I've been struggling with low yields this summer in Oakland due to powdery mildew that wiped out my veggie patch. I'm eager to extend my gardening into fall and winter, but I'm finding that local nurseries don't offer many fall planting options. I'm looking for suggestions on what to plant for the fall season and any advice on how to combat mildew. Thanks a lot!
3 Answers
Just a tip: make sure you're watering in the morning! Good airflow combined with watering helps prevent mildew, especially in humid conditions. I’ve been growing lettuces, greens, arugula, and peas in the fall without issues! My go-to spots for starts are ACE Garden on Grand Lake and East Bay Nursery on San Pablo, plus the Bay Area Seed Interchange Library (BASIL) is fantastic for seeds! Good luck with your garden!
Definitely spend some time hunting for seeds that say they’re "PM resistant" from trusted vendors. Trust me, it's worth it. And consider starting your own seeds! There's a big difference between crops that have only "intermediate resistance" and those with "high resistance" to powdery mildew—though the latter can be pricier, it pays off. Also, consider succession planting since tired plants are more susceptible to mildew. Regular fertilization is key too. Having a fungicide on hand for preventative measures can really help with all of this!
I totally feel your pain with the mildew! I’m a few hours north of you, but I found neem oil to be a lifesaver. For fall crops, I’d recommend going for brassicas, chard, beets, and maybe some fall radishes. They're pretty easy to start from seeds, whether you direct sow them outside or use trays. It saves a ton of money compared to buying starts!