Fall is more than winding down your garden—it’s the perfect time to set yourself up for success.
Fall is often seen as the “end” of the gardening season, but for homesteaders, it’s the beginning of next year’s harvest. Cooler weather and longer nights create the ideal environment for building soil health and growing hardy crops.
Here are three easy wins for your homestead this fall:
1. 🌱 Garlic
Garlic loves cold weather. Planting in fall gives bulbs a head start so they’re ready to harvest in early summer.
- Tip: Choose hardneck varieties if you live in a colder region—they’re hardy and flavorful.
- How to Plant: Space cloves 6 inches apart, cover with 2–3 inches of mulch.
2. 🌾 Cover Crops
Cover crops like clover or rye aren’t glamorous, but they’re your soil’s best friend. They prevent erosion, add organic matter, and fix nitrogen.
- Tip: Sow them now and till under in early spring for a nutrient boost.
- Why It Matters: Healthy soil = fewer pests, better yields.
3. 🥗 Cold-Hardy Greens
Spinach, kale, and mache can handle frosty weather and give you a bonus winter harvest.
- Tip: Use a row cover or cold frame for protection.
- Pro Move: Plant a second round of greens mid-fall for succession harvesting.
📬 Want more seasonal tips?
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