Fall Garden Care and Maintenance Checklist

If you live in the north, fall in the garden is the time to start protecting your plants from the cold weather. The ground will freeze by December. For those living in the south, fall is the best time to plant new plants and to tend to them. Fall is a great season to get active and keep warm. These are some tips that will help you have a great fall in your garden.

Start with your garden's vegetable plants. You can plant root vegetables and leafy plants as early as the spring. You must harden off your tomato plants by December. Your flower plants can benefit from moist conditions. In addition, you can start planting cool-season vegetables in the low desert, where temperatures are slightly lower than in higher-altitude regions. These areas are ideal for planting cool-season vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers and spinach.

FAQ

Which kind of lighting is most effective for growing indoor plants?

Because they emit less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs, Florescent lights are ideal for indoor plant growth. They can also provide steady lighting without flickering and dimming. There are two types of fluorescent bulbs: regular and compact fluorescent (CFL). CFLs require 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.

Can I grow vegetables indoors?

Yes, it is possible to grow vegetables in a greenhouse during winter. A greenhouse or grow light will be required. Before you do this, make sure to verify the local laws.

What's the first thing you should do when you begin a garden project?

First, prepare the soil before you start a garden. This includes adding organic material such as composted horse manure, grass clippings or leaves, straw and the like, which provides plant nutrients. Next, plant the seeds or seedlings in the holes. Then, water well.

How often do I need to water my indoor plants?

Indoor plants require watering at least once a day. It is important to maintain the humidity level in your home. Humidity can be vital for plants that are healthy.

How many hours does a plant need to get light?

It depends upon the type of plant. Some plants require 12 hours of direct sunlight per day. Others prefer 8 hours in indirect sunlight. Most vegetables require 10 hours direct sunlight in a 24-hour period.

What month is the best time to start a garden?

It is best to plant vegetables between April and June. This is when soil is at its warmest and plants are growing the fastest. You might want to wait until July/August if you live in a cold area.

Statistics

• 80% of residents spent a lifetime as large-scale farmers (or working on farms) using many chemicals believed to be cancerous today. (acountrygirlslife.com)
• Today, 80 percent of all corn grown in North America is from GMO seed that is planted and sprayed with Roundup. - parkseed.com
• It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)
• Most tomatoes and peppers will take 6-8 weeks to reach transplant size so plan according to your climate! - ufseeds.com

External Links

bhg.com

• 6 Essential Steps for Starting Your First Vegetable Garden Off Right

thespruce.com

• Do you prefer to start your vegetable garden from seeds or seedlings?

How To

How to grow basil

Basil is one herb you can use to make many different dishes in your kitchen. It's great for flavoring dishes, adding flavor to soups, sauces, salads, pasta, and even desserts. These are some great tips to grow basil indoors.

1. Choose your location carefully. Basil is an evergreen plant. If it's not located in the right area, it will only last one season. Basil likes full sunlight but can be tolerant of partial shade. If you are growing it outside, choose a spot with good air circulation.
2. Plant the seeds. Basil seeds must be planted at the latest two weeks before last frost. You should sow the seeds at a depth of 1/2 inch in small pots. The pots should be covered with clear plastic wrap. Germination takes approximately ten days. Once they are germinated, transfer them to a protected area where the temperatures are at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. When the seedlings reach maturity, you can transplant them. Take off the plastic wrap and transfer the seedlings to larger containers. Each container should be filled with potting mix. To help remove excess moisture, add gravel or pebbles. As necessary, you can add more potting material. Place the containers in a sunny window or in indirect light. To prevent wilting, mist the plants every day.
4. After the danger of frost has passed, apply a thick layer of mulch over the top of the plants. This will protect them from cold weather and reduce water loss.
5. Regularly water the plants. Basil needs to be watered regularly in order for it to thrive. To determine how much water your plants require, use a rain gauge. You can also use a timer for the irrigation system to be turned off during dry spells.
6. Make sure to pick basil right when it is at its peak. Pick leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth.
7. The leaves can then be dried on paper towels, screens, or other suitable surfaces. The leaves can be stored in glass jars or bags in their refrigerator.