18 Sep Why Autumn Is The Best Season For Gardening

Fall is the season of change and transformation. The leaves change colour, the weather gets cooler, and the days get shorter.

For gardeners, this time of year is perfect for getting outside and enjoying the fresh air while preparing your garden for winter. The air is still warm enough to comfortably work in, but the cooler temperatures help to keep plants from wilting in the heat.

Autumn is also the perfect time to plant many cool-weather crops, such as kale, broccoli, and cabbage. These vegetables will flourish in the cooler weather and be ready for harvesting by winter. But it’s not just veggies that do well in fall—flowers such as mums and pansies will also bloom during this time.

So why not take advantage of the cooler weather and get outside to plant something new in your garden this autumn? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it. Before that, let’s talk more about why autumn is the best season for gardening.

The Good Autumn Rain

You might have guessed it already, but rain is one of the best things about gardening in autumn. The showers during this season help to replenish the soil and provide plants with the water they need to survive the winter.

Planting in soil that’s been rain-filled is also easier on your back and knees, as the soft ground is easier to dig in. Not to mention, you won’t have to worry about watering your plants as often since they’ll get plenty of moisture from the rain.

An article from the Ecological Landscape Alliance states that organically grown plants prefer soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. This is the same pH range that rainwater provides, making rain-filled soil the perfect condition for gardening.

Rain also contains nitrates that can help to fertilize your plants. This natural form of fertilizer is perfect for those who prefer not to use chemicals in their garden.

Cool Air, Warm Soil

As mentioned before, the cooler temperatures of autumn are ideal for many flowers and vegetables. The heat of summer can be tough on these plants, causing them to wilt and even die. But in autumn, the cooler air helps to keep these plants alive and thriving.

The soil is also warm during this time of year, which is perfect for planting. According to a 2018 study, the soil’s temperature is a major factor in mineralization and decomposition rates.

Warm soil helps to release nutrients that are essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. It also aids in the breakdown of organic matter, making it easier for plants to access the nutrients they need.

So not only is the air temperature perfect for gardening in autumn, but the soil temperature is ideal as well. This makes it the perfect time to get outside and start planting.

Down With The Weeds!

Weeds are the natural enemy of any gardener. These pesky plants can steal nutrients and water from your other plants. They can also harbor diseases that can spread to your other plants and kill them.

Fortunately, autumn is the perfect time to get rid of weeds. The cooler weather helps to kill off many weed seeds, preventing them from germinating in the spring. It’s also easier to pull up weeds when the ground is wet from the rain.

It’s also the perfect time to plant a cover crop. Cover crops are plants that are grown to protect the soil from erosion and to prevent weeds from taking over. They also help to add nutrients to the soil that can be used by other plants. Planting them during the fall will ensure your other plants will get a headstart on the growing season.

Pests Go Bye-Bye

Many insect pests go into hibernation during the fall, which means they won’t be bothering your plants. You can plant in your garden without worrying about these pests destroying your crops.

It’s also a great time to inspect your plants for pests. Take a close look at the leaves and stems of your plants to see if there are any insects or larvae. These can be removed by hand or with a hose. If you do find pests on your plants, you can treat them with an organic insecticide.

You might also want to try systemic pesticides. These pesticides are absorbed by the plant and then spread throughout the plant. Systemic pesticides are most effective when applied during the fall, as they have time to be absorbed by the plant before the pests come out in the spring.

Getting Ready For Spring

Autumn is the perfect time to start preparing your garden for spring not just because the weather is cooler, but also because many plants go into dormancy during this time. This means they stop growing and start to rest.

Dormancy is the perfect time to transplant these plants. Transplanting is when you move a plant from one place to another. This can be done by digging up the plant and moving it to a new location or by taking a cutting from the plant and growing it in a new location.

Transplanting is best done during the fall because the plants are not actively growing. This means they won’t be as stressed by the move and are more likely to survive.

You’re also giving spring plants a head start by transplanting them in the fall. These plants will already be established in their new location when spring comes around. They’ll be ready to start growing as soon as the weather warms up, giving them a big advantage over plants that are just being transplanted in the spring.

Gardening For All Seasons

If you’re looking to get a jump on the gardening season, autumn is the perfect time to start. If you need help getting started, we can provide you with resources and advice at Kel Lake Garden Centre. 

From plants and seeds to garden tools and accessories, we have everything you need to get started. You can come and visit us at our Lake Country store or shop online. Give us a call and we’ll be happy to help you get started!