As Katy gardeners see relief from our harsh summer heat on the horizon, we’re anticipating fall with bated breath. Fall gardening season is fast upon us, and with it comes the promise of fresh, homegrown veggies. There’s something downright satisfying about shopping for dinner from your own backyard, especially when it saves you money and fills your table with unique and rare vegetable varieties that simply can’t be bought.

Garden prep: because great gardens don’t just happen

Before you break out the seeds and start dreaming of broccoli florets and crisp lettuce leaves, it’s time to do a little dirty work. Begin by clearing your garden of any leftover summer crops, as well as any dead or diseased plant material. Yes, that means digging up those old tomato and cucumber plants whose glory days are long gone.

Now, onto the soil. About three weeks before planting, top off your beds with a premium organic compost. If your garden needs a little extra boost, consider adding some all-purpose organic fertilizer. Root vegetables will thrive with a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium, while leafy greens prefer a nitrogen-rich diet.

Planting: space matters, especially for vegetables

Now, for the fun part, deciding what to plant. If you’re a seed hoarder, ahem…seed collector like me, you likely have boxes and boxes of seeds to choose from. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what to grow. Start with your reliable favorites, then add a few unique and exciting varieties to mix things up.

Grab your gardening journal and plan out your fall garden before you start planting. Reflect on what worked well last year and what didn’t. If you’re growing from seed, be sure to consider spacing at full maturity. Give your plants enough room to breathe, grow, and absorb nutrients.

Begin with cole crops like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kohlrabi, which are hardy and well-suited for the season. Complement these with a selection of herbs to add flavor to your dishes. Leafy greens like cabbage, collards, kale, and mustards are also excellent choices, offering nutritious options for your meals. Root vegetables are perfect for hearty fall recipes. Finally, don’t forget to include salad greens to round out your garden and provide fresh, crisp options for your table. With these essentials in your fall garden, the possibilities for variety are endless!

With these tips in mind, your fall garden is destined for greatness. Want to learn even more? Join Urban Garden Plants at the Katy Home Improvement Show for two free workshops to kickstart your fall garden. Workshops are held daily, but space is limited. Register online at www.urbangardenplants.com. The event is on September 7-8 at the Merrell Center, 6301 S Stadium Ln. Reserve tickets at https://katyhomeimprovementexpo.com/.

About Charley Fisher:

Charley is an avid seed collector and garden educator. Her passion for finding rare, collectable heirloom seeds led her to create Urban Garden Plants, an heirloom seed company and organic nursery.