Question: Gardening season doesn't have to be over yet, so what kinds of vegetables can I plant now that will grow well into the fall and early winter?

Answer: There are several cool season vegetables that can be grown here during the fall. The list includes collards, cabbage, cauliflower, rutabagas, kale, mustard, radishes, beets, broccoli, carrots, onions and English peas.

Plant now to ensure maturity dates will not be affected by early frosts and freezes. Living in Zone 7 usually guarantees us some cool weather, but little chance of frost until mid-November.

I would suggest setting plants by Sept. 15. Many of these vegetables can take a fairly good frost and survive. Read the plant labels to ensure the plants' frost and freeze hardiness.

Fall vegetables are best started from transplants, but they can be direct seeded. If using seeds, plant twice as deep as your spring seeds because your moisture level is lower in the soil. Seedlings should not be allowed to dry excessively. Transplants are a wiser choice and do not require as much watering because they already have germinated. Most transplants require at least 1 inch of water per week. New transplants also benefit from frequent light watering until they develop new roots.

A complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 may be applied to prepare the soil. Read the labels to ensure the correct amount to use depending on the size of your planting bed.

Most leafy vegetables will benefit from some nitrogen three to six weeks after planting.

So get out there and plant. Enjoy your fall and winter harvest! You can take advantage of the cooler fall temperatures and hopefully more plentiful moisture. Happy gardening!

Wanda Cannon is a Master Gardener trained through the Hall County program and also serves as Master Gardener coordinator and horticulture assistant for the Hall County Extension office. Phone: 770-535-8293.