Fall Plans?

Good Morning Permies!

I was wondering what everyone's plans are now that fall is creeping around the corner.

I know some of us are going to end up pretty much 'done' growing for the year while other climates might be rolling out more produce.

What are your plans?

Would love to hear them!!!

For myself,

The temperatures are starting to climb downwards. This is the shift that means I have some work to do.

My indoor plants that have been vacationing outside in the sun are going to start trickling into the house.

This means neem oil and diatomaceous earth treatments and watching the weather.

My garden is now entering the part where my cucurbits are finishing up and my winter squashes are overtaking where they were. Tomatoes are starting to ripen on the vine. Besides canning and keeping I am going to bury my friends and families with produce if its the last thing I do.

I'm particularly intrigued by my raised garden beds because I finished 'filling' them to the top this year to find them sunk down roughly two inches eat. Did worms/plants process that much compost!? I'm not sure. I definitely need to either get a load of garden mix here or plan on getting it early in the spring. If I get it now, more than likely the pile will sit most of the winter. If I wait till spring, the first few loads of compost a local farm makes has OKAY quality. Their good stuff doesn't get produced until the temperatures cooperate.

So... Planning. Lots of planning this fall.

Fall is my time for building projects. I need to put a new cover on my high tunnel, build a much larger chicken coop into the barn, put up a couple of shelters for firewood closer to the house, and do some work on the solar.

I live in N. CA. Zone 9b so we get hot weather into October.  I will wait until close to the end of September to start my fall garden. I will plant peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts (for the first time) I'm also going to try bok choy. Lettuce, onions, garlic, cilantro, spinach, potatoes, kale, carrots, radish, & pansies.

This is always a hard time of year because the summer veggie product way into the time I should be planting the fall veggie.  It goes against the grain to pull out something producing to plant a seed that will take months to produce.  I have been thinking about starting some seeds like broccoli, kale, bok choy, lettuce in pots outside so I don't have to harden them off, but they get a head start to give the summer veggie some extra time.

I would say my fall garden is my favorite.  Nothing Better than fresh peas. We love broccoli, lettuce and carrots.  It's not hotter than Hades, and lot less mosquitoes. I can enjoy my garden. If it didn't start getting dark so early it would be ideal.

I'm looking forward to spending time outside and not being miserable.  I have a hugel beet that I lined with wood. It kept the gophers out for a few years, but not any more. I need to remove all the soil from ground level and line the bottom with hardware cloth. Because at this point I can't use it.  I also have 3 raised beds that need to be converted to hugal beets. I hope to do one before next Spring.  Not to mention some building projects, and modifications to my hugelkulture.  I probably won't manage all, but hopefully some.

I threw some fall and winter seeds in the garden, removed some tomatoes that weren’t doing so great. Will save seeds from things that did grow well. Need to finish covering the orchard with arborist chips. Want to show wildflower seeds and also maybe winter sow some summer crops straight into the wood chips just to see if it works. Then figure out a good layout for next year’s garden so that I’ll have a plan to ignore once I get out in the garden to plant again in May.

As we ease into the colder months, there are several key steps to take in your garden to ensure it remains healthy and ready for the spring bloom.

First, keep an eye out for signs of trouble. Check your plants for any signs of disease or pest infestations. If you spot issues, address them promptly to prevent them from spreading.

Next, it's a good time for some pruning. Trim back perennials that have finished blooming, and remove any dead or overgrown branches. This keeps your garden looking neat and healthy.

Don't forget to do a bit of tidying up. Clear fallen leaves and debris from your garden beds. This not only helps with aesthetics but also prevents diseases and pests from settling in for the winter.

Consider adding a layer of mulch around your plants' bases. Mulch acts as insulation, protecting the roots and helping to regulate soil temperature.

For any tender plants that can't handle the frost, like tropicals or succulents, bring them indoors or cover them up to shield them from the cold.

As the days get shorter, reduce your watering frequency, but be sure not to let your plants dry out entirely.

Now's also a great time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils. They'll surprise you with vibrant color when the warmer months return.

One important thing to avoid in the lead-up to fall is heavy fertilization. Extra nutrients can prompt new growth that's susceptible to frost damage.

By following these steps and giving your garden some love before winter sets in, you'll be rewarded with a vibrant and healthy outdoor space come spring.