My Fall Gardening Guide: How to Make the Most of the Season

There’s something magical about gardening in the fall. The crisp air, golden leaves, and cool breezes make it one of my favorite times to be out in the garden.

While many people think of spring and summer as the prime gardening seasons, I’ve found that fall is just as rewarding—sometimes even more so.

Whether you’re planting cool-season crops, prepping your soil for next year, or adding some autumn color to your landscape, fall gardening has plenty to offer.

Why I Love Fall Gardening

One of the best things about fall gardening is the mild temperatures. Unlike the scorching heat of summer, cooler weather is much easier on plants, and on me!

The soil is still warm from summer, which helps seeds germinate quickly, and there’s usually more rainfall, so I don’t have to water as much. Plus, fewer pests and weeds make it easier to maintain a thriving garden.

Another big bonus? Many plants, especially vegetables, actually taste better when grown in cool weather. I’ve noticed that kale, carrots, and Brussels sprouts develop a sweeter flavor after a light frost.

What to Plant in Fall

Cool-Season Vegetables

If you love fresh, homegrown veggies, fall is the perfect time to plant a second round of crops. Many vegetables thrive in cooler weather and will keep producing well into winter. Some of my favorites include:

• Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. These are incredibly cold-hardy and taste even better after a frost.
• Root vegetables like carrots, beets, radishes, and turnips. They grow well in cooler soil and store beautifully for winter use.
• Brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. They take a little longer to mature, so I usually plant them in late summer for a fall harvest.
• Garlic and onions, fall is the best time to plant these! They’ll establish roots before winter and be ready to harvest next summer.

Fall Flowers for a Colorful Garden

Just because summer blooms are fading doesn’t mean your garden has to lose its color. I always plant a few fall-blooming flowers to keep my landscape vibrant. Some great options include:

• Chrysanthemums (Mums) – The ultimate fall flower, mums add rich colors in shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple.
• Asters – These daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer through fall, attracting pollinators when other flowers are fading.
• Pansies and violas – These cheerful flowers thrive in cool weather and often survive through winter in milder climates.
• Sedum (Autumn Joy) – Its pink flowers deepen to a gorgeous burgundy as the season progresses.

Herbs That Thrive in Fall

Don’t forget about herbs! Some herbs do surprisingly well in cool weather, and I always make sure to plant a few for fresh fall flavors. Parsley, cilantro, and chives love cooler temperatures, and rosemary and thyme can survive mild winters with a little protection.

Prepping Your Garden for Fall and Winter

Improve Your Soil

Fall is the perfect time to give your soil some love. After a long growing season, it’s probably a bit depleted.

I like to add compost, aged manure, or organic matter to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure. This way, by spring, my soil is rich, fluffy, and ready for planting.

Mulch for Protection

Adding a layer of mulch around your plants helps insulate the soil, retain moisture, and prevent weeds. I use straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips to protect my veggies and perennials from sudden temperature drops.

Cover Crops for a Healthier Garden

One of my favorite tricks is planting cover crops like clover, winter rye, or field peas. These help prevent soil erosion, add nutrients back into the soil, and improve its overall health. Come spring, I simply turn them into the soil as green manure.

Protecting Your Garden from Frost

Fall weather can be unpredictable, and a sudden frost can damage tender plants. I always keep an eye on the weather forecast and use row covers, old blankets, or cloches to protect my crops when temperatures drop.

Raised beds and containers hold heat better than open ground, so they can help extend the growing season as well.

Extending the Harvest

I love fresh vegetables, so I try to stretch my harvest as long as possible. Here are some tricks I use:

• Cold frames – These mini-greenhouses trap heat and keep plants growing even in chilly weather.
• Row covers – Lightweight fabric protects plants from frost while still allowing light and air in.
• Greenhouses or hoop houses – If you have space, a greenhouse can keep you harvesting all winter long.

Fall Cleanup: Prepping for Next Season

A little effort in fall makes a huge difference in spring! Therefore, I remove spent crops and diseased plants helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.

Next, I clean and store garden tools. Finally, freezing temperatures can crack hoses, so I drain and coil them up for winter.