So this year was my first attempt of a fall garden. Usually my summer garden does so well and last so long that by the time I harvest everything, its to late for fall planting. Since this past summer was a bust, it allotted me the time and opportunity to give a fall garden a chance.
I first built some new raised beds and moved some things around. My old 4x4 beds that I have had for about 6 years were beginning to decompose. I decided to build four 4x8 beds and lay them long ways facing the sun. I left about 5 feet between the beds and the back fence where I transplanted my grape vines. I then took some cuttings of oregano from the front yard and planted it between the grape vines. Since I had plenty of room, I left in two of my old 4x4 boxes on the far left side.
With my first attempt at a fall garden I started everything from seed. I planted swiss chard, broccoli, spinach, bib lettuce, loose leaf lettuce, cilantro, radishes, and some black seeded simpson lettuce.
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| swiss chard |
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| cilantro |
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| black seeded simpson |
Everything is growing pretty well so far. I have already harvested some of the simpson and swiss chard and enjoyed eating it in salads and pastas.
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| left over spaghetti with swiss chard, onions, garlic, and goat cheese |
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| swiss chard with the stem removed |
My bucket system I tried out this summer still has green plants but still not much produce from them. I had to move them into the garage a few weeks ago when Austin got its first freeze for the winter. I recently moved them back out to the side of the house for some sun. I don't expect much from them but I just hate to let them die, so I will continue to water and hope for the best. Not sure if I will do the self-watering bucket system again next year or not, but I do have a few ideas for the buckets if I don't.
So what I have learned about fall gardening compared to summer gardening is that you use a lot less water in the fall. You are limited on types of plants you can grow, and there is the hassle of covering and uncovering your beds due to Texas' weird temperatures. The weather within a given week will fluctuate from freezing to mid 80's. Lettuces are easy to grow but it does take time and effort to wash it thoroughly before eating it. One good thing is that I haven't seen any pests eating my plants in the fall, to cold for them I guess. Even though there isn't much, I still love the smell of fresh herbs and vegetables picked straight from the earth.
Get dirty and keep on gardening!
