Fall often means that our gardening habits change as well. In some places gardeners are tucking their beds in for the cooler weather by adding a layer of mulch over the garden bed. In others, like the low desert of AZ where I live, we are getting ready for another full season of gardening.
No matter what you are doing, take a moment to reflect on and write down what happened in your garden this past season. This is especially helpful for next year when you head into that same season. You will know what plants did well and which ones didn't. You'll have a better idea of what to plant and where to plant them next year.
Garden journals are a great way to do this, but you don't have to have a fancy journal. Use any kind of format that works for you. Perhaps you are a techy - then write in your computer. Or you like the idea of keeping everything garden-related together, get a 3 ring binder, some photo holder pages and a few extra pockets for the binder and keep your seed packs, magazine pictures and anything else that inspires you all in one place.
Now is also a great time to dream about what changes you want to make to your garden. Can they be done in the coolness of a fall weekend before the snow falls? Perhaps you want to expand your beds? Why not take out the grass now so you are ahead of the game next spring? Start stocking up on seeds as your budget allows and doing forget to figure out a place to start those seeds indoors so you can get a jump on the next growing season!
Of course if you live in a temperate climate you might already be getting ready to put those seeds right into the ground for another season. Just be sure you read the seed packs and follow the suggestions for seed planting depth and spacing to ensure success. I suggest planting more than you think you need as not all the seeds will germinate and it is always more enjoyable to give away the excess vs. being disappointed you don't have enough!
And finally enjoy the process - have fun with growing your own food - learn to cook with your harvest - and always plant something new to you! The element of surprise will delight your spirit!
Happy Digging,
Doreen aka the Garden Goddess
For more great gardening resource visit my website at www.down2earthgarden.com
