As summer starts to wane and you're savoring those last juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers from your garden, have you ever thought about extending your growing season into the fall? Well, guess what? Fall gardening is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.

Here's an excerpt from the book "Small-plot, High-yield Gardening" by Sal Gilbertie and Larry Sheehan:

"The fall vegetable garden is easier to plan and plant than it is in spring, the soil beds are already prepared, the germination rate of direct sowing is better because the soil is already warmed up, and there is no excess moisture like you get in the spring. There are many root and leafy crops to choose from which don’t take up a lot of space and can be harvested within two months of planting."

"The fall garden may be a misleading term, as planting is done in summer, you may not feel like its planting weather, and you may have to push yourself a bit to get the crops in so they can mature in time, but it is most satisfying to be eating your own high- quality vegetables when they’re not generally available elsewhere, or are priced out of site. So, try your hand at a fall garden this year, we promise you will enjoy the extra two or three months of freshly grown produce!"

Imagine this: as the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisper, you could be tending to your very own fall vegetable garden, filled with an array of root and leafy crops. These gems don't demand a lot of space and can be ready for your plate in just two short months.

Now, we know that planting in late summer might not feel like the ideal gardening weather, and you might need a little motivation to get those seeds in the ground. But trust us, the satisfaction of munching on your own high-quality veggies when they're not readily available elsewhere or priced sky-high is unparalleled.

So, why not give fall gardening a try this year? You won't regret it. Those extra two or three months of freshly grown produce will make all your efforts worthwhile. Plus, it's a fantastic way to extend your gardening season and enjoy the magic of homegrown goodness a little longer.

Let's make this fall a season of bountiful harvests and gardening joy! Check out fall vegetable crops are now available at Gilbertie’s Westport Store.