Fall Gardening

Fall gardening seems like a little bit of an oxymoron.  It's fall, the growing season is ending... right?  Not so!

Plant trees.  Fall is an excellent time to plant new trees.  Cooler, more stable weather and (still) warm soil will give your tree a chance to put energy into developing a strong root system.  Visit the Virginia Department of Forestry's website for information on planting trees.  I don't plant trees in spring anymore because the weather is too unpredictable.  A year ago last spring, it was 50 degrees and then 90 degrees for several days.  I'm pretty sure that is what was the beginning of the end of our new tree (which died later that summer).

Plant bulbs!  I have a batch to plant this year, including Crocus sativus, which you probably know as saffron crocus.  Most Croci will bloom in the spring, but saffron is apparently a fall bloomer.  That will make it easier to be sure I'm harvesting from the right plants. :)

Plant some annuals.  Washington Gardener Magazine's e-newsletter has some great ideas for including some fall color into your garden.  I'm going to be putting in some Nasturtiums this year.  They did really well in the cool weather last year.

Plant some veg.  Yes, that's right.  I said: plant vegetables.  Vegetables like kale, broccoli, and cabbage will do well in the cooler weather and can tolerate a light frost.  Check out this article from the Virginia Cooperative Extension office for more information and a great list of cool season crops.

And finally, it's time to start planning for next year.  Start thinking about what plants you didn't grow this year that you wish you had.  What plants did well for you this year that you'd like to try again in the spring?  Don't wait until winter to start making notes, or you'll forget what happened this year when it's all buried in the snow.