Cool Weather Gardening: Fall Crops and Fertilizing Tips

Fall is my second favorite season, Spring is my first, but I’ll save my thoughts on that for Spring. 😊

Our lows here in North Florida, in my case zone 8, have now consistently been in the 60's, dropping on occasion into 50's. That means Fall crops. This includes many herbs (see the list sent in the September 26th Herb Talk here), most greens and our winter vegetables, like squash, broccoli, cauliflower and the like.

Gardening in Different Zones

When I first moved to Live Oak, FL, I worked as a Garden Shop manager. When September came around, all gardening supplies, like irrigation supplies, seeds, etc. stopped coming in. September is still hot in my area! I called the district office and found that for some reason they had North Florida in the same district as Virginia, which is a different zone. I convinced them that it was still warm in our area and if they sent us these products, I could sell them. They realized the potential $$$$ and it worked!

After that experience, I continue to spread the word. There are many things you can grow as the temperature cools. For you home gardeners even up to zone 7 (just be more selective in herbs and crops and freeze protection), gardening is not over. Just be prepared for real frost or freeze. Think crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, winter squash like acorn squash and more.

In zones 9 and 10, tomatoes and peppers are still crops that can be grown with care, even when the temperatures go into the 40's. Think of row cover when the temperatures are forecasted to dive.

Fall Fertilizing Tips

Now, let’s talk fertilizer. My daughter Heather has been asking questions about this. Fall is when you back off on fertilizing. With cold weather crops, you need to take it easy. Easy meaning a lighter rate, maybe less often. Fertilizer will cause new growth, and frost can cause damage to the new growth, flowers, and fruit. You are looking for your plants to stay strong and not weaken.

Now zone 10 and the Caribbean (where Heather lives) is a different story. Zone 10 averages lows in the 50’s and Curacao the 70’s with the occasional dip. Your fertilizing will pretty much be the same year-round.

How Often Should You Fertilize?

Another question was, how often? There's no clear-cut answer. The type of fertilizer makes a difference, such as whether you are using time release, fertilizer made from salts, or organic. It also depends on your crop. Leafy crops usually take less than crops with fruit.

The key is to READ THE LABEL. It will usually give you guidance for crops, how often, and rates. Or as I always suggest, when in doubt contact your local extension office.

For my friends who enjoy being outside, as most gardeners do, take advantage of the cooler weather. If it is still warm, try getting out early, when it is cool and fresh (my favorite time) or in the late afternoon when it is starting to cool down.

Get out, take deep breaths, listen to nature, feel the air. 😊

High Lead Levels in Cinnamon: What to Know

On a completely different note, I want to share something with you. Have you heard about the high lead levels found in cinnamon? I found a link from Southern Living that mentions the six brands that are deemed as safe from Consumer Reports. I want to share it with you.

Safe Cinnamon Brands Information.

There's more information out there about this if you want to dig deeper, but this is a good overview of the brands that are safe and the brands to avoid.

I'm working on new stuff to post on the YouTube channel, so check over there from time to time, or better yet, follow us and you will be notified when there's something new! 😃

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, I'm on Instagram now too! Come follow us @HeavenlyFlowerLL!