Fall gardening is wonderful.
Why?
1. Humane Temperatures.
Unlike summer gardening, it is not hell hot. Here in South Louisiana, temperatures in September/October/November go from bearable to exquisite. Time tending to fall plantings is enjoyable.
2. Chill Weeds.
In the fall, weeds are not as vigorous.
Summer weeds are my nemesis.
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| The end of summer weed situation in my herb bed. |
I don’t use herbicides,so my two hands do all weed control. During bed prep in early September, I pulled and hauled off half a dozen wheel barrels of weeds. (Note: 5 hours of back breaking, sweat popping, weed pulling gave about 832 steps on my Fitbit. That’s a shame.)
Thankfully, since that episode of toil and labor, the weed situation has been manageable.
3. Fall vegetables rock.
Cruciferous vegetables adore the cool weather. This family of veggies includes broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and bok choy…
Cruciferous vegetables are some good eating.
They are also good for you, packed with fiber, phytonutrients and vitamins that lower cancer risk. In her webmd.com article, Elaine Magee, MPH, RD states “a review of research published in the October 1996 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association showed that 70% or more of the studies found a link between cruciferous vegetables and protection against cancer.”
A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports cruciferous vegetable consumption is also associated with a reduced risk of total and cardiovascular disease mortality.
Time tested delicious help to protect and improve your health can be as close as the patch in your yard.
So, here’s what’s happening in our yard:
So, here’s what’s happening in our yard:
Thus far our fall garden has the beginnings of romaine lettuce, carrots, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions, lemon thyme, sweet mint, and cilantro.
There are also a few rosemary and basil plants still producing from the summer.
If I can get one more raised bed constructed in the next week or two, mustards and chard will go in as well.
This year I’m trying a bit of everything – starting plants from seed, bulbs and seedlings; planting in the ground, raised beds and pots. I hope all take, but it will be interesting to see what works best.
This year I’m trying a bit of everything – starting plants from seed, bulbs and seedlings; planting in the ground, raised beds and pots. I hope all take, but it will be interesting to see what works best.
What do you have growing?
Depending on your region, there is still time to get your fall garden planted.
Don’t have a yard, (or any desire to dig up your yard), no problem. Many plants will do well in pots on your porch or patio. Check out the Old Time Almanac for details on what to plant and when for your area.
For more information, subscribe at nettyejohnson.com for our free eNews with exclusive content on faith, fitness and food – including recipes for the glorious fall produce.
For more information, subscribe at nettyejohnson.com for our free eNews with exclusive content on faith, fitness and food – including recipes for the glorious fall produce.
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