That’s right, you can get some of your gardening chores started in the fall rather than having to wait all the way until spring.
There are two main reasons why you should get these plants going in the fall. One is to help move some of your planting chores out of the spring season. You have tons to do in the spring, so why not get a few things done early? The other reason is that it gives your plants that early advantage to naturally sprout the minute the temperature is just right for you. That’s usually earlier than you’d be out planting.
So what can you plant? If you’re into grains, winter wheat is one you should be sowing in the fall (the chapter on grains can fill you in more). Garlic is a more typical garden vegetable that can also be done at the end of the season. Just plant a clove about 2 inches deep, with the pointed end facing up.
You can also plant cool-weather plants, like kale or collards, late in the fall as well. If you plant them too early, they can actually germinate and start sprouting before the snow hits, which isn’t want you want. You need the seeds to overwinter and wait until spring, so get them in the ground before the ground freezes, but not much sooner.
Mark the spots where you have things planted so you don’t accidentally dig them up when you’re getting the garden ready for other seeds in the spring.
It’s not just about planting, there are other things you can do in the fall to get a head start on your spring garden. Adding fertilizer and compost is one. After you’ve pulled all your fall plants, mix in your choice of manure, compost or other natural fertilizers. The material will stay in the soil and help get things humming first thing in the spring.