Fall gardening is a rewarding experience that allows individuals to extend the growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest. According to the Mahoning County extension of The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, fall planting and gardening offer numerous benefits, including reduced soil erosion, improved soil health, and increased crop yields (www. yahoo. com → news → videos → root-know-fall-gardening-171500750. html). The cooler temperatures of fall also make it an ideal time for planting a variety of crops, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and cool-season flowers. In the Mahoning County region, fall gardening typically begins in late August or early September, when the weather starts to cool down.
Gardeners in this area can plant a range of crops, including broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, which thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall (OSU Extension, n. d.). Fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials, as the cooler weather reduces transplant shock and allows plants to establish themselves before winter.
For those new to fall gardening, the Mahoning County extension office provides valuable resources and guidance on selecting the right crops, preparing the soil, and managing pests and diseases.
In the realm of horticulture, companion planting has emerged as a fascinating technique that leverages the symbiotic relationships between different plant species. By strategically pairing plants, gardeners can enhance growth, deter pests, and even improve flavor. For instance, the “Three Sisters” method, a traditional practice among indigenous communities, involves planting corn, beans, and squash together.
The corn provides a structural framework for the beans to climb, while the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and the squash shades the soil, preventing moisture — and weed growth (Gliessman, 2007). This harmonious approach to gardening not only promotes biodiversity but also reduces the need for external inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides.
As interest in sustainable gardening practices continues to grow, researchers are exploring the benefits of using cover crops to improve soil health.
Cover crops, also known as green manure, are plants grown specifically to protect and enrich the soil. They can help to suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and increase soil organic matter, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient ecosystems (Hartwig & Ammon, 2002). In the northeastern United States, for example, farmers are using cover crops like winter rye and clover to improve soil fertility and structure, which in turn supports the growth of subsequent crops ← →
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Fall planting and gardening information: Mahoning County extension of The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental …
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