Steps to a Better Fall Garden
Article Summary: An overview of three aspects that will affect a garden in the Fall. It includes what to look for in soil, proper watering methods and measurements, as well as some of the types of vegetables you can grow based on where you live. This is a beneficial article for anyone interested in starting fall garden and having better results.
*Refreshed and Updated August 2022*
Fall gardening season starts in mid to late-August, to allow for harvest during fall. Despite still being summer when you plant, the weather will be cooling, the leaves will be changing, and the fall season will soon give your newly planted fall garden a reprieve from hot summer days.
The important factors to look at are:
Plant Types By Growing Zone
Soil Quality
Watering
Sun exposure is important as well, but can be adjusted for by choosing plants that need more or less sunlight and by adding or removing sun shades. General Garden Tip: Always place your garden in an area with full sun exposure. It’s easier to add shade than it is to add more sunlight.
Plant Types By Growing Zone
*This is a small but popular selection of fall gardening options. Scroll to the bottom for articles with additional fall options.
Soil
Vegetables love growing in rich and loose soil. “Loose” means that the soil drains well and isn’t too packed. Harder soils can make it difficult for roots to mature. If you don’t need to add soil, loosen up the soil you have with a spade or small hand shovel and add some compost or fertilizer if you haven’t in a few months. See how this is done with a Garden Grid™ here. If you need to add soil, bagged is the easiest option. Be on the lookout for beneficial soil components like peat moss, compost, and manure. They’re great for maintaining nutrient levels and holding onto moisture.
Soil is also measured by its acidity and alkalinity which is referred to as the soil’s pH. While the science is fascinating and helpful, it can be extensive for the beginner. What’s important is the scale, which ranges from 0-14 and 7 is neutral. Vegetables do best in soil that has a pH of 6.3 to 6.9. Keep this pH range in mind when purchasing bagged soil or checking your existing garden soil.
Watering
While there are certain vegetables that require more delicate care, the ones grown in fall are already known to be more resilient. Therefore, keep a few things in mind. Do not over-water your garden. Vegetables generally need only 2 inches of water a week, whether by rain or irrigation system. If you’re in a dry climate, you often need to water more.
For those who don’t want to estimate two inches of water per week for your garden, there is a simple solution. Use your index finger and dig it about two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, then add water. If it’s almost muddy, do not add water. If it’s moist, that is optimum. Here’s a quick video about doing that. If you’re planting by seed or transplanting small seedlings, you need to water more often. Here’s a quick video about that.
The key is to water consistently. The best time to water is in the morning, when the plants will drink up the water and the sun will evaporate the unwanted amount. Watering plants gently at their base with The Garden Grid™ watering system also avoids the development of unwanted leaf diseases.
For a few more fall gardening planting ideas explore our other article ‘Top 10 Fall Plants to grow in your Garden‘ & ‘Fall & Winter Gardening Plant Spacing in The Garden Grid™‘
