Although, it does not feel like fall while I am writing this - it's 90 degrees - I know fall is right around the corner. The average first frost date for Mid-Missouri is October 15. Now is a good time to go over your fall garden clean up list to make sure you will have the best garden next spring. Here are few steps you might consider adding to you fall cleanup check list.
One of the first things is to map out the way your garden was planted this year while it is fresh in your mind. This will help with next year's crop rotation plan. Rotating crops helps lessen the impact of plant specific diseases, insects, and nutritional needs.
Here is something interesting I have learned. Leaving some of the cole crop vegetables in the ground, including cabbages, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower can attract harmful pests then help destroy the same pests. For example, the plants attract wireworms, but as the plants decompose in the spring they release cyanide compounds that will kill the worms.
If you haven't planted a cover crop and are still considering it, winter rye would probably be a good choice. Most cover crops should be planted about three to four weeks before the first frost but rye can withstand a fair amount of frost, and still make enough growth to protect your land and add some biomass to your soil come spring. It will also help deter weeds. If I still have broccoli, cabbage and a few other cole crops still in the garden; I will just let the cover crops grow up around them.
If you have decided not to plant a cover crop this year try putting leaves, straw, even weeds that have not gone to seed on the garden. The last of the lawn clippings can be put directly on the garden. Unless you think there is an over abundance of weed seeds, then it is best to put the grass clippings and leaves in a compost pile to destroy the seeds before spring. Adding this layer of composting material on the garden will help protect the soil from wind and water erosion.
It is wise to put guards on your small trees, fruit and others, to protect them from rodents feeding on the tasty bark. -inch mesh hardware cloth can be used for this. Allow a minimum of two inches clearance around the tree trunk and if possible put it a couple inches in the ground and about 20 inches up the trunk. Keep in mind rabbits and mice can walk on top of the snow to get to your tree.
A diluted whitewash made from equal parts interior white latex paint and water applied to the southwest side of young fruit trees will prevent winter sun scald injury.
Fall is also an excellent time to get a soil test done. A soil test can show you where your soil's pH levels are and, if needed, you can change it by using the proper amounts of lime this fall. This will also help you plan for next year's soil amendments if needed. Soil tests can be obtained through the Callaway County Extension center at 5803 County Road 302, or call 573-642-0755.
Of course this by no means a complete list but it will get you started in the right direction toward the garden, I hope.
Happy gardening!
Peter Sutter is a life long gardening enthusiast and a participant in the MU Extension's Callaway County Master Gardener program. Gardening questions can be sent to [email protected].