Fall Growing in

WISCONSIN

THE BEST CROPS FOR a

Successful Fall Harvest

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

Peas

How To Grow:

Soil Preparation: Choose well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Add compost before planting.
Planting: Plant pea seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring. Create trellises or supports for climbing varieties.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and pod formation.
Harvesting: Pods are ready when they're plump but still tender. Harvest regularly to encourage continuous production.
Fertilization: Peas are nitrogen-fixing plants, so avoid excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers.
Pest Control: Watch for pests like aphids and pea weevils. Introduce natural predators or use appropriate insecticides.

Potato

How To Grow: Potatoes:

Seed Preparation: Cut seed potatoes into pieces with at least one "eye." Allow them to cure for a day before planting.
Planting: Plant seed potatoes in well-draining soil in early spring. Place them 4-6 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart in rows.
Hilling: As the plants grow, mound soil around the stems to encourage tuber formation and protect them from sunlight.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and tuber development.
Harvesting: Harvest "new" potatoes when plants are flowering. For mature potatoes, wait until the foliage dies back, then dig carefully.
Storage: Cure harvested potatoes in a cool, dark, and humid place before storing them in a cool, dry spot.

Radish

How To Grow:

Soil Preparation: Choose well-draining soil with good fertility. Break up soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
Planting: Sow radish seeds directly in early spring or late summer. Plant them ½ inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows.
Thinning: Thin seedlings to allow 2-3 inches of space between plants for proper bulb development.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent radishes from becoming too spicy or woody.
Harvesting: Radishes are ready in about 20-30 days. Gently pull them from the soil when the bulbs are of the desired size.
Succession Planting: Plant radishes in successive plantings to ensure a continuous harvest.
Pest Control: Watch for pests like flea beetles. Cover plants with row covers or use organic pest control methods.

Cabbage

How To Grow: Cabbage:

Soil Preparation: Choose well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Incorporate compost or aged manure before planting.
Planting: Plant cabbage seedlings in early spring. Space them 12-24 inches apart, depending on the variety.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Cabbage requires steady water to prevent cracking.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when heads start to form.
Pest Control: Protect against cabbage worms and aphids with row covers or natural predators.
Harvesting: Harvest cabbage heads when they're firm and dense. Cut at the base with a sharp knife.
Storage: Store cabbage heads in a cool, humid place or in the refrigerator.