Containers Extend the Season for Fall Vegetable Gardens

SCRANTON, Pa., Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Fall is upon us, but that doesn't mean saying goodbye to homegrown produce. A growing number of gardeners are enjoying longer harvests by starting fall vegetable gardens in containers (http://earthbox.com/science-behind-the-earthbox). Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs, less watering, and less sweating in the hot sun.

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This is good news for the increasing number of gardeners who cite saving money and enjoying fresh, nutritious food as the primary reasons for growing their own vegetables. Research from the National Gardening Association shows participation in vegetable gardening has increased 28% from 2007 through 2012.

According to Frank DiPaolo, General Manager of EarthBox, a patented container gardening system, "It's quite simple to dramatically extend the growing season in a fall vegetable garden. Anybody can enjoy homegrown vegetables right through the fall. You don't need an expensive greenhouse to do it." Container gardens offer several advantages for fall growing:

First, shorter fall days mean less sun; it's easy to move containers to sun-drenched spots and warmer areas on patios or next to buildings.

What's more, pots and hanging baskets can be taken inside when frost threatens. Larger containers, such as EarthBoxes, can also be moved on casters.

In addition, it's easy to protect fall vegetable gardens in containers with frost covers when temperatures drop. Another trick is to use Liquid Fence Freezepruf™, an eco-safe spray that improves plants' natural cold tolerance by approximately 2 to 9 degrees. Pots and smaller containers can be moved to cold frames that can be used throughout the winter.

While some vegetables require summer temperatures, many thrive in cooler weather. Bunching onions, cabbage, Swiss chard, turnips, mustard, corn salad (mache), spinach, lettuces, mesclun, carrots, peas and beets are all good choices. Some -- such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and collards -- actually become sweeter after exposure to early frosts.

By choosing the right cool-season vegetables and using garden containers, many gardeners extend their growing season though Thanksgiving or even later. Vegetable container gardens can also add a splash of color and scent to the changing landscape. Container gardens have proven to be a practical option for people who want to enjoy fresh produce for as much of the year as possible.

About EarthBox®  
The patented EarthBox was introduced in 1994 after a decade of research by commercial farmers looking for a maintenance-free way to grow in ideal conditions. Since then, the EarthBox has been used in home gardens, commercial farms, schools and restaurants around the world. More information is available at www.earthbox.com.

Contact: 
Frank DiPaolo, General Manager 
[email protected] 
800-821-8838  

SOURCE EarthBox