By George Boyhan
University of Georgia

There are plenty of reasons not to think about a garden right
now, and the most important is that it’s too hot. If you’re
determined to have a few vegetables this fall and winter, though,
it’s time to start planning and preparing.

First, what you would like to grow? Because of the mild winters
in Georgia, and particularly in south Georgia, you have several
options.

You can grow any of the Brassica-family crops, including cabbage,
broccoli, collards and similar vegetables, anywhere in Georgia in
the fall. You need to sow seed for these crops in August or
September.

Carrot seeds can be sown from August to November in south
Georgia. They’re not recommended for north Georgia fall gardens.

Many warm-season vegetables can be sown or transplanted in August
in south Georgia for fall production. This would include
tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplants, cantaloupes and okra.

Onions are a good choice for transplanting in midwinter. Look for
plants from your garden center starting in November, or sow seeds
of short-day onions in October.

Get started

To prepare your garden, clear out previous crop residues, till
the soil for sowing or transplanting, have a soil sample tested
and apply fertilizer.

It’s hot work this time of year, so if you’re committed to having
a fall garden, be careful. Drink plenty of water, wear
lightweight, breathable clothes, a broad-brimmed hat and
sunscreen. Working early in the morning or late in the evening is
best, when temperatures have cooled down some.

Whether you sow seed or plant transplants, water is going to be
critical to get plants successfully established. You may have to
water lightly several times a day to ensure good seed germination.

A fall garden is a real challenge in the South. Temperatures are
still very high, which accelerates weed growth. Insect
populations are at their highest, making it more likely for
catastrophic insect loss. And the high temperatures coupled with
high humidity can promote diseases. Careful scouting and acting
promptly can minimize some of these problems.

Don’t be too disappointed if you have a few failures. After all,
a fall garden is a tough row to hoe. If you’re successful,
however, you can be proud of yourself. You’ve entered the big
leagues of vegetable gardening.

(George Boyhan is a horticulturist with the University of
Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)