Transitioning your farm from summer to fall crops involves a distinct set of steps compared to preparing fresh beds or dealing with cover crops in the spring. During this process, you'll encounter cover crops, weeds, and various other crops, as well as the challenge of germination in the heat. This brief guide will provide helpful tips to ensure a smooth transition.
From Sweet Corn to Spinach: A Guide to Transitioning Your Farm for Fall Crops
When dealing with longer season summer crops, weeds may grow beneath them. To address these weeds without tilling, you can either mow them and hoe out the regrowth, or cover the bed with cardboard and compost before replanting. If you choose the latter method, ensure the cardboard is pierced when transplanting. The most efficient way to eliminate all weeds is to pull them out by hand and promptly replant the bed, which works particularly well with transplants or by directly seeding the bed.
If weeds appear under longer season crops like sweet corn, eliminate them before mulching. You can either pull out the weeds and mow the bed, or mow the bed before transplanting or direct seeding. Direct seeding can be challenging in the summer due to germination issues, but applying a light mulch can help maintain cooler soil and improve germination rates.
To keep young transplants cool, use overhead irrigation that gently mists the plants, providing cooling without the need for shade cloth. For cover crops, mow them twice, wait a week, and mow heavily once more to kill them off. Alternatively, use a tarp to cover and kill them, sow your seeds, and cover the area with the tarp's white side. Remember to remove the tarp before the crop fully germinates.
By having a solid plan for direct seeding and keeping young transplants cool, and addressing cover crops and weeds appropriately, you can facilitate a seamless transition from summer to fall crops on your farm.
