Don’t despair if August and September flew by before planting your fall, organic garden. October is also a good time to plant a fall garden. In fact, fall gardening is much easier than spring planting. In fall, watering is easier, there are fewer weeds to pull, and the temperatures are not as brutal!
Trees, shrubs and perennial roots develop throughout the year. These plants appreciate going into the ground in October and will have a jump- start over anything planted in the spring.
October is the perfect time to plant lettuce in the garden or in pots for transplanting later. Spinach, peas, and lettuce need temperatures below 85°F to germinate. Scatter seeds over loose soil, gently water and keep the seed bed moist to promote germination. Harvest lettuce by removing the whole head or outside leaves from the plants. Remember to refrigerate for a few days so the bitterness common with fresh lettuce will disappear.
Strawberry plants can also be planted in October along with seeds for turnips, beets, collards, radishes, onions, and spinach. Broccoli, cauliflower and garlic bulbs can also be planted in October for a spring harvest.
Wait until temperatures drop to below 60 degrees to plant spring-flowering bulbs like hyacinths, tulips and daffodils. Wildflowers planted this month will decorate your organic lawn with beautiful flowers in the spring. Fall planting gives gardeners beautiful spring flowers while extending the produce growing season.
Distribute herbs amongst other plants in your garden. Oregano, chives, mint, rosemary, and thyme can be used for cooking or natural pest control.
Successfully growing winter vegetables adds healthy nutrients to boost the immune system during dreary winter days. In fact, gardening is good for you. Exercise is an unexpected bonus of fall gardening. Sedentary behavior is tempting during the colder months. Maintaining a fall garden keeps you moving while providing fresh garden vegetables for homemade soups and casseroles.