the other hand, requires a longer growing season and should be planted earlier to ensure maturity before frost.
Soil Preparation: Squash prefer well-draining soil with good fertility. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Sow or Transplant: Squash can be started from seeds indoors or sown directly in the garden. Transplant seedlings outdoors once the danger of frost has passed. If you're planting seeds directly, follow the packet instructions for planting depth and spacing.
Sunlight: Squash thrive in full sun. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid overwatering, as squash plants can be susceptible to fungal diseases in overly wet conditions.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain even soil temperatures.
Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting. You can also provide additional feedings with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Cauliflower
How To Grow:
To grow cauliflower in Missouri, follow these steps:
Select the Right Variety: Choose cauliflower varieties that are well-suited for your climate and growing season. Look for varieties that mature relatively quickly, especially if you have a shorter growing season.
Timing: Cauliflower is a cool-season crop. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring. Transplant seedlings into the garden a few weeks before the last frost. You can also grow cauliflower as a fall crop by starting seeds indoors in mid-summer and transplanting in late summer.
Prepare the Soil: Cauliflower prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Sow or Transplant: Start cauliflower seeds indoors in seed trays or pots. Transplant the seedlings into the garden when they have a few true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle. Space the plants about 18-24 inches apart.
Sunlight: Cauliflower needs full sun for optimal growth. Ensure that the planting area receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the early stages of growth. Cauliflower prefers even moisture to prevent stress and promote proper head development.
Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil before planting. You can also provide additional feedings during the growing season to support healthy growth.
Blanching: To prevent the cauliflower heads from turning yellow or brown due to sun exposure, consider blanching. This involves tying the outer leaves of the plant over the developing head to shield it from sunlight.
