The end of summer doesn't have to mean the end of productive growing.
For many UK market gardeners, autumn can provide some of the most rewarding growing conditions of the year.
The temperatures are cooler, some pest pressure begins to change and there are plenty of crops that can continue producing well into the colder months.
The challenge is planning ahead.
Season extension isn't something you can usually start when the first frost arrives. It starts weeks or months earlier.
Choose the Right Crops
The easiest way to extend the season is to grow crops that are naturally suited to cooler conditions.
Hardier crops can include:
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Kale
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Chard
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Leeks
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Winter salads
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Spring onions
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Hardy herbs
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Certain brassicas
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Carrots and other root crops
The exact choices will depend on your location, soil and protection.
The important point is to think about the harvest window when choosing what to sow.
Succession Planning Still Matters
Succession planting isn't only a summer strategy.
As one crop finishes, consider whether another crop can take its place.
The challenge is that the growing window becomes shorter as autumn progresses so timing becomes increasingly important.
A crop that takes four weeks to mature in summer may take considerably longer as temperatures and daylight decrease.
Work backwards from when you want to harvest. If you want salad leaves in October, for example, don't wait until October to think about sowing them.
Protect Young Plants
Young plants are often more vulnerable than established crops.
As temperatures begin to fall, protection can help crops establish and continue growing.
Depending on your system, this could include:
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Fleece
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Insect mesh
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Low tunnels
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Hoops
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Polytunnels
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Cold frames
Protection doesn't necessarily need to be complicated.
Even relatively simple structures can make a difference when used at the right time.
Make the Most of Polytunnels
Protected growing areas become particularly valuable as autumn progresses.
A polytunnel can extend the growing season by providing shelter from wind, rain and low temperatures.
It can be particularly useful for:
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Salad leaves
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Spinach
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Herbs
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Asian greens
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Young plants
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Late-season crops
The key is not to treat a tunnel as a magic solution. Ventilation is still important, even when temperatures are falling.
Keep Harvesting
One of the biggest advantages of season extension is simply having more time to harvest.
Some crops can remain productive well into autumn if they're harvested regularly.
This is particularly useful for market gardeners supplying weekly customers.
Instead of having production fall off a cliff at the end of summer, a carefully planned autumn crop can help smooth the transition.
Don't Forget the Soil
Autumn weather can be hard on exposed soil.
Heavy rain can cause erosion, compaction and nutrient loss, particularly where soil is left uncovered.
Keeping beds planted, mulched or otherwise protected can help.
This is also a good time to think about where cover crops or green manures fit into the rotation.
The aim isn't simply to produce another crop. It's to finish the season with soil that is in good condition for the next one.
Prepare Your Equipment Early
Season extension often depends on having the right materials available when the weather changes.
Don't wait for the first cold night before looking for your fleece.
Make sure you know where your hoops are.
Check that tunnels are in good condition.
Make sure harvest tools are clean and sharp.
A small amount of preparation can make responding to changing weather much easier.
Accept That Autumn Is Different
Autumn growing isn't summer growing with colder temperatures.
The days are shorter, growth slows.
Soil can stay wet for longer and weather can change quickly.
That means expectations need to change too.
Instead of trying to maintain summer production levels indefinitely, focus on crops and systems that work with the season.
A Longer Season Starts With Planning
Successful season extension isn't necessarily about having expensive equipment.
It's about making sensible decisions early.
Choose suitable crops.
Time your sowings.
Protect vulnerable plants.
Look after the soil.
Prepare your infrastructure.
And keep harvesting while the conditions allow.
A market garden doesn't have to stop producing when summer ends.
With a little planning, autumn can be another productive part of the growing year.