As summer comes to an end and the cool winds of autumn start setting in, you’re probably shifting your focus to the delicious veggies you’ll be planting in the fall. The experience gained from fall gardening is a rewarding one as you extend your fresh homegrown vegetables into the cooler months of the year. In this blog, we will dive into fall vegetable gardening with the best garden beds to use, how to prep and the best vegetables to use!

 

Picking a Garden Bed

Our personal favourite is a raised garden bed for fall vegetable gardening can greatly enhance your growing experience and increase your chances of a successful harvest. Here are some reasons why a raised bed is beneficial for fall gardening:

Extended Growing Season: The elevated height of a raised bed helps to retain heat in the soil which will lead to an extended growing season for your vegetables. The bed's soil absorbs heat during the day and releases it during the cool night. This can help protect your plants roots from early frost and allow you to begin planting earlier in the season and later in the fall.

Improved Drainage: The improved drainage ensures proper moisture levels as well as prevents waterlogging. Due to increase rain in the fall water can be an issue. By having a raised bed, excess water can drain more efficiently. This improved drainage also helps prevent root rot.

Accessibility: The elevated height of a raised bed makes it easier to tend to your plants without having to bend over or kneel down, making it more comfortable for gardening activities. This accessibility is especially beneficial during fall when cooler temperatures might make gardening tasks more challenging. It also allows individuals with physical limitations or mobility issues to enjoy gardening without strain.

If you’re looking for the perfect raised bed we recommend our Elevated Garden Bed which offers all the functions of a raised bed with the luxury of its stylish look. If you’re looking for more for a DIY project check out this video on how to build a raised garden bed. This allows you to customize the size and design of your raised bed according to your specific needs and preferences.

 

Fall Gardening Preparation

Preparing your raised garden bed for fall planting involves a few steps:

Clearing out debris and summer plants: Begin by clearing out any debris or remaining summer plants from the bed. Clearing out the bed thoroughly helps prevent the carryover of any potential problems into the next season. Dispose of the debris properly, either by composting or disposing of it in accordance with local regulations

Weed removal: Once your summer plants are cleared out make sure to remove any weeds, grass or other unwanted vegetation. Use tools such as a garden fork or a hand trowel to carefully remove the weeds, ensuring you pull the roots to prevent their regrowth. This step also will reduce competition and allow your fall vegetables to flourish.

Improving soil fertility: Next, assess the soil and make any necessary changes to improve its fertility. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure will enrich the soil and provide essential nutrients for your fall vegetables. Spread a layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the garden bed and use a garden fork or spade to work it into the top few inches of soil. This process enhances soil fertility and creates a nutrient-rich foundation

 

What Vegetables to Plant?

Fall vegetable gardening offers an opportunity to extend your growing season and enjoy a variety of crops. When selecting vegetables for your fall garden, consider the following options that thrive in cooler temperatures and provide a great autumn harvest:

Leafy Greens: If you’re a fan of fresh and vibrant greens you’ll love to hear that they have a resilience to cooler temperatures. You can grow things like spinach, kale, Swiss chard, lettuce and arugula well into the fall. These greens add freshness to your meals, whether used in salads, sautés, or as a healthy side dish.

Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas all embrace the cool weather. Typically, you will find the cool weather enhances the flavour and textures of these vitamin-heavy root vegetables.

Cruciferous Vegetables: Start these vegetables in late summer to allow them to establish before the cooler temperatures arrive. You will find that broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts all love the cooler temperatures. You can enjoy these vegetables steamed, roasted, stir-fried, or even added to comforting soups and casseroles.

Alliums: Enhance your dishes with the wonders of onions, garlic and shallots. These vegetables are great because you can begin planting them in autumn where they will have the chance to develop strong roots. Once planted you can leave them until their harvest time in the spring.

Cabbage Family: Embracing the variety that the cabbage family offers you is a terrific choice for your fall garden. This family of vegetables offers bok choy napa cabbage and both green and red cabbage varieties. These versatile vegetables can be used in stir-fries, slaws, fermented for sauerkraut, or cooked in hearty stews and soups.

Herbs: Don't forget about growing herbs during the fall season. Herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, thyme, rosemary, and sage can thrive in cooler temperatures. Harvesting fresh herbs from your garden adds a burst of flavor to your recipes year-round elevating.

Fall vegetable gardening offers a rewarding experience and an abundance of fresh produce. With the right selection of vegetables, proper soil preparation, and the advantages of raised beds, you can create an environment for a thriving fall garden. So, grab your gardening tools, select your favorite fall vegetables, and embark on a journey of prepping for fall vegetable gardening in raised garden beds. Your autumn harvest awaits, promising a season filled with delicious flavors and the satisfaction of growing your own nutritious food.