You’ve raked the leaves. Now what?
You might think there’s nothing to do in your garden in the fall, but you’d be missing out! There’s so much enjoyment left to experience in your garden in the fall. Let’s take a look!
What Can I Plant in the Garden in the Fall?
You don’t have to wait for the seed catalogs to arrive in January to start planning your spring feast. There’s plenty you can plant right now to get a head start on next year’s bounty. And even a few you can still harvest this year!
Blueberries: Dreaming of delicious blueberries? Now is a good time to start blueberry plants. Planting them now gives them a chance at good root growth and early growth come spring.
Broccoli: If you live in a warmer area, you may have time to plant a fast-growing broccoli variety. Imagine harvesting this green goodness into November!
Garlic: Fall is the perfect time to plant garlic. Planting now will give your spring harvest a boost.
Lettuces: Look for fast-growing lettuces to keep your fresh salads going as long as possible.
Radishes: Radishes take only 30 days to mature. You still have time!
Spinach: Spinach can be planted in the fall for a harvest well into early winter.
How Should I Prepare My Fall Garden For Next Year?
To give your garden its best chance for the coming seasons, here’s a checklist to run through this fall:
Trim and Prune: Remove overgrown and dead plants. This helps in maintaining the health of the garden.
Rake and Clean: Garden beds can accumulate sticks, rocks, or other debris. Tidy up for the next planting season.
Weed and Mulch: A final weeding can save you a lot of effort in the spring. After weeding, mulch to protect the soil and retain moisture.
Water and Compost: Give your beds a good watering and add in compost if you plan to plant some fall crops.
Plant Spring Bulbs: Think tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. They'll surprise you with their blooms after the winter!
Reflect and Plan: Sit in your garden with a nature inspired journal. Take notes on what worked this year, what didn’t, and make plans for next year.
How Can I Protect Wildlife in My Yard Through The Fall and Winter?
Fall and winter can be challenging times for our backyard friends. As the temperatures drop and food becomes scarce, many animals seek shelter and sustenance. Here's how you can make your garden a haven for them.
Bird Nesting Spaces: Birds can benefit from nesting spaces all year long. Use this fall time to clean out old nesting boxes or put up new ones. This not only provides them shelter but also a safe place to raise their young come spring.
Consistent Food and Water for Birds: If birds are accustomed to getting food and water at your place, it's crucial to maintain this routine through the cold months. Keep your bird baths and feeders full so the birds can reliably count on you. Consider adding a heated bird bath to prevent water from freezing.
Natural Hibernation Spots: Leave small piles of leaves and twigs in out-of-the-way spots in your yard. These can be used as a winter home for small hibernating animals like hedgehogs and insects. They appreciate the insulation from the cold.
Pond Maintenance for Amphibians: If you have a small pond, clear it of any extra debris to make a ready home for wintering frogs. Float a tennis ball on the surface to prevent it from icing over.
Shelter for Insects: Stack up your extra planters and set them upside-down in an out-of-the-way spot. These stacks can make a welcome dry place for bees and other insects. Remember, many insects play vital roles in pollination and pest control, so protecting them is beneficial for your garden.
See how many wonderful possibilities there are for continuing to work and play in your garden through the fall? I hope you're enjoying the cooler weather and continuing to find your garden a source of joy! And as you cozy up indoors, consider enhancing your home decor with seasonal touches like throw pillows for the couch or some beautiful canvas wall art to reflect the autumnal vibes.
As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, it's the perfect time to bring the warmth of the season inside. Whether you're looking to create a cozy reading nook or want to refresh your living space, adding a few large round rugs can define areas within your home and add a layer of comfort underfoot. These rugs can also echo the circular patterns of fall's cyclical nature, reminding us of the ongoing rhythm of the seasons.
Don't forget, your home's walls are an ideal canvas for expressing the changing seasons. A well-chosen piece of wall art can transform a room, bringing color, texture, and a sense of the outdoors inside. Imagine a canvas depicting a serene autumn landscape or a vibrant display of fall foliage—these can serve as daily reminders of nature's beauty, even as the trees outside begin to bare their branches.
And as we spend more time indoors, it's the little details that can make a big difference. Consider swapping out your current throw pillows for ones with rich, earthy tones or autumnal motifs. These small touches not only add to the aesthetic of your home but also provide extra comfort as you settle in with a good book or a cup of tea.
Finally, take a moment to jot down your thoughts, sketch the changing leaves, or plan next year's garden in one of our floral journals. Keeping a journal is a wonderful way to reflect on the year's progress and to plan for the future. Plus, the nature-inspired designs can serve as a source of inspiration during the colder months.
Embracing the fall season in your garden and your home can be a truly enriching experience. With a little preparation and some thoughtful additions to your decor, you can create a space that celebrates the beauty of autumn both outside and in. Enjoy the harvest, the wildlife, and the cozy comforts of the season!
