Summer isn't over yet but that doesn't mean it's not time to start thinking about fall gardening. Contrary to popular belief, gardening isn't just a summer activity, just as many plants thrive in the cooler months as they do during the hot season. Autumn gardens can be absolutely stunning in their own way; hearty vegetables and herbs, unique annuals and perennials, and cold-faring shrubbery are all things that can make a seasonal garden shine.
They can also be much easier to take care of since this plant life is already built for cooler weather. Having fresh blooms and new veggies to look forward to after August can be a lot of fun, and it can also be a great end-of-summer project. After you've finished your homegrown, eco-friendly compost project and constructed your very own DIY backyard oasis, take a look at how much more beautiful a yard can be when those autumn days roll around.
Planting Autumn Veggies
Believe it or not, there are vegetables that do thrive in cooler temps. Vegetables such as leaf lettuces, spinach, mustard greens, arugula, beets, radishes, and turnips - basically anything that grows quickly - require cool soil to bud.
These plants grow quickly and can be harvested before the frost or harsh winter weather wipes them out, so they make great additions to an autumn veggie garden. Root vegetables are known for being hearty, in general, and if they're fast-growing, then they're great choices.
Planting In The Fall For Springtime Blooms
Onions and garlic should also be in this category because even though they're veggies, they can still be planted in the fall in order to bloom the following summer. So while planting bulbs with spring blooms in mind, don't forget about those long-term germination veggies! As far as bulbs go, fall is a great time to consider planting daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and basically any flower that comes in bulb-form with seasonal spring bloom. Once they're planted, they'll be fine through the winter - flowers just simply know when the time is right to pop their colorful heads out.
Succulents are also a great option - when it gets too chilly, simply bring them indoors. This is where gardeners can get creative and try new and unique bulbs since they're basically maintenance-free until they bud.
Bring In Some Color: Fall-Friendly Flowers
Violas, Snap dragons (which are fun as well as pretty), alyssum, and cornflower are all annuals that do well through cooler temps. There are more which can be added to this list, depending on whether a gardener is seeking ground-cover plants or steal-the-show type of annuals.
Pansies are also another cold-weather companion and can be stunning when paired with a variety of other brightly-colored flowers. These are all fairly easy to take care of and left alone, can survive well into chilly temps, possibly lasting as long as November before finally closing up shop for the year.
Trees And Shrubs Are Hearty, Here's What To Plant
Aside from the occasional trimming, trees and shrubs require very little maintenance and should definitely be considered as a worthy autumn addition. Azaleas can be a beautiful addition to any garden, don't take up too much space, and are easily pruned. They won't bloom until the spring but should be planted in the fall in order to do so. These, along with rhododendrons, will last for quite some time and make for great cornerstone plants or as a protective barrier for the other smaller, more delicate flowers. Shrubs will grow roots throughout the winter, allowing them to be in full bloom through the spring, summer, and following fall.