Fall Gardening Tips, Growing From Summer to Fall in Your Container Garden

Fall Container Garden Refresh Tips

Refreshing your summer container garden for fall is simple and can set you up for a season of fall harvests. 

Start by removing any summer vegetables that are past their prime, have finished blooming or look tired after a summer of growing. This includes plants like tomatoes, summer squash, cucumbers, okra, basil, and zucchini.  If your summer vegetables are still thriving and you want to extend their season you can move your growbags indoors or to a sheltered area during chilly nights. 

Refresh your soil.  If your soil is compacted, consider topping it off with fresh foundation that is matched to fall plants.

Look for pests or diseases. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases that would affect your fall plants.  If you have pulled any plants out that are diseased, remember don’t put them in your compost pile.

Prune your herbs that are cool weather tolerant.  Pruning your herbs is an essential practice and will promote better growth. Always remember to use clean tools and remove dead or yellowing leaves. Be careful not to prune more than one-third of the plant at a time, cutting too much can stress the herb and slow down its growth.  Some of our favorite herbs that transition beautifully from summer to fall include: Parsley, Chives, Mint, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, and Lemon Balm.

Adding cool-weather vegetables is an excellent way to extend your gardening season.  Vegetables that thrive in cooler conditions and often taste sweeter after a light frost include: Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard, Radishes, Beets, Arugula, and Carrots.

Fall gardening can be incredibly satisfying and is a favorite season for many gardeners. If you have any other questions on when and how to refresh your summer grow bag reach out to your Grow Pro at Growpro@gardenuity.com.

Gardening in the Fall

When you think of gardening, what comes to mind?

Sunshine. Flowers. Summer. Herbs. Fresh flavors.

Those are all definitely true sentiments regarding gardening and can be an amazing season in the journey as a gardener. But, what many people may not think of is gardening during different seasons. Cooler weather. Autumn. Falling leaves. Pumpkins. Spices. Believe it or not, fall is one of the most bountiful seasons to harvest your garden during the year and can also be a great time to begin planting crops for the spring. 

A major point to remember when thinking about harvesting during the autumn months is the date of the first frost. The date of the first frost is generally when plants have reached maturity and are ready to be harvested and enjoyed. Of course, different climates play a role on the harvest date of a plant. Additionally, some plants are more resistant to a Fall harvest and would prefer to stay in the safe soil of the ground all the way through Winter to be harvested in the Spring. 

Crops for Autumn

Perusing the aisles of the grocery store, we see massive vegetables lining the shelves. You may be tempted to wait and see if your garden is able to produce massive versions of your vegetables and herbs. We are here to tell you that bigger does not mean better. Harvesting smaller versions of the big boys we have become accustomed to actually allows for greater nutritional value concentration, more tender produce, as well as heftier flavor levels. 

Plants that are mature and ready to be harvested during the fall months are carrots, cauliflower, kale, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, pumpkins, onions, and pretty much every leafy green you can imagine. 

Don’t let the frost falter your spirits! Keep growing some goodies for your Fall salads, soups, and smoothies!

Check out The Sage for more information about growing and harvesting during the Autumn months, as well as delicious recipes that are perfect for a cozy night!