Fall is here, the air is crisp, and the pumpkin spice lattes are out in full force. But if you’re looking at your backyard (or patio) thinking, "I never got around to planting my fall garden," don't worry—there’s still time! You can skip the seed phase and head straight to your local nursery to pick up some fall plants that have already started growing. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll still enjoy the rewards of a beautiful garden before the frost sets in.
Why Skip the Seeds?
Planting seeds is a rewarding process, but let’s face it, sometimes life gets in the way. Maybe you were busy with work, maybe summer flew by too fast, or maybe you just weren’t sure where to begin. Whatever the reason, fall isn’t only about starting from scratch with seeds. You can still get that garden going with pre-grown plants, which saves you the hassle of waiting weeks for sprouts to appear.
Nurseries and garden centers often have a great selection of fall-ready plants that are already established and thriving. These plants are just waiting for you to give them a new home in your garden. Plus, buying plants that are already growing means you’re one step closer to that fall harvest!
What Should You Plant This Fall?
The good news is, fall is one of the best seasons for gardening! Cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall create the perfect conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs, and even flowers to flourish. Here are a few easy-to-grow fall plants to consider:
Leafy Greens: Think spinach, kale, and Swiss chard. These grow fast and thrive in cooler temperatures.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, and beets do well in the fall and can handle the chilly nights.
Broccoli and Cauliflower: These hearty veggies love the fall weather and will grow quickly when transplanted from seedlings.
Herbs: Sage, parsley, and cilantro are excellent choices for fall gardening and will add flavor to your seasonal dishes.
Fall Flowers: Add a pop of color with mums, pansies, and ornamental kale to keep your garden looking vibrant even as the days grow shorter.
How to Get Started
Visit Your Local Nursery: Head over to your nearest garden center or nursery. They’ll likely have a great selection of fall plants that are already a few weeks into their growing cycle. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for advice, they can guide you to the best plants for your climate and garden setup.
Prep Your Soil: Even though you’re not starting from seeds, good soil prep is still important. Clear out any weeds or old summer plants, loosen the soil, and add compost or organic matter to give your fall plants the best chance at success.
Transplant Your Plants: When you get home, dig holes that are big enough for your new plants, and gently place them in the soil. Be sure to follow the recommended spacing for each plant type, as they’ll need room to grow.
Water Consistently: While fall typically brings more rain, make sure your plants are getting enough water. Check the soil regularly to ensure it’s moist but not waterlogged. And don’t forget to water newly transplanted plants well to help them settle in.
Enjoy the Process: Fall gardening doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of the cooler weather. Even if you missed the seed-planting window, you can still experience the joy of gardening this season.
No Garden Is Perfect—And That’s Okay!
Let’s be real—gardening is as much about trial and error as it is about success. Even experienced gardeners face challenges with unexpected weather, pests, or a plant that just refuses to thrive. The beauty of gardening is that it’s a learning process, and every season is a fresh opportunity to grow—literally and figuratively.
So, don’t be too hard on yourself if you didn’t get your seeds in the ground this year. The important thing is that you start. Head to your local nursery, pick out a few fall plants, and get them in the ground. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying fresh produce or flowers from your garden, and you’ll have a head start for next year.
Remember: Gardening isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding joy in the process. So, grab those pre-grown plants and dig in—your fall garden adventure awaits!
Need more gardening tips? Check out our other posts on seasonal gardening, plant care, and how to keep your garden thriving year-round! Happy planting! 🌱
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