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Home GARDEN Garden Guide

Fall Gardening Guide: Essential Tasks and Planting Tips

What gardeners should do in the fall to prepare for winter and ensure a healthy garden come spring.

Lois Capone by Lois Capone
March 12, 2025
in Garden Guide
Reading Time: 4 mins read

IN THIS ARTICLE:

Toggle
  • When to Start A Fall Garden?
  • How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall
  • How to Plant Fall Plants
  • How to Care for Fall Plants
  • Harvest

Autumn heralds a refreshing crispness in the air, a shift in leaf hues, and an excellent opportunity to garden before winter sets in.

As a seasoned gardener, I cherish the fall season. It’s a time not only for reaping the season’s bounty but also for prepping for the upcoming spring.

Despite the favorable conditions, lingering summer challenges may arise. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned green thumb, tackling these tasks might seem overwhelming.

To maximize the harvest area of your garden in the fall, we offer a detailed fall gardening guide. You’ll know what to prepare and how to plant effectively.

 

When to Start A Fall Garden?

To start a fall garden, begin preparations between July and August. Plant as the weather cools in early fall to allow root system establishment before frost.

How to Prepare Your Garden for Fall

Harvest Summer Plants

As the vibrant hues of summer begin to fade, it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work. Carrie Spoonemore, the genius behind Park Seed’s From Seed to Spoon app, advises harvesting your summer bounty to make way for fall gardening.

Say bye to juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sunny peppers, clearing the stage for a new season of growth and abundance.

Harvest Summer Plants
Harvest Summer Plants

 

Remove Annuals

Remove summer’s annuals to prepare for the autumn. Clearing these spent blooms not only creates space but also provides resources for wildlife and adds interest to the winter landscape.

Remove Annuals
Remove Annuals

 

Remove Weeds

One of the most important tasks is tackling pesky weeds. Remove them while they’re still in their early stages to avoid their spreading. Use eco-friendly methods like hand weeding to keep your garden healthy and thriving.

Remove Weeds
Remove Weeds

 

Prepare the Soil

Applying the right amount of fertilizer can make your fall gardening successful. Here are two options suggested by The Texas A&M University System:

  • Ammonium Sulfate (21-0-0):

Apply 1 pound per 100 square feet (10 feet by 10 feet) before planting.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ammonium sulfate around each plant every 3 weeks. Watering after application helps the nutrients reach the roots.

  • Slow-release Fertilizer (e.g., 19-5-9, 21-7-14, or 25-5-10):

Apply 2 to 3 pounds per 100 square feet of garden area.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of ammonium sulfate (21-0-0) around each plant every 3 weeks. Ensure proper watering to facilitate nutrient absorption by the plants.

Advice:

  • Avoid applying too much fertilizer.
  • Distribute the fertilizer evenly across the garden area.
  • Keep the fertilizer safe from the plants to prevent root burn.
Prepare the Soil
Prepare the Soil

 

Best Plants to Grow In Fall 

Vegetables: Spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, onions, and parsley.

Flowers: Chrysanthemums, pansies, asters, ornamental kale, and marigolds.

Trees and Shrubs: Maple, Japanese maple, viburnum, fothergilla, and beautyberry.

Best Plants to Grow In Fall 
Best Plants to Grow In Fall

 

How to Plant Fall Plants

Choose an area with well-draining soil and adequate sunlight. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches for root growth.

Follow the recommended planting depth provided on seed packets. For areas prone to soil crusting, plant slightly deeper. Apply light mulch over seeds with vermiculite, compost, or potting soil.

How to Plant Fall Plants
How to Plant Fall Plants

 

How to Care for Fall Plants

Light

Aim for 4 to 6 hours of full sun exposure daily. Position plants accordingly to meet their sunlight needs.

Light
Light

 

Soil

Plants prefer free-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Assess your soil type to determine appropriate amendments and ensure growing conditions.

 

Water

Watering thoroughly is essential for fall gardening, soaking the soil to 6 inches deep, once a week. Check soil moisture by scratching the surface; if dry at 1 inch, it’s time to water.

If you own sandy soils, water frequently. Consider drip irrigation for efficient and controlled watering.

Water
Water

 

Fertilizer

Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer with smaller amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen fuels plant growth, aiding in height and food production.

Administer fertilizer in late October or early November for optimal nutrient uptake.

 

Common Problems

In fall gardening, expect insect and disease issues like aphids and whiteflies. Protect plants with covers to keep pests away.

Besides, guard against nematodes by choosing resistant crops like corn, garlic, or onions.

 

Frost Protection

Some plants can be damaged by frost. Cover them with blankets or throw cloths supported by stakes.

For individual plants, use paper caps, milk jugs, or commercial products. Extend the growing season by planting in a cold frame or hotbed.

Frost Protection
Frost Protection

 

Harvest

Different crops have varying optimal harvest times. Root vegetables like carrots and beets are typically ready for harvest when their tops protrude above the soil surface.

Leafy greens such as lettuce and spinach should be harvested when leaves are tender and before they bolt. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are best harvested when the heads are firm and compact.

Additionally, herbs like basil and cilantro should be harvested before they flower to maintain optimal flavor.

Harvest
Harvest

 

Harvesting your fall garden brings great joy to the gardener. Gardening in the fall offers the pleasure of fresh mornings and a deep connection to nature.

Based on the information we’ve shared, our advice for finding joy in fall gardening is to start small with easy tasks and delicious treats you enjoy. Love your garden, and be diligent and patient.

Fall Gardening Guide: Essential Tasks and Planting Tips
Fall Gardening Guide: Essential Tasks and Planting Tips
Tags: gardening
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Lois Capone

Lois Capone

Lois Capone is a wife and mom in her 50s who enjoys sharing gardening, DIY tips, and home decor ideas. She believes that with some inspiration, anyone can create a special feel in their home and garden.

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