What are the Best Tips for Fall Gardening?

There are a number of fairly simple ways to make fall gardening as enjoyable and rewarding as spring and summer gardening, depending on the results a person is looking for and how far ahead he or she has planned for the fall. One thing a person should consider are plants and vegetables that can be planted late in season for gathering in fall, as well as those that can be planted during fall for gathering in winter or early spring. There are also some steps that should be considered during fall gardening to continue enjoying some of the plants that have flourished over the spring and summer.

Fall gardening typically involves either planting new growth during fall months or planting during the summer to harvest or enjoy plants during the fall. As the days become cooler, there are a number of plants that can be planted during the fall for appreciation during winter and early spring. Evergreens can be set in the ground just about any time as long as the ground is not frozen and will flourish throughout the fall and winter.

Some trees, such as Japanese maples, can be planted during the summer and enjoyed during the fall as the leaves change colors dramatically and create vivid and beautiful displays of fall colors. Fall gardening can also include planting vegetables that can be harvested and appreciated throughout the fall and winter. Root plants such as carrots, pumpkins, and winter squash can all be planted late and enjoyed throughout the colder months. Some bulb flowers, such as day lilies and tulips, can be planted during the fall and will produce early spring blossoms.

Fall gardening can also include finding ways to continue enjoying plants that have flourished throughout the summer. Herbs can be grown in or transferred to pots and brought indoors during the cold fall and winter months. They should be placed where they will still receive plenty of sunlight throughout the day, though they will likely require less water and may need only occasional misting.

A person should also consider his or her lawn and any grass that may survive the winter to become lush in the spring. Grass should be fertilized in the fall to allow it to store nutrients to thrive throughout the winter, though other plants should not be encouraged to grow or thrive just before winter. Leaves falling from trees can be gathered and either left to form compost or used as mulch for winter vegetables or other late growth planted during fall gardening.