As the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, it’s the perfect time to refresh not just your garden but also your mindset. Fall brings a natural sense of renewal, and while many may think of spring as the season for new growth, autumn offers a unique opportunity to prepare for the future. By revitalizing your soil and soul, you can set the stage for a thriving garden and a refreshed perspective as the seasons change. Here’s how you can refresh your soil—and your soul—this fall.
1. Embrace the Season of Change
Fall is a season of transformation, where nature slows down to prepare for renewal. It’s a time to reflect on your own personal growth, just as your garden winds down from the busy growing months. As leaves fall and the weather cools, allow this transition to be a moment of mindfulness. Use gardening as an opportunity to quiet the mind, focus on the present, and release any stresses you’ve carried through the summer.
Mindfulness in Gardening
- Start with intention: Take a moment to breathe deeply before you begin your gardening tasks. Set an intention for the time spent in the garden, whether it’s about clearing away mental clutter or finding joy in simple tasks.
- Focus on the process, not the outcome: Gardening is about nurturing life, but it’s also about the process. As you work with your hands in the soil, let your thoughts wander, and enjoy the tactile connection to nature.
2. Prep Your Soil for a new season of Success
Your garden’s success in the spring begins with the work you do in the fall. While many plants begin to slow their growth or go dormant, the soil still needs attention. Fall is the perfect time to revitalize it, ensuring it’s packed with nutrients and ready for new growth when warmer weather returns.
Steps to Refresh Your Soil
- Remove all old plants and any plants that have pests or diseases.
- Pour the soil out onto a mat and add organic matter. Compost is rich in nutrients that will replenish the nutrients in the soil. Add in worm castings, aged manure, Epsom salt, eggshells, coffee grounds, banana peels, and a good soil amendment.
- Stir the soil well and let it rest for a couple of days.
- Pour the refreshed soil back into your clean growbag or planter.
3. Fall Planting for a Spring Payoff
While many plants are winding down, fall is an excellent time to plant cool-season crops or prepare for spring blooms. The cooler temperatures and occasional rain make it an ideal season for certain plants to establish their roots.
What to Plant in the Fall
- Cool-season vegetables: Consider planting hearty greens like kale, spinach, and lettuce, or root vegetables like carrots and beets. These crops thrive in cooler temperatures and will continue to grow through the fall.
- Cool Weather Herbs: Herbs like mint, lemon verbena, sage, thyme, oregano, and rosemary can thrive in cooler weather.
4. Practice Garden Self-Care
Gardening is as much about taking care of yourself as it is about nurturing your plants. Use this seasonal shift to implement some “garden self-care” practices that will benefit both your garden and your soul.
Self-Care Tips for the Fall Gardener
- Set a pace: Fall gardening doesn’t have to be rushed. Take your time with each task, enjoying the process and the changing scenery.
- Use your hands: Skip the gloves occasionally to reconnect with the earth. The sensation of soil between your fingers can be grounding and calming.
- Get cozy: As the weather cools, dress warmly and enjoy the crisp air. Consider bringing a hot beverage with you to sip as you work—it’s all about making your garden time peaceful and enjoyable.
5. Connect with Nature to Reconnect with Yourself
Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons for spending time outdoors. The changing colors, the cool air, and the scent of fallen leaves create an atmosphere of calm and reflection. As you refresh your soil, take this time to reconnect with nature and, in turn, reconnect with yourself.
Ways to Deepen Your Connection with Nature
- Observe the change: Take time to notice the little details, like how the leaves change color or the way the light shifts earlier in the day. This mindful observation can bring peace and awareness to your daily routine.
- Take a walk through your garden: Even when you’re not actively gardening, spend time walking through your space. It’s a great way to decompress, enjoy the beauty around you, and mentally prepare for the coming months.
6. Reflect and Plan for the Year Ahead
As you refresh your soil, take time to reflect on your garden’s journey throughout the year. What worked well? What would you like to change for the next season? Autumn is the perfect time to plan for the future and make notes on what you’d like to plant or adjust for next year.
Planning Tips
- Review your successes and challenges: Did your tomatoes thrive? Was there a section of your garden that didn’t quite flourish? Now is the time to reflect on those experiences and use them as learning opportunities.
- Set gardening goals: What would you like to achieve next year? Perhaps you want to expand your garden, try new crops, or focus on sustainability practices like composting.
A Season for Renewal
Refreshing your soil for fall isn’t just about preparing for the next growing season; it’s an opportunity to refresh your soul as well. As you care for your garden, take time to enjoy the changing season, practice mindfulness, and reflect on your own growth. By nurturing the earth and yourself, you can create a harmonious balance that will carry you through the fall and into the new year, renewed and ready for whatever comes next.
