There is a special breed of garden lover. This gardener is akin to the long distance runner, or the marathoner. As long as there is a course to be run, this gardener will run the course. So in the middle of summer, when tomatoes and corn and beans are peaking, when marigolds and zinnias and field flowers are blooming in abundance, this gardener is already plotting, planning and prepping for the garden that is to come….in the fall and winter. If you have never planted for the cooler months, this may be the year for you to give it a whirl. Somehow cool month gardening doesn't seem as daunting a task as spring and summer gardening. Since your choices are more limited, your energies can be more focused. And what pleasure is yours when the summer vegetables and flowers fade to look forward to new fall harvests. In the Farmville area, they will extend well into the winter.

So, let's begin by talking about ideas for your fall and winter garden. Then we'll cover some of the steps you can take to make sure you get to the finish line with some trophies for your effort.

Chrysanthemums, chrysanthemums, chrysanthemums…..and oh yes, the hardy pansies! That's what you see in the garden stores…by the truckload. Mums and pansies are terrific in the fall not only because of the unlimited color and form available but their relative ease of care. But there is so much more to offer in the fall floral scene. You may have to hunt a little for the retailer (or friend) to expand your list but these are worth the search. Asters are wonderful perennials. With hundreds of varieties in color, form and size, you can find something for the shrub bed and border, container or rock garden. Asters spread and you may be the supplier or recipient of a late fall division for even more color next fall. Snapdragons are a beautiful compliment to pansies. Planted in the fall, they will bloom in the spring. But their greenery makes a nice accent through the cool months. As you plan for fall color, throw in some fall crocus bulbs this season to enjoy next fall. It will be worth the wait. The sages or Salvia are wonderful fall color plants. But you will need to plant these next spring for fall garden. Put them on your list while you plan that garden.

The vegetables….ah, to think at the end of the marathon course there is a bounty of cool weather crops to harvest and feast upon. What a healthy and inexpensive way to reward yourself for running the course. You can think now about the color and texture and vitamins you most desire as you watch the young transplants and seeds appear in the store now. Choose from a wide assortment of lettuces, beets, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, Swiss chard, spinach, turnips, radishes, and potatoes to mention a few. And who can pass up kale? This veggie is now as highly regarded for its ornamental beauty in the garden as for its place on your dinner plate.

So far, we've suggested a host of cool weather plants, both flower and vegetable. Now let's look at the preparations you need consider in order to win that Fall Gardener's medal.

Focus on two things: timing, and conditioning.

Timing is key. Knowing the average date of the first killing frost and the amount of time your transplant or seed needs to develop for produce is vital to your plan. An educated guess based on general seasonal trends can place the Farmville area in fall freeze/frost occurrence around mid-October. For example, we may choose October 20 as our target first-frost date. Subtract two weeks for the so-called “fall factor” which takes into account cool weather and shorter day growing conditions. Now, we are to October 6. This two week period can be shortened by the planting size of a transplant versus a sprout or seedling. Then subtract the length of time projected for growth and harvest. This information is readily available to you in seed catalogues, packets and also, through a Master Gardener at your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. The Extension also offers an on-line publication called the “Fall Vegetable Planting Guide.” For most of the plants suggested in this talk, August is prime time for planting.

SO…..choose your plants and calculate your planting time.

Conditioning is the other key. Fall planting has its own set of conditioning needs. You first want to consider your soil. Till the soil to a depth of at least 6-8 inches and remove any weeds or old crops. Then add fertilizer such as 10-10-10 and work into the soil. What is the soil temperature? Some seeds will not grow if the temperature is over 85 degrees. To keep the soil cool, you might cover over the seed row with a light mulch to retain coolness and moisture. Just remember to remove the mulch so as not to inhibit the young plant. If we have had a dry spell, you want to break up any crusty clay top soil so that the tender seedlings can emerge. A covering of vermiculite or light top soil, even straw or pine boughs is a good idea. Because the soil is warmer, you may plant the seeds to a depth of six to eight times their diameter.

Good soil conditioning goes hand in hand with conditioning the plant with a correct amount of water and light. Young seedlings and germinating seeds need frequent, gentle watering often, perhaps daily, depending on rainfall. Once the plants are off and running, a single deep penetrating watering of one inch per week is beneficial. Again, these are just guidelines based on the actual weather conditions. A rain gauge in your bed is the ticket for planting season! Light is a conditioning factor in fall gardening, only as is needed for tender germinating plants and seedlings when in the direct path of a hot late summer sun. That same loose straw or pine mulch can makes a good sun screen but remove once the seedlings have fully emerged.

Timing of planting and conditioning the young plants with good soil, water and light are sure to bring you to the finish line successfully. As the leaves begin to turn and the bright summer annuals and vegetables fade away, you are just kicking in to high gear. Your beautiful fall garden emerges. Are you ready for the marathon? Ready? Get set! Go Plant!