Are you wondering what to plant in the garden in autumn? Several gardeners face the problem of what to grow in the garden during these days when it is getting shorter and cool. It is tricky to say which plants will thrive effectively during this season. You might be thinking, perhaps, that your garden is going to be dull and won't have fresh products during this cool season.
But worry not, since this article is here to see you through. We are going to look at excellent autumn planting options, which are surely going to keep your garden alive and healthy-looking. And there are numerous choices you can use, which range from colourful flowers down to tasty vegetables.
So, let's get started.
What to Plant in the Garden in Autumn
With autumn right around the corner, it's now a great time to think about what you will plant in your garden. The cooler temperatures can be beneficial for many plants, making it a great opportunity to refresh your garden beds or start anew.
This article will guide you through some of the best autumn planting options, whether flowers, vegetables, or herbs.
1.    Flowering Plants
Autumn is a wonderful time to add colourful blooms to your garden through flowering plants. Some of the popular ones are as follows:
·   Chrysanthemums: These flowers are often referred to as "mums." They are different colours and bloom very beautifully in the fall. They could perk up your garden and are fairly easy to care for.
·   Asters: These late-bloomers are coloured in blue, purple, and pink shades. They go on into autumn to attract bees and butterflies and to provide a display of brilliant colours before the coming winter.
·   Pansies: Cheer things up with their smiling faces, these guys will thrive in cooler weather and many times will bloom throughout the fall into early winter depending on your climate.
2.    Vegetables for Autumn Harvest
Autumn is a great season to plant such vegetables that grow well when the weather is cool. These vegetables will tolerate the drop in temperature, and most of them taste better when grown in autumn.
So here's what to plant in the vegetable garden in autumn:
·        Garlic:
Some of the easiest to grow are garlic plants. Plant them in the fall to let the roots grow strong over winter. Next summer, you will be reaping an amazing harvest!
To plant garlic, simply separate the bulbs into individual cloves and set them in well-draining soil, pointed side up. Garlic grown at home can taste much better than what you find at the shops.
·        Kale:
Kale is a cool-season, hardy green that's perfect for autumn planting. It's resistant to frost, and many gardeners swear it's sweeter after the ground cools.
Plant in well-draining soil and keep it watered. You can start picking leaves as soon as they are big enough to eat, and you'll have fresh greens for salads, soups, and stir-fries all season long.
·        Carrots:
Great to plant in autumn, as the cold weather produces a far sweeter taste. Plant carrot seeds in loose, sandy soil and keep them well-watered.
You can enjoy fresh, crisp carrots throughout the winter-just cover them with mulch to protect them from the cold. Mulch does help the soil remain warm and moist for your carrots to grow healthy.
·        Spinach:
They are very fond of cool weather, and thus can be planted in autumn to get a fast harvest. It grows fast and can even be picked after a frost. Spinach is full of nutrients and can be used in salads and smoothies, among other dishes.
Plant them in rich and well-draining soil and ensure the area has moisture. Spinach continues giving fresh greens up until colder months if one keeps on harvesting.
By adding these vegetables to your autumn garden, you can enjoy fresh produce even when it gets chilly outside.
3.    Herbs to Consider
Herbs can add flavour to your dishes, and many can be planted in the autumn:
Chives:Â These are hardy herbs that come back year after year, so plant them in the fall. They add a mild onion flavour to your dishes.
Cilantro: This herb does best in cooler temperatures. All season long, you will be enjoying fresh leaves in salads or salsas.
Thyme: An evergreen perennial that is drought-resistant and will do very well during fall. Its flavour is ideal for autumn dishes, and its leaves are easily dried for use either in the winter months or next year.
Preparing Your Garden for Winter
While planting in autumn is important, preparing your garden for winter is equally essential.
Here are some tips:
Plant Hardiness Testing of Soil: Consider the importance of testing your soil before planting to see if you need to add a nutrient boost for healthy growth in spring.
Mulching: A dosing of much around the plants insulates the soil and prevents drying out. It may also provide protection during temperature fluctuations.
Clean-Up:Â Cleaning up removes dead or diseased plants to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden.
Cover Crops: Planting cover crops, like clover or winter rye, can protect your soil during winter. These crops stop soil erosion, improve soil health, and add nutrients back to the soil when they break down. In spring, you can mix them into the soil to enrich it for planting.
Watering: Make sure your plants are well-watered before the ground freezes. Proper moisture helps them survive the winter. Just be careful not to overwater, as that can lead to root problems. Deep watering is best to keep the roots healthy during the colder months.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to plant in the garden in autumn, it is time to embrace this beautiful season. With a choice of so many varieties of flowering plants, vegetables, and herbs, you will create a bright and productive garden in those cooler months. Create an outdoor living space you can enjoy all year round.
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