End-of-Season Vegetable Harvest

What to Pick, What to Preserve, and What to Plant for a Fall Crop

As August comes to a close, gardeners are rewarded with the bounty of their summer harvest. But the season isn’t over yet! There’s still plenty to do to ensure your garden thrives into the fall. Whether you’re gathering the last of your summer veggies, preserving them for the colder months, or planting for a fresh fall crop, here’s your guide to making the most of the late-season garden.

What to Pick: Harvesting Summer Vegetables

Late August is the perfect time to pick the last of your summer vegetables. Keep an eye out for the following:

• Tomatoes: Pick them when they’re fully coloured and slightly soft to the touch. If frost threatens, gather any remaining green tomatoes; they can ripen indoors or be used in chutneys and relishes.
• Peppers: Harvest bell peppers when they reach their full size and colour. Hot peppers can be picked at any stage, depending on your desired heat level.
• Zucchini and Summer Squash: These veggies can grow rapidly, so harvest them when they’re small to medium-sized for the best flavour. If left too long, they can become tough and seedy.
• Cucumbers: Pick them regularly to encourage more growth. They should be firm, with a bright colour, and no yellowing.
• Beans: Snap beans are best harvested when they’re firm and crisp. For shell beans, wait until the pods dry on the vine, then pick and shell them for storage.

What to Preserve: Making the Most of Your Harvest

With the abundance of late-summer produce, preserving your vegetables is a smart way to enjoy the fruits of your labour all year round. Here are some preservation methods to consider:

• Canning: Tomatoes, beans, and pickles are ideal candidates for canning. They retain their flavour and nutritional value well, making them a pantry staple through winter.
• Freezing: Many vegetables, including peppers, zucchini, and beans, can be blanched and frozen. This method is quick and preserves the fresh taste of summer.
• Drying: Herbs, tomatoes, and even hot peppers can be dried and stored for use in soups, stews, and sauces. Consider a dehydrator or simply hang them in a dry, airy place.
• Fermenting: Turn your cucumbers into tangy pickles or try fermenting peppers for a homemade hot sauce. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics and add a healthy zing to your meals.

What to Plant: Preparing for a Fall Crop

While summer vegetables are winding down, there’s still time to plant cool-season crops that thrive in the crisp autumn air. Here are some top picks:

• Kale: A cold-hardy leafy green, kale becomes sweeter after a light frost. Plant it now, and you can enjoy fresh greens well into the fall and even winter.
• Spinach: Another leafy green that loves cool weather, spinach grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as 40 days. Sow seeds directly into the ground for a late fall harvest.
• Radishes: One of the fastest-growing crops, radishes can be ready to pick in just 25-30 days. Plant them now for a quick and satisfying harvest.
• Carrots: Although they take a bit longer to mature, carrots can be planted now and harvested in late fall. They can even be left in the ground and harvested as needed during the winter months.
• Beets: Both the roots and greens are edible, making beets a versatile fall crop. Plant them now for a harvest that will continue into the cooler months.

Final Tips for a Successful Fall Garden

• Soil Preparation: Before planting your fall crops, refresh your garden beds with compost or organic matter. This will replenish the nutrients used by your summer vegetables and give your fall crops a healthy start.
• Succession Planting: To maximize your garden space, practice succession planting by sowing seeds in areas where summer crops have finished. This ensures a continuous harvest throughout the season.
• Frost Protection: Keep an eye on the weather as fall approaches. Be ready with row covers or cloches to protect your crops from unexpected early frosts.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a bountiful garden right through to the first frost and beyond. Happy gardening!