The autumnal equinox signals the end of summer and the beginning of fall. For gardeners, this means it’s time to start thinking about how to protect your plants from the cooler temperatures and shorter days ahead.
Fall gardens can be just as beautiful as those in spring and summer, but they require a bit more care to prevent them from drying out. We will outline the steps you need to take to keep your fall garden safe.
With a little extra care, your fall garden will be just as beautiful during the autumn as it is in the spring and summer.
How To Maintain A Garden During The Fall
There are a few key things to remember when it comes to keeping your fall garden from drying out:
Plant New Plants
One way to keep your autumn garden looking lush is to plant new plants. This will help add color and fullness to the garden as older plants begin to die off. Be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the cooler temperatures of autumn. Plants such as kale and chrysanthemum are great ideas that can add a splash of color to your garden in the fall.
Clear Up Undergrowth And Weeds
Another way to keep your fall garden from drying out is to clear up undergrowth and weeds. This will help the soil retain moisture and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Weeds can also adversely affect your plants by competing with them for space and nutrients, which can prevent your garden from reaching its full potential.
Water Regularly And Deeply
One of the most important things you can do to keep your fall garden from drying out is to water it regularly and deeply. This means watering the roots of your plants, rather than just the leaves. Fall gardens need about 1-2 inches of water per week, so be sure to check the soil often to see if it needs more moisture.
Mulch Around Plants To Retain Moisture
Fall is the time to add an extra layer of mulch to your garden beds. This will help insulate the roots of your plants and prevent them from drying out. Mulching the soil is a great way to protect it from the elements. Mulch will help keep the soil moist and cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Mulching locks soil water in and reduces evaporation, so you need to water your plants less often.
Choose The Right Plants
When choosing plants for your fall garden, be sure to select those that are drought-tolerant. These plants are more likely to survive in the cooler, drier conditions of autumn. Some great examples of drought-tolerant plants include cacti, succulents, and sedums.
Fertilize Your Plants
Another way to keep your fall garden from drying out is to fertilize your plants. This will help them stay healthy and prevent them from becoming stressed. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is appropriate for the fall season. A slow-release fertilizer is a good option that will last longer and provide your plants with the nutrients they need over time.
Monitor The Soil Moisture
To prevent your fall garden from drying out, it is important to monitor the soil moisture. This can be done by using a soil moisture meter. A soil moisture meter will help you to know when your plants need watering. Soil moisture can also help you tailor your watering schedule to the needs of your plant, making sure that the soil is neither too dry nor waterlogged.
Use Row Covers And Stakes To Protect Taller Plants
If you have taller plants in your fall garden, be sure to protect them with row covers. Row covers will help to insulate the plants and prevent them from drying out. You can also use stakes to support taller plants and prevent them from falling over in the wind. Stakes can become a permanent feature of your garden since they are also useful for climbing plants.
Put Your Entire Garden To Bed
When the weather gets chilly, it’s best to take the most vulnerable plants inside. Put fall-sensitive plants, such as impatiens and begonias, in pots and bring them indoors, along with any bulbs or seedlings. This will help to protect them from the cold and prevent them from drying out. You can also apply a layer of mulch to your garden beds to insulate the soil and prevent it from freezing.
Gardening Tips For Fall Months
Here are a few other things you might want to do to make your autumn gardening easier:
- Water deeply but less often. In fall, rain is more likely to come in downpours rather than long, soaking showers. To mimic this natural fall watering pattern, water your garden deeply but less often. This encourages your plants’ roots to grow deeper and wider, making them better able to withstand drought conditions.
- Mulch, mulch, mulch. Mulching helps reduce water evaporation from the soil, keeps roots cool in summer and warm in winter, and can help prevent weed growth.
- Fertilize wisely. Fall is a good time to fertilize because cooler temperatures slow plant growth. This gives plants time to absorb nutrients before they start growing vigorously in spring.
- But be sure to use a fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen, as too much nitrogen can encourage tender, succulent growth that’s more susceptible to damage from frost or pests.
- Leave some leaves. Many fall-blooming flowers need the extra insulation that leaves provide to get through winter unscathed. Resist the urge to tidy up too much and leave some leaves on the ground.
- Plan for next year. Fall is the perfect time to start thinking about next year’s garden. Take note of which plants performed well (and which didn’t) and make plans accordingly. Fall is also a good time to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials.
- Crops last longer in the fall. The cold and dry autumn air means that your fall garden is less likely to die of heat. It also means that plants can last longer before dying or rotting once they mature. The cold is also less favorable to insects and pests.
- Don’t forget to enjoy your fall garden! After all, autumn is a beautiful time of year. So take some time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
A fall garden can be a beautiful addition to your home. By following these tips, you can keep your fall garden from drying out and ensure that it thrives all season long.
