Gardeners have been gleefully plucking ripe tomatoes, spicy peppers, crisp cucumbers and fragrant herbs from the plots we tilled, planted and tended over the spring and summer. Crisp nights and cooler days are here, so it’s time to think about what comes next — fall gardening!
Expect Frost
If you’ve just developed a green thumb, you’ll need to do some research into your region’s plant hardiness zone as well as the average first frost date. Work backward from that date to determine when to plant cold-hardy plants, what to plant, and how to protect their growing shoots and leaves.
Plan ahead
A fall garden produces the most abundant harvest with a well-thought-out plan. Envision the layout and decide what plants you’d like to grow. Then, sketch it out and schedule it! A clear plan will help keep you organized (spending less at the garden store) and stay motivated to work through the season. While you’re at it, make fall the time to launch your gardening journal. Record your observations, what worked well and note improvements for next year. A plan and a journal are valuable resources for all seasons to come.
Get prepped
Your trusty garden tools have served well throughout the spring and summer, but there’s still work to do! Clean, sharpen and oil them to insure they’re in top shape for late-season projects. Proper maintenance and storage now will save time, frustration and money come next spring.
While you’re getting everything ready, set aside a clean, dry, relatively cool space to keep your harvest fresh. Preserve the nutrition created in your garden, whether it’s in a crate on a pantry shelf, a wire basket in a designated kitchen area or a full-on root cellar.
Great coverage
As temps drop, some plants may need a little extra care. Depending on the plant and location, you may need a frost blanket, some burlap, cloches or extra mulch to extend their growing season.
Plant away
It may seem counterintuitive, but depending on where you live in the United States, October is time to plant bulbs that flower in the spring, plus some garden crops like garlic, shallots, leeks, lettuces and spinach. Keep plants watered until the frost so they develop a hardy root system before winter. Also consider planting trees and shrubs you’ll want next year.
Cut back
Just before the frost, chop back any perennials such as hostas and daylilies that won’t look great in a decaying lump through the winter. Hold off on pruning woody plants until spring, to avoid encouraging new growth.
Cut heavily from your summer herb garden. Tie the herbs in small bundles and hang to dry. Store in glass containers to keep the flavors of summer through the cold months.
Remember to save the appropriate fall cuttings, leaves, grass, etc. in your compost pile. There’s no reason to waste those valuable nutrients!
Amend soil
Turn over your compost pile, then, after fall’s final harvest, amend the soil with compost, mulch and nutrients to see it through winter. Come spring, your garden will be ready to thrive when growing season returns.
Fall gardening is the secret to long-term success in our beloved greenspaces. Follow these tips to set yourself up for abundant seasons to come. Grab some sturdy gloves and get ready to extend the magic of your garden into the cooler months.
What are your best fall gardening tips and hacks? Share in the comments.
