Content Summary : It’s easy to neglect a vegetable garden in the heat of summer, especially when there seems to be no solution to problems such as nutsedge or whiteflies. Even experienced gardeners have been known to throw up their hands and head for the nearest fruit stand. However, for those wanting to plant fall crops, it’s the perfect time to clean up and start over. For many, the cooler weather of September and October provide for a more pleasant experience. Whether your garden is established or you are thinking about a new garden this fall, consider the following tips as you plan: • Ask yourself who will be doing the work. If you can count on the help of a spouse and/or children, you can obviously plant a larger area. You will be happier and the plants will be healthier if your garden is of a size that can be well maintained without having to hire the neighborhood children. • Plant crops that you and your family like to eat. • Place taller plants on the northern side of the garden to keep them from shading shorter plants. • Locate the garden where it will receive at least 6 hours of full sun. Leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, can tolerate part shade. • Locate the garden close to a water source. You are more reluctant to water a garden when a hose must be dragged a long distance. • Ask yourself what you plan to do with the harvest. Will it all be eaten fresh? If you plan to can or freeze part of the harvest, increase the number of plants accordingly. • Improve poorly drained soils with raised beds. These can easily be constructed with crossties or cinder blocks and filled with compost and topsoil.