Plant 'early' varieties of vegetables for fall crop

By Audrey Post
MS. GROW-IT-ALL

Q: Is it too late to plant tomatoes in Tallahassee? How about lima beans?

A: No, it’s not too late to plant tomatoes for a second crop in the fall, but it’s a good idea to select “early” varieties. “Early” means they produce fruit in fewer days than most varieties, or earlier, and are generally used in early spring. But considering the gardening calendar in our area is a little different from the rest of the country, it works well for us in fall.

We usually have a freeze in late October, and then weeks go by before we have another one, so be prepared to protect your tomatoes during that period.

You can also plant cucumbers, squash and bush beans now. Unfortunately, lima beans take longer to mature than snap beans so I wouldn’t try to plant any this late.

Plant giveaway report: Jerry Patton reports his plant giveaway was a success, and he has a few plants left.

“More than 50 night-blooming cereus were taken (some took more that one plant); and, 21 century plants found a home. (Many said they'd like one of the latter, but just didn't have the space, etc.) Too, 17 crape myrtles were carted off -- all that were potted). As for the mystery plants, they too, fell into the hands of a gardener.

“I still have both night-blooming cereus and century plants. And, not unlike kittens, ‘all are available to a nice home.’ And, I must add, your readers are the nicest people. Great conversations were had by all.”

Thanks, Jerry. I agree. If you want some of his plants, be sure to call him at 850-878-1321 to make sure he’s home and to get directions to his home.