Now’s the Time: Direct Seeding for Fall Crops

Now’s the Time: Direct Seeding for Fall Crops

Believe it or not, while the sun’s still blazing and we’re all sweating through our shirts, fall has quietly crept into the minds of farmers and gardeners alike. If you want crisp fall roots on your plate in October and November, now is the time to start planting—yes, even while it’s pushing 97°F.

This week (and the next couple), we’re continually direct seeding our fall root crops: daikon radishes, watermelon radishes, carrots, and beets. Here’s the challenge: these crops like cool weather, but they need warm soil to germinate—just not too warm. It’s a bit of a forced situation. We're asking these seeds to sprout during a time that’s not exactly ideal for them. But with a few tricks, we can create just enough of a micro-climate to help them along.

Tips for Successful Germination in the Heat:

1. Water Early and Often
High temps = fast evaporation. Water your seed beds twice a day to keep the top layer moist. It’s that consistent surface moisture that’s key to good germination.

2. Cover Up
If you’ve got row cover or shade cloth, now’s the time to use it. Even a light layer helps cool the soil just enough to reduce stress on tiny seedlings and keep the bed from baking.

3. Check Twice a Day
Germination can be spotty in the heat, so keep an eye out. If you see dry spots, re-water. If you’re using overhead irrigation, make sure it’s hitting your whole bed evenly.

Fall crops take planning, especially in a high desert climate like ours. But there’s nothing like pulling sweet, crunchy carrots out of the ground just after the first frost, or slicing open a bright-pink watermelon radish when the days have turned crisp.

So get those seeds in. The soil is ready, even if the air says summer.