Category: Fall Gardening

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Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening: How to Successfully Plant Seeds and Harvest Through the Cold

Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening – autumn leaves mulched in the garden to prepare beds for cold weather planting.
Fall and Winter Vegetable Gardening often begins with simple steps like using autumn leaves as mulch to insulate garden beds.

As autumn settles in and frosts begin to nip at the edges of the garden, many people pack away their tools and call it a year. But the secret that year-round gardeners know is this: with good timing, season extending covers and shelters, and the right crops, techniques for fall and winter vegetable gardening make it possible to keep growing. You can still be seeding and harvesting vegetables well into winter, turning your backyard into a cold weather gardening haven. A cold frame or hoop tunnel doesn’t just shield crops — it stretches the sowing season and makes each bed work longer.

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October in the Heirloom Garden: Our Recommended Suggestions and Tips

October in the Heirloom Garden showing lush green plants in a traditional homestead plot.

October in the heirloom garden is a turning point in gardens across the United States. Days shorten, nights grow cooler, and in many regions the first frosts are already near or have arrived. Yet there is still plenty that can be planted or harvested. With a little creativity and some season extension, fresh food can be enjoyed well into the colder months. Let’s look at what can be done right now in each USDA zone, with suggestions from the heirloom and open-pollinated varieties we carry here at St. Clare Heirloom Seeds.

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The Season’s Not Over Yet: What to Plant in the September Garden for a Late Season Harvest

Bowl of crisp vegetables from a thriving September garden, ready for fall meals.
Fresh harvest from a September garden, featuring lettuce, radishes, and kale.

Just because the calendar says September doesn’t mean your garden has to slow down. In many parts of the U.S., this is one of the best times to plant cool-loving crops for fall and even early-winter harvests. Whether you’re tucking seeds into garden beds, containers, or raised beds, your September garden still has time for another flush of fresh produce—especially if you choose quick-maturing, cold-tolerant varieties.

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How to Start a Fall Garden in Central Texas on a Budget

Fresh green lettuce growing in rich soil, a healthy crop for a fall garden in Central Texas.
A healthy bed of lettuce, perfect for your fall garden in Central Texas.

A Fall Garden in Central Texas can be very successful, offering gardeners a welcome break from the intense summer heat while providing the perfect growing conditions for many vegetables. As temperatures cool, it becomes easier and more enjoyable to spend time outdoors, and certain crops such as carrots, leafy greens, peas, and spinach actually thrive far better in fall than in midsummer. The season also gives beginners a chance to start small and learn without feeling overwhelmed by harsh weather or high costs.

With a few simple containers, affordable soil mixes, and carefully chosen plants, you can set up a productive garden that rewards your efforts with fresh harvests well into the cooler months. Below are some practical tips to help you get started without spending a lot of money.

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The August Garden Isn’t Done Yet: What You Can Still Plant for a Fall Garden

Radishes harvested from a successful August garden.

In August, you can still plant a wide variety of vegetables across much of the U.S., especially if you focus on fast-maturing crops or fall-friendly cool-weather varieties. What you can plant depends heavily on your USDA Hardiness Zone and first fall frost date.

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Protecting Your Harvest: Organic Animal Pest Control in Your Heirloom Garden

Groundhog in a meadow near the edge of a garden area, often targeted in organic animal pest control strategies.

A thriving garden is a joy to behold, a source of fresh produce, and a haven for beneficial wildlife. However, the path to a verdant paradise is often fraught with challenges, not least of which are the larger, furry animal pests that can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated plants. From nibbling rabbits and burrowing moles to resourceful groundhogs and swift chipmunks, these unwelcome mammalian guests can quickly decimate a harvest if left unchecked. But fear not, the principles of organic animal pest control offer a holistic and sustainable approach to managing these intruders, working with nature rather than against it.

Practicing organic animal pest control not only protects your crops but also fosters a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. This article will delve into common garden animal pests, highlighting organic prevention and control methods, and offering insights into pest-resistant heirloom varieties.

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6 Tiny Invaders, Mighty Solutions: Organic Insect Pest Control in the Heirloom Garden

Adult squash bug on leaf—commonly targeted in Organic Insect Pest Control for heirloom squash and pumpkins

A thriving garden is a joy to behold, a source of fresh produce, and a haven for beneficial wildlife. However, the path to a verdant paradise is often fraught with challenges, not least of which are the myriad of insect pests that can wreak havoc on your carefully cultivated plants. From tiny aphids to hungry caterpillars, these unwelcome guests can quickly decimate a harvest if left unchecked. But fear not—Organic Insect Pest Control offers a holistic and sustainable way to manage these intruders, working with nature rather than against it. This article will delve into common garden insect pests, highlighting organic prevention and control methods, and offering insights into pest-resistant heirloom varieties.

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What to Sow in Summer for a Delicious Fall Garden: Plant it Now, Enjoy it Later

Homegrown produce from a productive fall garden

If you’re wondering what you can plant during summer for a productive fall harvest, you’re not alone—and the good news is, you have more options than you might think. In many parts of the U.S., fall gardening can actually be easier than spring. The soil is warm, many pests are past their peak, and quick-growing crops like greens, roots, and brassicas thrive in the cooling temperatures. Whether your spring garden was a bust or you just want more fresh food later in the year, summer is your second chance!

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Sustainable Gardening for All: Simple Ideas, Real Rewards

Sustainable Gardening for All: Simple Ideas, Real Rewards

Sustainable gardening isn’t some fancy new idea—it’s just good old-fashioned common sense. It’s about working with nature instead of against it, using what you’ve got, and growing food, flowers, and herbs in a way that keeps the soil rich, the bees buzzing, and the pantry full. You don’t need a science degree or a big budget—just some seeds, a little know-how, and the willingness to dig in.

If you’ve ever thought “sustainable gardening” was just a trendy term cooked up by modern-day tree huggers, stick with us—you might be surprised. It turns out this old-fashioned, common-sense approach is not only really good for the soil and your garden in general, but it’s also easy for anyone to put into practice, no matter your experience or outlook. We used to feel daunted by the whole subject…but, we promise it’s simpler than it sounds.

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It’s Not Too Late – What You Can Still Plant in July: Make the Most of Summer with These Quick-Growing Heirlooms

Plant in July - Seedling growing out of a pot.

Mid-summer might feel like the end of the planting season, but in many areas—especially USDA Zones 3 through 10—July still offers a window of opportunity to squeeze in a little more of your favorite heirloom varieties. Whether your spring crops have finished or pests and weather forced a replant, you can still harvest a satisfying garden before frost. Many fast-growing heirloom varieties thrive when sown in warm soil, maturing quickly enough to give you fresh vegetables before season’s end.

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Harvesting Fall Vegetables and Tips for Storing Your Bounty Through the Winter

Harvesting Fall Vegetables - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

As the warm days of summer give way to the crispness of fall, heirloom gardens become a haven of vibrant colors and bountiful harvests. Harvesting fall vegetables at their peak ensures that you enjoy their flavors and nutritional benefits well into the colder months. However, knowing the best techniques for harvesting and storing fall vegetables is crucial to keeping them fresh and maintaining their quality through winter. Whether you’ve grown root vegetables, leafy greens, hardy squash, or other cool-weather crops, this guide will help you store your harvest efficiently and prolong its shelf life.

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What To Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in September

Vegetable Garden in September

 This article is geared to those in more Northern areas of the U.S., for those in the South or hotter areas of the U.S., more helpful tips can be found here: 9 Important things to do in the heirloom vegetable garden in September in southern states or hot climates geared towards what you have going on in the garden this month.

 

The heirloom vegetable garden in September enters a transitional phase between the end of summer and the onset of cooler fall temperatures. It’s a critical time for both harvesting summer crops and preparing for autumn planting. Here’s what to do in your heirloom vegetable garden in September:

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9 Important Things to Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in the Fall in Southern States or Hot Climates:

What to Do in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden in September in Southern States or Hot Climates?

Ever wonder what you should be doing in the heirloom vegetable garden in the fall? In the Southern states or hot climates, the early fall marks a time of transition in the heirloom vegetable garden. As summer crops wind down, it’s time to prepare for fall planting. Despite the warm temperatures, there are still plenty of gardening tasks to be done. This guide provides insights on preparing beds for winter crops, what can be planted in the fall, and essential maintenance to keep your garden thriving.

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Planning Your Fall Vegetable Garden: Best Crops and Planting Times

Planning Your Fall Vegetable Garden: Best Crops and Planting Times

Are you wondering what vegetables or fruits you can plant in a fall vegetable garden? Many gardeners have the same questions: What can I grow in the fall? When should I plant? How do I avoid planting too late? If you’re new to the idea of growing an heirloom fall vegetable garden, you might think it’s more challenging than spring planting. But the truth is, it’s just as simple! With the right tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a productive garden full of heirloom vegetables right up until the first frost of fall.

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6 Steps for Getting Your Garden Ready for Winter

Getting your Garden Ready for Winter - St. Clare Heirloom Seeds
When the dreary days of Winter start to get to you, don’t forget you can start planning for next year to help look forward to warmer weather, fresh air, and the joys of gardening. – St. Clare Heirloom Seeds

Now is the time when heirloom gardeners start getting their vegetable garden ready for winter. This is not just the end of this season, it is a time to lay the ground work for a good start to next year’s successful heirloom garden! New gardeners among us will wonder what they need to do to finish things off when their harvest is complete for the season.

Once you have picked all the heirloom produce that’s left in your garden, get things wound down for the year by cleaning up the beds. Taking time in the Fall to clean up a bit, makes getting the garden ready in the Spring a whole lot easier, and kicks things off to a good start next year.

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Top 11 Companion Planting Combinations to Boost Vegetable Yields

Fresh-picked tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, and cucumbers grown using companion planting to boost vegetable yields naturally.
Using companion planting to support healthier growth and higher yields—no chemicals required.

Companion planting is a traditional gardening method that pairs certain vegetables, herbs, and flowers together to create natural benefits—such as pest control, improved growth, and better use of space. Whether rooted in time-tested gardening wisdom or supported by modern research, these combinations can help boost vegetable yields without relying on synthetic inputs.

For heirloom and open-pollinated gardens, companion planting is especially valuable. It encourages natural balance, reduces plant stress, and makes the most of every square foot in your garden beds. Below are some of the most effective companion planting combinations you can try this season, along with practical tips for each pair.

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5 August Garden Tips: Making the Most of the Summer Heat

August Garden Tips: Making the Most of the Summer Heat

August is one of the best months for gardeners, as it’s the time when many fruits of your labor are ready for harvest. The excitement of reaping what you’ve sown is undeniable, but it’s important not to let your guard down when it comes to garden maintenance. There are still essential tasks to be done to ensure your plants stay healthy and your yields remain high. In many places, August is the hottest month of the year, which means paying close attention to watering, weeding, and overall plant care. Let’s dive into the top August garden tips to keep your garden thriving during the peak of summer.

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