Summer is in full swing, and the garden is beginning to look tired. It’s time to prepare for the fall garden! Many southern gardeners prefer fall gardening over all the other seasons because the weather is cool, and there are fewer pest problems. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a green-thumbed novice, these practical steps will help you make the most of your autumn harvest.
Prepare Your Garden
Start by tidying up your garden beds. Remove spent plants and pesky weeds that have overstayed their welcome. This decluttering process ensures a fresh canvas for your fall crops. Survey your existing plants. Keep the healthy ones that promise a bountiful fall yield. Eggplants, tomatoes, peppers and some herbs are excellent candidates. Bid farewell to those who have given their all. Amend the soil with compost and mulch. These natural boosters enrich the earth, providing essential nutrients for your upcoming crops and helping the soil to retain needed moisture. Healthy soil equals happy plants!
Plant These Fall-Friendly Vegetables
Fall crops generally do better when started from transplants than from seed, but there are a few exceptions. Cucumber seeds can be planted in August, beets and carrots can be sown in September, and lettuce can be sown in September through October.
Here’s a roundup of fall-friendly vegetables you can plant as small starts in the fall. Unless otherwise stated, Zone 8 gardeners can plant these in September:
Broccoli is a heavy feeder, requiring nutrient-rich soil. Consistent soil moisture is essential for healthy growth. When transplanting, plant broccoli deeper than its nursery container to promote stability. Keep an eye out for cabbage worms and loopers; you can pick them off by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Harvest the central head when it’s full and tight, and don’t overlook the smaller side shoots—they’re equally delicious, and you can continue to harvest them even after the head has been removed.
Cauliflower shares some care requirements with broccoli but has its unique considerations. Protect young cauliflower plants with shade cloth or choose a partially shaded location. Like broccoli, cauliflower is a heavy feeder, benefiting from organic liquid fertilizer every three weeks. Avoid direct watering of the head to prevent rot. To maintain its white color, “blanch” the head by tying the leaves over it. Combat cabbage worms and loopers using Bt.
Brussels Sprouts are a slow-growing, long-bearing crop. Be patient; they take 2-3 months to produce sprouts. They are also heavy feeders, so ensure consistent moisture. Remove lower leaves as sprouts begin to form. Control aphids using Neem oil. Consider planting nasturtiums and calendula as trap crops.
Cabbage plants should be spaced 24 inches apart to allow room for growth. Regular fertilization supports healthy heads. Use neem oil and Bt to manage aphids, cabbage worms, and loopers. When harvesting, cut the head with a sharp knife, leaving some outer leaves for regrowth. Chinese cabbage grows faster and tolerates heat better.
Kale is a fall favorite among gardeners, an easy grower with many health benefits. It can withstand very cold weather. The cooler the weather, the sweeter the taste. Begin harvesting lower leaves when plants reach about a foot in height. Keep an eye out for cabbage loopers.
Swiss Chard is a long-lasting performer. It can produce for up to five years. Provide afternoon shade during hot summers. Fertilize in spring until the head forms. Mulch or cover to shield it from freezing temperatures. Use Neem and horticultural oil to manage aphids, mites, thrips, and leaf-footed bugs.
Garlic is hardy and can withstand winter temperatures without extra protection. Softneck varieties grow particularly well in the south. You can generally plant mid October or November. For large bulb development, mend the soil with bone meal, and a natural nitrogen-heavy fertilizer like blood meal. As spring approaches, side-dress your garlic plants with organic fertilizer or compost. When leaves start turning brown in May or June, it’s time to dig up the bulbs. Allow the harvested garlic to cure in a dry, well-ventilated area before storing.
Strawberries can be planted in late October and beyond. Be mindful not to bury the crown when planting. Consider planting chives alongside your strawberries; they complement each other well. Apply fertilizer both in the fall and spring for optimal growth. During flowering and fruiting, remove any runners to maintain plant health. Finally, shield your plants from excessive heat during hot months.
Protect Your Plants from Frost
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, spinach, and turnips thrive in chilly conditions. In fact, their flavors often improve after exposure to cool weather. They can withstand 25 to 28 degrees.
Beets, carrots, lettuce, Swiss chard, Chinese cabbage, radish, cauliflower, parsley and potatoes can survive 29 to 32 degrees.
Well-hydrated plants are more resilient to frost. Water the soil around your plants the day before an expected frost.
Cover delicate plants with frost cloth, old sheets, or lightweight blankets. Remove the covers during the day to allow sunlight access.
Apply a layer of organic mulch (such as straw, pine needles or shredded leaves) around the base of your plants. Mulch acts as insulation, protecting roots from extreme cold.