Why We Should All Be Gardening This Fall!
Fall usually isn’t the season that comes to mind when most people think of gardening. However, fall is an AMAZING time to dive into gardening or to continue your established garden!
If you live in an area with a mild climate, you will be able to grow all winter long! In some very hot climates, fall is actually one of the best times of year to grow! But even if you don’t live in a mild climate, a fall garden shouldn’t be overlooked. Even with frosts on the way, there is still plenty of time to grow and harvest some amazing veggies, herbs, and greens!
5 Reasons to Love Fall Gardening
Reason #1: Skip the Heat!
While some plants (like melons, tomatoes, and peppers) need heat to thrive, not all plants feel the same way! In fact, many plants will do better in cooler temperatures. As the heat of summer fades, the crisp, cool air makes it the perfect time to start or revive your garden. With comfortable temperatures and ideal growing conditions for many crops, particularly leafy greens. But the biggest bonus is for the gardener! If you’ve ever endured a hot, sweaty summer in the garden, you know why! Fall means fresh crisp air that makes gardening a joy instead of a chore!
Reason #2: Greens Galore!
Most greens don’t love the heat so fall is the time to capitalize on growing greens and lettuces! This season is ideal for planting cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and spinach. Most greens prefer temperatures around 60-70F and many will even tolerate light frosts! Plus, they aren’t as quick to turn bitter and bolt, so you can enjoy better-tasting greens for much longer!
Reason #3: Less Watering
In most regions, fall means cooler temperatures and more moisture/rainfall. If you’ve had a long, dry summer, this will be a relief to both you and your plants because you won’t need to water them as often. During cooler temps, the soil will be able to maintain moisture levels much better. If you have automatic irrigation, don’t forget to adjust your watering schedule for fall!
Reason #4: Fewer Pests
Yes, you read that right: cooler temperatures mean fewer pests to deal with! Can I get an “amen” for that?! As temperatures drop and daylight hours lessen, so will the pests. While certain species will still hang around, a lot of pests have already bedded down for the season, especially if you live in a cooler region. If you struggled during the height of summer with pests, then fall is the perfect time for you to enjoy gardening!
Reason #5: Extended Growing Season & Space
Fall is an excellent season to extend your growing efforts and enjoy a fresh harvest. If your summer garden left you feeling a little disappointed or wanting more, then a fall garden is definitely for you! Growing during the cool season can significantly increase your growing season by several months!
A fall garden can also be a great way to squeeze more growth into a limited garden space! If you are short on room, then you will definitely want to capitalize on the fall-growing season. Once your summer plants are spent, you can replenish the soil and replant with crops that can tolerate cool weather and light frosts, allowing you to virtually double your growing space!
Let's fall in love with gardening this season! It is the perfect way to enjoy an abundance of fresh, healthy crops. Embrace the benefits and watch your garden thrive.
Try some of our soil and soil amendments to replenish soil that needs to be conditioned or simply is spent from a long Summer of growing. You'll be amazed at how much easier it is to grow healthy leafy greens, herbs, and veggies. Everything is easier because your plant health is in tip top shape.