With Kelly Holdbrooks
As autumn settles into the Blue Ridge Mountains, gardeners turn their attention to seasonal tasks that prepare the landscape for winter and spring renewal. We understand not everyone gardens at high elevation. For us, fall is quick and winter comes quickly. No matter what your cold hardiness zone, most gardeners are focused on enjoying the last flowers of the year, fall foliage, and prepping gardens for the winter slumber.
Top Fall Gardening Tips:
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs. Chill bulbs if your region doesn’t get cold enough naturally.
- Divide and transplant perennials to refresh beds and improve bloom performance.
- Harvest late crops such as sweet potatoes and tomatoes before frost.
- Plant cool-season herbs and vegetables including parsley, spinach, and radishes.
- Mulch and water new plantings to help them establish strong roots before winter.
Fall is also a time to reflect on the garden’s evolution and plan for the future. Whether you’re planting, pruning, or simply observing the changing landscape, each task connects us more deeply to the rhythms of nature.