Fall Garden Maintenance Checklist and Fall Garden Care

Fall in the garden is the best time to protect your plants from cold weather if you live in the northern regions. The ground will freeze over by December. However, in southern regions, fall is a good time to plant and care for your plants. Fall is a great season to get active and keep warm. These tips will help you to enjoy fall in your garden.

Start with the vegetable plants in your garden. You can start planting early root vegetables and leafy greens. Your tomato plants should be hardened off by December. Your flower plants can benefit from moist conditions. In addition, you can start planting cool-season vegetables in the low desert, where temperatures are slightly lower than in higher-altitude regions. These are good places to plant cool-season vegetables, such as lettuce and cucumbers, spinach, or kale.

FAQ

What should I do the first time you want to start a vegetable garden?

When beginning a garden, the first thing to do is to prepare the soil. This includes adding organic material such as composted horse manure, grass clippings or leaves, straw and the like, which provides plant nutrients. Next, you will plant your seeds or seedlings directly into the prepared holes. Finally, water thoroughly.

Which seeds should you start indoors?

Tomato seeds are the best choice for starting indoors. Tomatoes are easy to grow, and they produce fruit all year round. You should be cautious when putting tomatoes into pots. If you plant too early, the soil may dry out, which could cause the roots to rot. Also, be aware of diseases such as bacterial wilt, which can kill plants quickly.

When is the best time to plant flowers?

When the weather is milder and the soil has a good moisture content, spring is the best time to plant flowers. Planting flowers should be done after the first frost if you live in a cold climate. The ideal temperature for indoor gardening is 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best vegetable gardening layout?

It is important to consider where you live when planning your vegetable garden. Plant vegetables together if your house is in a busy area. If you live in rural areas, space your plants to maximize yield.

Statistics

• 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
• According to a survey from the National Gardening Association, upward of 18 million novice gardeners have picked up a shovel since 2020. (wsj.com)
• It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)
• According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com

External Links

planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

almanac.com

• Old Farmer's Almanac

How To

Basil Growing Tips

Basil is one among the most versatile herbs you could use in your kitchen. Basil can be used to flavor dishes and add flavor to sauces, soups, pasta, and desserts. Here are some tips for growing basil indoors at home.

1. Carefully choose your location. Basil is an annual plant and will only live one season if it's not in the right place. It likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade. If you are growing it outside, choose a spot with good air circulation.
2. Plant the seeds. Basil seeds should be planted two weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in small pots filled with potting mix. Place the pots in clear plastic wrap. Keep them out of direct sunlight. Germination usually takes about ten days. Once germinated, move the pots into a shaded area where temperatures stay around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them. Place the seedlings in larger containers and remove the plastic wrap. To drain excess moisture, fill each container with potting mixture. As needed, add more potting mixture. Place the containers in a sunny window or in indirect light. Keep the plants hydrated to avoid wilting.
4. After the dangers of frost have passed, mulch the plants. This will protect them from cold weather and reduce water loss.
5. Regularly water the plants. Basil requires regular watering in order to thrive. To check how much water your plants need, you can use a rain gauge. A timer can be used to shut off the irrigation system when it is dry.
6. When your basil reaches its peak, pick it. To encourage bushier growth, pick the leaves often.
7. The leaves can then be dried on paper towels, screens, or other suitable surfaces. Store dried leaves in glass jars or bags in the refrigerator.