Now that autumn is just weeks away, many gardeners' first impulse is to do away with their annual summer crops. That is a mistake many of us make, especially in zone 9 where it is still a desirable temperature for warm-weather crops up until November. Here is a guide to keep your summer plants happy and alive until the first frost!
1. Decide which summer annuals you will keep until frost and which you'll rid of now.
Of course, most summer annuals won't die until the first frost, but there are some plants you may want to demolish now. Any diseased or unhealthy plants, or even plants that are no longer producing because they have already gone through their production cycle, are probably best to get rid of now. For tomatoes, put shade-cloth over them to keep them producing until frost, and cut off basil flowers for a continued harvest. Most plants, especially herbs, should be perfectly fine to keep in your summer garden right now.
2. Collect all produce before the frost hits.
If the greens on your onions and garlic have died, they are ready for harvest and can be taken out of your garden. Your potatoes are also most likely ready for harvest as well, another thing you can clear out right away. As first frost inches closer (November), a wise decision to make for summer annuals would be to harvest all of your plants beforehand. For annual herbs, chop down the whole plant; they won't come back next year anyways and should be harvested one last time before the frost takes it instead. Herbs are still growing, and plants are still producing though! Wait until a few weeks before the first frost for a final harvest.
3. Keep your peppers year-round!
Yes, you read that correctly. Pepper plants can be perennials if you keep them protected from the frost. If they're already in the ground, dig them up and pot them. Put the pot under a patio or porch where it is close to the house and covered from the frost for year-round peppers! If you'd rather keep your peppers as annuals, simply keep them until frost, harvesting every last drop of their peppers. Their peppers can then be de-seeded and de-veined and stored in a tightly-closed, air-tight plastic baggy and frozen for fresh pepper eating mid-winter. For now, peppers are perfectly fine in the wide-open as it is still very warm, but this is a great consideration to keep in mind if you love your peppers.
4. Annual flowers kept on your patio/porch will survive winter.
Annual flowers, especially vincas, can be potted on your porch or patio or somewhere where they will be protected once it starts getting colder, and they will live! This way, you won't have to say goodbye forever to your beloved beauties. Wait until around mid to late October to consider this option.
Know that it's perfectly okay to keep your summer crops or even still buy warm-weather plants from nurseries. As long as the plants are established and ready or about ready for harvest, there is no reason to get rid of your healthy annuals and jump to cool-weather planting. Take your time, and slowly get ready for your fall garden when the time is right. Most autumn plants, if grown from seed, are not yet ready to be transplanted into the ground anyways. Don't keep your garden bare until then! You can keep your summer plants lasting for another two months or even keep annuals as perennials with the proper care and procedure. Even if you don't choose to keep your summer annuals, you can always, as mentioned, do one last harvest and even freeze your peppers for a longer enjoyment of summer produce. Good luck!
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