With the arrival of cooler temperatures, gardeners across Canada are taking advantage of the fall season to prepare their gardens for winter and ensure a vibrant spring. Fall gardening offers an opportunity to refresh garden beds, plant spring bulbs, and harvest cool-weather vegetables.
"Fall is a great time to plant perennials and shrubs," explains horticulturist Sharon Wallish Murphy. "The soil is still warm, encouraging root growth, while the cool air reduces stress on plants." Homeowners are also planting bulbs like tulips and daffodils, which require cold stratification to bloom in spring. According to gardening experts, bulbs should be planted about six weeks before the ground freezes to ensure successful growth.
Vegetable gardens continue to thrive in fall, with crops like beets, broccoli, and carrots flourishing in the cooler climate. Farmers' Almanac suggests mulching around plants to retain moisture and prevent frost damage, as well as watering evergreens thoroughly before the ground freezes. A well-prepared garden can reduce workload and ensure healthy plants come spring.
Gardeners are also focusing on sustainability. The Nature Conservancy of Canada encourages homeowners to leave leaves and plant debris on the ground to create habitats for wildlife and enrich the soil naturally. "It's about working with nature, not against it," says Murphy. Composting fall leaves and adding organic mulch are additional steps to maintain healthy soil.
Whether it's planting bulbs, harvesting vegetables, or enriching the soil, fall gardening offers more than just physical benefits. "Gardening in the fall is a way to connect with the changing seasons," Murphy reflects. "It's therapeutic and prepares you for a new beginning next spring."