Fall Vegetable Gardens in Missouri

• Missouri's long, warm summer and fall is ideal for fall vegetable gardening. Fall vegetable gardening extends the season, increasing the amount of produce you can grow in one season. The practice also allows gardeners to grow cool-season crops that tend to bolt or turn bitter in the heat of the summer. Sow seeds directly in the garden, use transplants or start plants from seed.

Fall Planting Techniques

• Two challenges face Missouri gardeners wishing to garden in the fall: poor seed germination due to high temperatures and a short growing season. Combat these issues by planting seeds 1/4-to-1/2-inch deeper in the soil than you would in the spring. The seeds germinate more quickly in the cooler, moister soil. Consider growing transplants instead of seeds, especially for cole crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower. These crops don't germinate well in warm soils, according to Missouri State University Extension. Space the crops further apart than you would in the spring to encourage fast growth.

Care

• Conditions are dry in late summer and early fall for most Missouri gardeners. Plant transplants in the late afternoon or evening to lessen shock from heat, and water them immediately. Monitor the soil's moisture level and water before the soil is dry. Many fall vegetable crops, such as lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower become bitter if the soil is too dry.

Varieties

• The most commonly grown fall vegetables are cool-season crops that can tolerate some frost, and even prefer cool conditions. These are also the crops planted earliest in the spring and include collards, kale, lettuce and spinach, as well as broccoli and cauliflower. Many Missouri gardeners can also grow some warm-season crops, such as green beans and tomatoes. Plant tomatoes and summer squash by mid-July for a fall crop; plant green beans by mid-August, depending on the area where you live, for an October harvest.

Frost Protection

• Fall temperatures are unpredictable in Missouri and one hard frost can wipe out a fall garden. Plan ahead and have row covers or cloches on hand that you can quickly cover tender crops with. While these devices might not save tomatoes or summer squash if a hard frost occurs, they will protect crops from light frosts. Planting your garden in an area protected by buildings and trees with a southern exposure will also pay off when cold weather hits.