Fall Growing in

OREGON

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Successful Fall Harvest

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

Eggplant

How To Grow:

Starting Seeds: Begin eggplant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Transplant when the weather is consistently warm.
Transplanting: Space eggplant plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil.
Sunlight: Eggplants need full sun for optimal growth and fruit development.
Watering: Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom drop and bitter fruit.
Support: Stake or cage taller eggplant varieties to prevent branches from breaking under the weight of fruit.
Fertilization: Incorporate compost before planting. Use a balanced fertilizer to encourage flowering and fruiting.
Harvesting: Harvest eggplants when they're shiny and the skin is smooth. Use pruning shears to cut the stem.

Asparagus

How To Grow:

Planting: Asparagus is usually planted from crowns in early spring. Dig trenches about 8 inches deep and space crowns 12-18 inches apart.
Soil: Asparagus prefers well-draining soil with good fertility. Work in compost before planting.
Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.
Establishment: Avoid harvesting during the first year to allow the crowns to establish strong root systems.
Harvesting: In the second year, lightly harvest spears that are at least 6-8 inches tall. Stop harvesting when spears become thin.
Feeding: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring before spears emerge.
Maintenance: Cut down the fern-like foliage in late fall after it turns brown. This helps prepare the plant for winter.

Bell Pepper

How To Grow:

Starting Seeds: Begin bell pepper seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Transplant when the weather warms up.
Transplanting: Space pepper plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil.
Sunlight: Peppers need full sun for optimal fruiting.
Watering: Provide consistent moisture, especially when fruits are forming. Avoid overwatering.
Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the first fruits appear.
Support: Some larger pepper varieties may benefit from staking to prevent branches from breaking.
Harvesting: Harvest bell peppers when they've reached their full size and have turned the desired color.

Kale

How To Grow:

Starting Seeds: Begin kale seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings when they're 4-6 weeks old.
Transplanting: Space kale plants 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil.
Sunlight: Kale prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot weather.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep soil temperatures cooler.
Fertilization: Incorporate compost before planting. Side-dress with nitrogen as plants grow.
Harvesting: Harvest outer leaves when they're large enough, leaving the central leaves to continue growing.
Cold Tolerance: Kale becomes sweeter after exposure to frost, making it a great cool-season crop.