Last Updated on May 3, 2024
Fall Gardening Checklist – 9 Things You Should Do In Your Garden Now
Introduction
Welcome, fellow gardeners, to the early days of fall – a pivotal period in the gardening calendar.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re delving into “9 Essential Gardening Activities for Early Fall”.
As days shorten and temperatures cool, seizing this moment is crucial for ensuring your garden not only endures but thrives in the face of autumn’s approach.
Join us as we unveil key tasks that will keep your garden vibrant and healthy. Let’s jump right in!
1. Plant Cool Weather Crops – Arugula, Spinach, Radish
Planting these crops in September provides an array of benefits, particularly if you’re ahead of your first frost date.
These resilient plants flourish in cooler weather conditions, offering a fresh bounty well into the autumn season.
Take arugula, for instance – not only does it add a zesty punch to salads, but it’s also packed with vital nutrients and antioxidants, enhancing your overall well-being.
2. Harvesting Tomatoes and Ripening on the Windowsill
Next on the fall garden checklist are harvesting Tomatoes. Tomatoes in the fall require a touch more patience. To expedite ripening, consider placing them on a sunny windowsill. Here are additional strategies to make the most of your tomato harvest:
- Prune Indeterminate Varieties: Redirect energy towards ripening existing fruit by pruning indeterminate tomato varieties.
- Green Tomato Pickles: Enjoy tangy green tomato pickles that provide a delightful twist to your culinary creations.
- Oven-Drying Delight: Transform slices into savory sun-dried tomatoes for an array of delectable dishes.
- Freeze for Future Feasts: Puree and freeze ripe tomatoes for convenient, flavorful pasta sauces, soups, and stews.
- Save Seeds for Next Year: Preserve the best of your heirloom tomatoes to ensure robust plants for the next growing season.
3. Harvesting and Preserving Peppers
As cooler weather and shorter days approach, pepper production may slow.
Harvesting before full color and size potential is reached is crucial.
Regular harvesting not only maintains quality but also encourages further production.
Consider preservation methods like freeze drying for long-term storage, or blanching and freezing for immediate use.
4. Bringing Herbs and Peppers Indoors
Certain herbs and peppers can be potted and brought indoors, extending your harvest into the colder months.
Rosemary and thyme, for instance, not only provide flavor to your winter dishes but also infuse your indoor space with delightful aromas. See our guide on how to overwinter pepper.
5. Protecting Plants from the First Frost
Vigilance is key as the first frost approaches.
Employ frost blankets or repurpose old bedsheets to provide an extra layer of insulation for your cherished plants.
6. Reflect and Plan for Spring
As the gardening season winds down, seize the opportunity to reflect on your successes and areas for improvement.
Record your observations and consider adjustments for the upcoming year. This thoughtful reflection will pave the way for an even more successful garden next year. Perhaps you’d like to experiment with companion planting or try out a new composting technique.
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7. Amend Your Soil with Compost for a Thriving Spring Garden
September marks the ideal time to prepare for next year’s garden.
Among the most crucial steps is amending your soil with nutrient-rich compost.
This natural fertilizer replenishes essential nutrients, enhances soil structure, and fosters microbial activity, laying the foundation for a flourishing garden come spring.
Also now is a good time to start composting if you haven’t already – see our guide here on how to start a compost for beginners.
8. Planting Garlic for a Bountiful Harvest
While planting garlic isn’t an immediate concern in early fall, it’s a task to put on the fall garden checklist – best tackled in the late fall before the ground freezes.
Now is the perfect time to start preparing.
Begin by getting ready to order your seed garlic or selecting the biggest, healthiest bulbs from this year’s harvest to replant.
Garlic is a remarkably resilient and rewarding crop. By giving it a head start in the fall, you’re setting the stage for a bountiful harvest next summer.
9. Fruit Trees, Seed Sales, and Fall Bulb Deals
Nurseries and big box stores often offer fantastic deals on fruit trees and seeds during the fall.
Seize these opportunities to set your garden up for success in the coming spring.
Keep an eye out for late fall deals on bulbs as well.
Last year, I found tulips at 50% off!
Planting flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils promises a vibrant burst of color in your garden next spring. And if you’re dreaming of a delicious harvest, consider adding fruit plants like blueberries to your collection.
Fall Gardening Checklist Recap
Let’s quickly recap our key early fall gardening activities:
- Plant cool weather crops like arugula, spinach, and radish.
- Harvest and ripen tomatoes using smart strategies.
- Gather and preserve those peppers.
- Bring some herbs and peppers indoors.
- Protect plants from frost.
- Reflect on this year and plan for an even better spring with Plan My Garden.
- Amend compost for a thriving spring garden.
- Take advantage of fruit tree, seed, and bulb deals.
- Start prepping for garlic planting before the ground freezes.
These tasks will keep your garden thriving through the transition. Happy gardening!
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