Preparing the Soil for a Fall Garden

Is your garden looking a little worse for wear? Summer has crossed the midway point and the dog days are upon us. My lovely spring garden has been taken over by bugs and weeds. The weather may be uncomfortably hot, but this is the best time to start preparations for a fall garden. The first step in fall garden prep is to prepare the soil.

I am still harvesting beans, peppers, and tomatoes, but the spring crops are gone and warm weather plants are becoming tattered and spent. However, I am not ready to give up my garden for the year. To extend your garden season, plant a fall crop.

Fall garden prep is easy. Getting the soil ready for a fall garden is a lot like preparing the soil for a spring garden. Weeds must be removed, and the soil must be amended and loosened.

Clear away old garden plants to make way for a fall garden

The first step is to remove the remnants of garden plants left from your summer garden. Many experts recommend pulling all summer crops and beginning with a fresh slate. I prefer to leave healthy tomatoes and peppers which are still producing. However, if there are any signs of disease or bugs attacking the plants it is best to pull them. Dig any remaining carrots, potatoes, or onions.

Pull plants and carefully rake up any debris, especially if your garden was suffering from fungus or disease. Bag or burn any diseased plant material. The rest of the crops may be placed in your compost pile.

Get rid of weeds to prepare soil for a fall garden

Next, weeds must be pulled or dug. Take care while toiling in the hot sun. Try to work during cooler morning or evening hours, if possible.

If the turf grass has crept into your plot, it may be easiest to simply treat with an herbicide which contains glyphosate. Brand names of some commercial products containing glyphosate are Roundup, Kleenup, and Weed Away; check product labels for glyphosate on other products. If you simply shovel or till under perennial grass, you will be treated with a healthy new crop of green grass as soon as you begin watering and fertilizing.

Loosen and amend soil for a fall garden

Now your garden should be bare. Roto-till or loosen soil with a spade to a depth of six to eight inches. Work plenty of compost or other organic matter into the soil to replenish nutrients that have been depleted during the summer season.

An autumn garden is a great way to increase your yearly garden yield and to increase your outdoor enjoyment of the fall season. To ensure your best chance of success, start your fall garden preparations at the bottom, with the soil.

Sources:

Personal experience

http://easttexasgardening.tamu.edu/