In most cases, seeds that are sown in autumn will sprout up earlier than spring planted ones, giving your garden a head start. And for those seeds that require cold stratification, this will happen naturally, removing the need to place seeds in the freezer or refrigerator.
Fall Planting Results in Earlier Blooms
Like fall-seeded lawns, fall-planted wildflower seed has a chance to "settle" into your site during the winter, and is ready to burst into growth in early spring. This is why fall-planted wildflower seed is up and in bloom about two weeks earlier than spring-planted seed.
Crops that will tolerate a light frost and keep growing even when temperatures drop include most brassicas (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and kohlrabi), as well as carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, scallions, spinach, and turnips.
However, July and August are the best time to get a start on fall and winter food gardening. In Southern California, some of the best months to grow veggies are in the fall and winter, when we have natural rainfall.
Our fall planting season started in September, but October is still a great time to your fall garden started. With a little protection from our occasional frosts, you'll be able to reap a harvest through the winter.
While you can plant a late planting to the first frost date, it's always best to allow as much growing time as possible. If you missed the spring planting, then calculate which vegetables you can grow now and still have a harvest before the first frost.
When it's October, people often wonder if it is too late to plant new seed. The good news is if you hurry, seed can still be planted in October with the hope that it will survive the upcoming winter. Although September is the best time, often we can still plant grass seed up to October 15 with good results.
'Between late August and early October, the grass is typically at its thinnest, meaning grass seed can more easily reach the soil and germinate before the harsher, colder winter months. ' It is a good idea to choose a day with mild weather, preferably after rainfall, so your lawn is moist but not muddy.
If the daytime temperature is below 60°F then soil temperature is below 50°F, making it too cold; if there is frost or still a danger of frost, then it's too cold. If it's too cold, the grass seeds will likely rot.
It's best to wait a few weeks after fertilizing before seeding, to allow the fertilizer to fully penetrate the soil and avoid the risk of burning the new grass. ' 1. This starter feed is suitable for spring or fall application and will help to establish new grass seed and encourage strong root systems.
Fall planting will be much easier, so you should aim for getting your seed down late in the season, but before the ground freezes entirely.
Cool-season grasses (Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass) thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall, while warm-season grasses (Bermudagrass, centipede grass, bahiagrass and zoysia grass) peak in late spring and early summer.
Generally, seeds have to be planted four to six weeks prior to the cold season. The ideal period to sow seeds is typically between late March and late May. Let the plant have enough time to sprout and grow, so it can be moved to a new location.
It can take from two to four weeks for grasses to grow in October, especially if it is a warm-season grass. Cool-season grasses can still germinate and take root in the cooler temperatures of late fall, though you might not see their full potential until spring.
Watering Thoroughly, but Not Too Much
Once the seeds have been properly sown and lightly incorporated into the existing soil, water the area thoroughly and leave until next spring. By this time of year, our cool to cold temperatures and short days will help keep the areas moist far longer than in summer.
Reinvigorate Your Lawn
By spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, you can thicken up the thin areas, and your lawn will start to look terrific again.
Grass seed is surface sown, meaning lays and roots on top of the soil, so it does not need to be buried. It's usually broadcast over the ground with a hand or rotary spreader. In order for that seed to sprout, it needs good soil contact, which makes soil quality a major factor in growing a healthy, uniform lawn.
Grass seeds can survive the winter, and planting during the winter season is known as dormant seeding. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring.
While planting grass seed in November is too late to make the fall growing season, there is a method called dormant seeding. Through dormant seeding, grass seed can be planted in November when the weather is cold enough to keep it dormant until the weather warms up in the spring.
Very little soil is actually needed to cover the seeds, typically about ¼- inch, so simple raking will do the trick. If the seeds are not properly protected by existing grass or a thin layer of topsoil, they may dry before germination or be washed away by rain.
Applying fertilizer at the same time you seed your lawn is not a recommended idea.
Herb seeds such as basil, dill, chives, and parsley can be sown now and grown on your windowsill throughout the winter. Sow spring onion 'Performer' under cloches — they'll be ready to start harvesting in the spring. Sow cauliflower 'All the Year Round' and keep the plants in a cold frame until the spring.