Last updated on August 20th, 2020 at 09:21 pm
I mean, c’mon readers! How can you go wrong with low-maintenance, sustainable, and therapeutic??? These are 3 things we could ALL use right about now, right? 🙌
Planning a fall edible garden now (mid-summer) is super important in order to get an abundance of harvest and to set yourself up to succeed in your garden endeavors! And, as mentioned, given the circumstances we all find ourselves in right now, starting a fall edible garden really IS something that can make your life more substantial, meaningful, and satisfying! And it’s immensely restorative, too!
As we inch towards my very favorite 🍁 season of the year and out of the sizzling summer temperatures, planning your fall edible garden now will help you grow more successfully, reap larger harvests, and lower grocery costs due to your growing food of your own! It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned gardener or someone who has never started a garden but wanted to, this post is going to show you exactly what to consider, what to do, and how to make a low-maintenance fall garden for your enjoyment for years to come!
With the current pandemic, I don’t know about you – but it seems E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E. suddenly wants to become more self-sufficient.
Understandable, to be sure. I’ve been dabbling for quite a few years in traditional cooking, homesteading concepts, and dreaming of having land and animals ever since I was a little girl. I just never quite seem to ‘get there!?’ 🤷🏼♀️ Maybe someday that dream will be realized….
And even though a lot of us find ourselves home way more often than we used to be, I’d still like to provide you with not only a great fall edible garden plan – but also a low-maintenance one to boot!
Regardless, first you need to plan your garden ahead of time and know what grows in your area! Draw out a plan on graph paper, or just make a list of plants, vegetables, and flowers you love and order seeds or starts! I am fortunate enough to live in USDA Zones 9a and 9b – meaning (lucky me!) I get to grow food year-round with our temperate climate…. 👍
But even if you don’t live anywhere near the zone I live in, it simply doesn’t matter! Because I’m going to provide you with what to grow for the entire fall season, and for those of you who live in colder climates, I also have some advice and resources!
So, let’s get into it!
🍓 Garden Zone + Seeds vs. Starts
Fall gardening – I find – is way easier than spring and summer. Spring you might be fighting with too much or too little rain, summer is HOT and therefore requires more watering and weed maintenance, and it’s just easier to work in your garden in the fall when the temperatures have lowered a bit!
After you have figured out your gardening zone, you will want to order either seeds or starts! I grow mostly from seed (I get most of my seeds from either Azure Standard or Renee’s Garden), but if you are a newbie I’d suggest going with starts! “Starts” are just the baby plants you see at nursery’s or big box stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s that have already been sown and germinated by a grower. They give you the “leg up” by allowing you to plant immediately – and, therefore, harvest sooner as well. Just be sure to always buy only organic!
Saying that, I still prefer growing from seeds. 🌰 It’s just more satisfying to me….
If you decide to buy starts, I would recommend you go to private nursery’s versus a big box store. Here’s why: while you may pay a wee bit more at a private nursery, the staff is often extremely knowledgeable, will know your growing zone and what to look out for, and can help you pick starts that are healthy (i.e. not leggy or heavily root-bound) as well as the peace of mind in knowing that all your questions are being answered by someone who really knows what they’re talking about!
🥦 So, What Grows Well In The Fall Season & What Edibles To Buy?
That’s a great question! Granted, it can differ from zone to zone, but below is a list of some fabulous edibles to grow in almost any USDA zone!
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Lettuces, Kale, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Mustard Greens
- Beets
- Onions
- Celery
- Radishes
- Collards
- Turnips
- Brussels Sprouts
- Apples
- Pears
- Squash
- Carrots
*In more temperate zones like mine, you can still grow the following in the fall season:
- Zucchini
- Eggplants
- Bell Peppers, Jalapenos, Tomatillos
- Tomatoes
- Artichokes
👩🏼🌾 How To Grow + Maintenance:
So now you need to decide whether you will plant your seeds or starts directly in the existing ground, raised beds, more mobile or temporary bed ideas, or in pots. This of course really depends on your space, light, and preference. It’s preferable to choose a south-facing spot, but even if your only option isn’t south-facing, don’t let this deter you!
For example, in the new house we bought in a small, rural town this year – our only truly large area for my upcoming raised bed edible garden is in our front yard, which is north-facing. Luckily, though, it isn’t covered by trees and receives sunlight for 8 + hours each day! So, it’s totally possible to work with what you’ve got! This is especially true if you live in a well-lit, temperate climate. IF you don’t, this book is wonderful as a source for how to grow year-round — even in extreme climates like Nova Scotia!!! 😳
When growing from seed, you will want to learn about thinning your seedlings out. I know, it seems horrendous to have to sacrifice some of those wee babes you planted from seed – but it’s completely necessary, friends! This will allow those teensy-tiny seedlings (such as carrots) more room to grow larger and ensure more energy and light is going towards the seedlings that remain. This will set you up for harvest success!
A great option for a low-maintenance fall garden is to install a drip system. I personally prefer hand-watering, but if you are more pinched for time and aren’t totally sure you will be able to commit to twice/thrice weekly hand-watering (especially critical in the beginning – depending on your weather of course – in order to ensure your baby plants grow!) than I’d definitely say invest in the drip system! It’s always just a great system to have in place in order to guarantee your plants are getting the healthy water they so desperately need!
You might want to also learn about how to save seeds from your established plants and flowers in order to store them and use them again in the next season! Not only does this save you money (people: it’s FREE!!!) but it’s also super satisfying to know that you grew that seed! Saved seeds also make wonderful gifts to friends and family!
I’d also recommend you fertilize naturally and organically in order to provide your edibles with the sustenance they require and safeguard against disease or pests! I prefer this brand or this brand – and that is after trying many others through the years!
Just remember: the very best time to use natural & organic fertilizers is before or after you are starting each season’s garden! Mix in with your existing soil and work it through!
Of course, if you are really ready to take it to the next level, I’d recommend you learn how to compost! This is absolutely an investment in the beginning, but when you break it down to the years and years it will provide you with free, nutrient-rich soil…..well, it’s just a no-brainer!
Be realistic, though! For example, I knew when we moved into this house in March that with my new commitment to homeschooling that time to build a compost container, close neighbors having to deal with the smell(s), and everything else life throws at you — well, I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to commit to a DIY composting situation. We ended up investing in this, and honestly you guys it has been COMPLETELY worth the investment!
The Aerobin 400 literally does all the composting for you! 🙌
We haven’t experienced any negative smells, zero flies or bugs, and not only do we get dark, beautiful, nutrient-rich organic soil from all our food scraps – but we even get some compost tea with the Aerobin’s nozzle at the base of the Aerobin! Yes, it’s an initial investment – but we would totally do it all over again! We couldn’t be happier with this product!
Lastly, keep in mind that different varieties of the same edible veggies/fruit can grow at different paces. It’s good habit to always follow the seed packet instructions!
Now that you know all of the above ⇑, all you now have to do is enjoy the harvest!
Well, dear readers – I hope this post encourages you to get that fall edible garden going now, in mid-summer! I’d also love to hear your comments about what you are currently growing, or what you plan on growing! I truly love reading all your comments!
Gardening is something that can provide not only healthy sustenance, but I personally find it incredibly therapeutic. Getting out to water, or pick fresh produce off the vine, and simply being outside in the beauty of a garden is healing.
And in our current state all around the world, we need all the healing we can provide ourselves….
Always Here,
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