Fall isn’t the most ideal season for gardening…that’s what people say, at least. But it’s not always the case! There a lot of of fun gardening activities you can do in the fall. You can plant cold-tolerant vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees, and you can do strenuous yard labor you’ve been putting off without breaking a summer sweat. Here’s a quick list to get you started.
1. Dig up summer bulbs.
Summer bulbs should be removed before the first frost. Be careful and gentle while taking them out of the ground, and store them in paper bags filled with sawdust or shredded newspaper until the weather warms up again.
2. Plant spring bulbs.
Most spring bulbs, like tulips and daffodils, require cold weather to bloom. Now is the perfect time to plant them. Tulips should be planted eight inches deep, and daffodils should be planted nine inches deep.
3. Plant winter annuals.
You can still plant and grow cold-tolerant flowers during the winter. Many of these flowers, like violets and petunias, bloom right through icy frosts. If you’re looking for rich colors to complement fall, go for purples and red. If you’re looking to brighten up the dark days of winter, go for whites and yellows.
4. Plant winter veggies.
Garlic, onion, and shallots are the perfect vegetables to plant for a spring harvest. If you want to see results instantly, plant radishes, lettuce, peas, kale, spinach, and collards.
5. Find decor in your garden.
You can often find seasonal decorations in your garden. Gourds, pumpkins, and cotton bolls are great choices for autumn. If the first frost is quickly approaching, turn any remaining blooms into a beautiful flower arrangement.