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As much as everyone loves summer, all good things must come to an end. The first day of fall this year is September 22, on the autumnal equinox. This day marks the time of year when there are equal amounts of daytime and nighttime. From that point on there will be less daylight every day. With less daylight available in the fall, gardeners must make use of the time they have with their plants.
Don’t let the lack of daytime discourage you from tending garden—it’s still possible. You can garden throughout the fall by building a greenhouse or starting an indoor garden. Continue gardening outside by planting seasonal veggies that do well in the cold. There is no need to stop enjoying the hobby you love. Read on to discover our fabulous fall gardening tips and tricks.
Go Green(House)
Don't want to say goodbye to those delectable summer tomatoes? You don't have to. Consider building a greenhouse when the fall weather affects your crops. It's one of the best things a gardener can do to enjoy their favorite fruits and veggies all year long. Your plants will be happy too. The greenhouse's warm and humid environment will do wonders for your crops.
More people are choosing to live sustainably since the rise of the green movement. They literally "go green" by growing their own fruits and vegetables, rather than going to the store.
Because of this, there are tons of free greenhouse plans available on the internet. So don’t worry, you don’t have to go broke to be a greenhouse owner. To build your own hothouse, all you need is some plastic sheeting and PVC piping. Search online to find all the free DIY greenhouse plans. There are many options you can choose from. Most designs come complete with measurements and step-by-step directions. This makes assembly a cake-walk.
Make the Room Bloom
Don’t have time to build a greenhouse? Have no fear—another climate controlled environment is right under your nose. Hint: It’s your home!
Use your kitchen windowsills to grow fresh herbs like basil and mint. Your windowsill is a perfect growing environment for herbs due to its proximity to the sun's rays. It's close enough to absorb all the available light, yet sheltered from harsh weather. This is a wonderful way to continue harvesting herbs when the weather is no longer ideal.
Just like how a greenhouse supplies you with crops all year long, a windowsill herb garden will do the same. You can replenish your supply of herbs by pruning them as they grow. Just cut the herbs as you need them and watch them regenerate. Remember to regularly harvest your herbs to encourage new growth.
Plant Seasonable Vegetables
For most of us, fall means colder weather and the winding down of the gardening season. But for others in the southern regions of the United States, fall means warmth and prime gardening conditions. This is why the seasons should not dictate which crops you decide to plant. Everything depends on your particular climate. Your options vary, based on what U.S. region you live in.
Take a look at the lists below to get an idea of which veggies and herbs you can plant in September:
Pacific Northwest
- Arugula
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Mache
Southeast
- Bok choy
- Collard greens
- Lettuce
- Mustard greens
Southwest
- Beets
- Carrots
- Kale
- Leeks
North Central U.S.
- Arugula
- Mache
- Spinach
Central U.S./ Midwest
- Collard greens
- Peas
- Turnips
Don’t let the changing seasons deter you away from gardening. Regardless of the weather, there is always something you can plant.
Garden All Year Long
Plan accordingly for the season so you can still enjoy the hobby that you love. Start a windowsill herb garden from the comfort of your kitchen. Take on a new project by building a greenhouse. If you love that cold, fresh air, plant seasonal vegetables in the garden outside. There are plenty of plants and veggies that thrive in cold weather.
Gardening is good for the mind, body and soul. Occupying yourself in the garden is good for the mind because it's a form of meditation—you’re able to clear your head. When you’re in the yard working out your muscles, your body is healthy. And when your mind and body are happy and healthy, your spirit will soar. Not to mention, gardening reconnects you with nature—something lost in today's culture of technology.
There's far too much good that comes from gardening for you to stop. As the seasons change, remember this: less daytime doesn’t mean less gardening time. So don’t put those shears away just yet!
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