The changing seasons mean new conditions in the garden. From sun exposure to soil prep, air and soil temperature requirements for a productive veggie harvest – there are many factors that you should pay attention too when planning your fall vegetable plantings this year!
Here are some of the most important tips you should bear in mind before creating your autumn vegetable garden!
Check Your Sunlight
In the fall, the sun shines at a lower angle in our sky. Before you get busy with your fresh batch of autumn plants make sure that they will receive enough light and life by checking their exposure to direct rays from this radiant element! Many crops require full-sun exposure which is defined as 6 hours or more per day.
The best time to plant your garden is when the sun shines brightest. A plot or raised bed that was perfect for growing edible crops in summertime may not work as well in autumn. Therefore, if your plants are at risk of being shaded out by trees and buildings nearby, consider planting someplace else with full sunlight then.
One of the best ways to garden is container gardening. As long as you have a cart or wheelbarrow, your plants can follow their natural daylight schedule and be set at just the right spot every day!
Make Your Beds
When you harvest your produce, does it look healthy and happy or is it on the brink of expiration? If they’re green pea shoots for example, then I would recommend letting them hang out in order to maximize their life cycle. However, if they look unhappy, it is time to scrap them.
To make sure that you have the best possible soil for your seeds and seedlings, loosen it up a bit. Take care of any weeds as well!
Work some compost in next, and if your soil has been busy growing plants all summer it will need a fresh infusion of organic material.
Make a plan for your garden in spring or summer to enjoy the best of both worlds: plenty of sun for most plants and cooler temperatures that provide a great atmosphere. If it rains at this time though, make sure you give them space so they can breathe without being crowded together too much!
If you’re looking forward to a successful fall harvest this year, make sure your garden soil has good drainage. If there are pools of standing water or runoff in unexpected places near the plants – that might not be their best spots for living up until wintertime!
Choose Your Crops Wisely
Autumn is the perfect time to plant a garden full of vegetables, but which ones? This can be influenced by many different factors including your climate. The type and condition of soil will also impact what crops you decide on for fall planting: do consult with someone who knows about growing produce in order get an idea as well!
To ensure your crops are protected from the worst of winter weather, you’ll want to turn towards cool-weather crops. These plants can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit (or 5 Celsius) without compromising their growth or survival rate!
Gather Seeds and Plants
Start your indoor plants from seed this season and you’ll be on track for success! Annuals are usually a great choice because they don’t require much maintenance.
It’s time to buy new seeds, or use up what’s left in your packet from last spring and summer plantings.
Don’t forget that potatoes and alliums can be planted in the fall, too!
Get Ready To Dig In
Now you’re ready to plant! Make sure that your soil is warm, too by mulching around the base of any plants.
Make sure to keep a watering can handy this season. In the summer, your garden needs more water than in autumn when low temperatures and indirect sun mean less evaporation; however even then it still requires occasional care.
Provide Protection
A rain gauge can be used to measure how much water your plants are getting. If you’re not sure about their natural watering needs, install one and supplement with sprinklers or a garden hose accordingly!
Cooler temperatures are finally here! Perfect timing for some extra protection. Row covers and cold frames can help extend your gardening season into the fall. If you have a greenhouse or other Indoors growing space as well- don’t forget about using this time to grow tender seedlings in pots that need more care.
With less food available at this time of year when many plants are going dormant, don’t be surprised if the local deer stop by for an occasional snack. Bird netting and row covers or screens with a larger weave can come in handy here to protect your plants without shading them too heavily.
Ever wanted to plant your own garden but haven’t had the time or resources? Now is a great chance with all of the new fall veggies! Just make sure you have enough sunlight, choose what plants will grow well in that type of environment (don’t forget about hydration!), prepare an appropriate bed by adding compost into it before beginning any planting process-and follow these recommended best practices.