Gardening Basics For Beginners: Growing A Fall Vegetable Garden

The balmy days of summer may be over. But that doesn’t mean that your garden becomes defunct. In fact, fall is a great time of year to grow a vegetable garden. If you’re new to gardening, this beginner’s guide will show you how to set up and maintain your new vegetable patch. You’ll be reaping the rewards in no time at all!

Before you begin

Before you start planting or planning your patch, it’s time to do some preparatory work. You’ll need to clear some space and find the perfect spot for your produce to blossom. Sunny areas are usually the best, so choose a patch that receives sunlight throughout the day. Once you’ve picked your location, get your garden tools out. Use a trowel and your garden gloves to weed and clear the soil. As it’s fall, you may also find that the ground is steeped in colorful leaves. If your yard is full of trees, it may be worth investing in a blower. This device, which is great for clearing leaves, will save you time and energy. Alternatively, you could adopt the traditional approach. Grab your rake and a wheelbarrow, and add some elbow grease. Once the soil is ready, you can think about planting.

Choosing what to grow

Most vegetables thrive in the summer months, but it’s possible to grow lots of different types of produce in the fall months. Salad leaves, radishes, and spinach are usually the best bet. You can also grow carrots, beetroot, broccoli, and onions at this time of year. You can buy seeds from garden stores or bulk order online. Every sachet should come with planting instructions, but you can also find tips on the Internet if you’re unsure. Most crops will grow best if planted in September or early October. Once you’ve sewn the seeds, keep the beds clear of weeds, and water regularly.

Protecting your produce

The vegetables you grow in a fall garden can survive frosts. But it’s best to offer a degree of protection. When the first frosts arrive, cover the patch with an old blanket or sheet of plastic. If it’s a particularly vicious winter, consider putting up some plastic tunnels or buying a cheap greenhouse.

Garden intruders, such as slugs, snails, and butterflies can be problematic for growers. Look out for bite marks and trails in the soil. If you do have a problem with unwanted visitors, you can buy repellant from your local garden center.

When to harvest

Seeds that you plant in late summer and fall should be ready to harvest in the winter months.

Growing vegetables is an excellent hobby to adopt. Not only does it enable you to make the most of time in your garden. It will also save you money on your grocery shopping. If you’re new to growing, you may find the idea of a fall vegetable garden rather daunting. But if you follow instructions and make use of insider tips and tricks, you’ll be just fine. Good luck!