Creating a Lush Fall Garden: 5 Tips to Get You Started

Fall is a magical time in the garden, with cooler temperatures, shorter days and a range of delicious vegetables and herbs to plant. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you create a lush fall garden that will flourish and provide you with fresh produce all season long.

Tip 1:

Timing is Everything: Knowing when to start your fall garden is key. Wait until daytime temperatures have dropped below 90°F and nighttime temperatures have dropped below 60°F. This can occur in August, September, or October depending on your zone. Keep in mind the length of time it takes for your plants to harvest and make sure to plant them accordingly.

Tip 2:

Start Indoors or Direct Sow: Some vegetables are best started indoors while others are better suited for direct sowing. Swiss chard, broccoli, and other vegetables can be started indoors while root vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips are best sown directly into the ground.

Tip 3:

Pre-Soaking Seeds: Soaking seeds in water for 12-24 hours can increase the germination rate and help them germinate quicker. For root vegetables, you can also plant them in a bed with a layer of coconut core on top to help retain moisture. Cover the bed with a piece of cardboard and weight it down with bricks for the first 2 days, or 4-5 days if you do not soak the seeds.

Tip 4:

Loose Soil with Organic Matter: To ensure that your plants grow healthy and strong, it is important to have loose soil with plenty of organic matter. You can create raised beds filled with compost, worm castings, and kitchen scraps for the best results.

Tip 5:

Seed Starting Trays: A great way to start your plants indoors is with seed starting trays. Look for trays that are sturdy and have a bottom watering tray to make it easier to water your plants. All About The Garden sells Charles Dotten seed starting trays that are easy to use and come in different sizes to accommodate different types of plants.

By following these five tips, you can create a lush fall garden that will provide you with fresh produce all season long.

Happy gardening!