Fall Growing in
SOUTH DAKOTA
THE BEST CROPS FOR a
Successful Fall Harvest
Boost Your Garden's Productivity with These Ideal Fall Crops for South Dakota's Climate!
Greem Beans
How To Grow:
Choose the Right Variety: Opt for bush-type varieties like 'Provider' or 'Bush Blue Lake' that mature quickly and don't require extensive support.
Planting: Wait until after the last frost date to sow seeds directly in well-draining soil. Plant in rows with a spacing of about 2-4 inches between seeds.
Sunlight: Green beans require full sun, so choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.
Support (if needed): If you're growing pole beans, set up trellises or stakes for the plants to climb as they grow.
Harvesting: Harvest beans when they are young and tender, usually around 50-60 days after planting. Regular harvesting promotes continuous production.
Carrots
How To Grow:
Soil Preparation: Choose loose, well-draining soil with minimal rocks to encourage straight root growth.
Sowing: Directly sow carrot seeds in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep and thin the seedlings to ensure proper spacing.
Sunlight: Carrots prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Once established, water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent splitting.
Thinning: Thin the carrot seedlings to ensure they're about 2-3 inches apart to allow for proper root development.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.
Harvesting: Carrots are usually ready for harvest in about 60-80 days. Gently loosen the soil around the base of the greens and pull the carrots. Choose a variety that suits your desired size and flavor.
Cucumber
How To Grow:
Variety Selection: Choose disease-resistant cucumber varieties suitable for your area, such as 'Marketmore' or 'Diva.'
Planting: Sow cucumber seeds directly into warm soil after the last frost. You can also start seeds indoors and transplant after all danger of frost has passed.
Spacing: Plant seeds or seedlings in hills or rows, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
Sunlight: Cucumbers need full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
Support: Some cucumber varieties can be grown vertically using trellises or cages to save space and encourage straighter fruits.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Avoid overhead watering to prevent foliar diseases.
Harvesting: Harvest cucumbers when they're still young and firm, usually around 50-70 days after planting. Regular picking encourages more fruit production.
