Fall is my favorite time to garden. This summer’s record-breaking heat in North Georgia pushed my garden, and me, to its limits. Thankfully, cooler temperatures have revived my summer crops, but with August winding down, I’m eager to shift focus to my fall garden.
Cooler weather, less humidity, and fewer pests make fall gardening a dream. Plus, it’s the perfect season for growing my favorite salad greens! I love sowing lettuce, kale, spinach, and Swiss Chard directly into the soil. And while I’ll transplant broccoli and collard greens from seedlings from the garden center, I know I need to prepare my garden beds first. After growing heavy-feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and squash all summer, my soil is depleted and ready for a boost.
If you are like me and you’re ready to transition from your summer to fall garden,here’s a few tips to get you started! Your summer crops might not be completely finished, so feel free to plant in empty spots or remove underperforming plants. I had a few green bean plants thad grown well and provided me a good harves. A few blossoms were left, but I went ahead and pulled those up. My squash had not done well, and out it came too.
TIPS TO TRANSITION YOUR SUMMER GARDEN TO A FALL GARDEN:
1. Clean Up Your Garden:
- Remove all summer crops and weeds.
- Compost healthy plant material.
- Dispose of diseased plants to prevent problems in the next season.
2. Revitalize Your Soil:
- Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to replenish nutrients.
- Add worm castings to your soil. I add 2 cups broadcast over my 6x 4 bed.
3. Prepare Your Beds:
- Work in the compost and wormcastings into the soil.
- Loosen the soil to allow for proper root growth.
Starting a fall garden from scratch?
- Begin by selecting a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
- If you are growing inground, and working with clay or sandy soil, incorporate plenty of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage and fertility.
- Consider growing in raised beds . You have much more control over the quality of your soil and how well it drains.
- Be sure your raised bed or container is at least 12 inches deep.
Download my free Planting Guide to discover the perfect planting times for your area. No more guesswork! Get your copy now and start planning your garden.
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Happy Gardening!
Karen