How to tend to your fall garden in the Massachusetts garden zone
As a gardener on the North Shore of Massachusetts I am fully enveloped in the New England fall experience. In September, as the days start to get shorter the leaves on deciduous trees transform the landscape into a painting, no matter where you look. Massachusetts is in the Garden Climate Zone 7. You may fear that the summer is winding down and the planting season is done, but it is still far from over. As we head into autumn, let me give you a few tips for your perfect fall garden.
What to plant in a fall garden
As you look at your landscape this time of year, consider the potential gaps and holes you need to fill concerning the larger plants in your garden. Trees and shrubs that are dead or have failed after planting need to be replaced, or at the very least removed.
A great use for trees and shrubs is a replacement for fencing! Consider installing a “living fence” (AKA screening plants) in the form of a row of tall evergreen trees for example. This provides a softer edge than you would get with a picket or wire fence and adds a sound buffer as well. If you are looking for a shorter in height alternative, consider a shrub hedge like a “Blue Princess” Holly, spaced 3’ apart. These can be maintained and pruned to meet the height and width of your liking. They also add color with their red berries contrasting with the evergreen leaves all throughout the winter, extending the season during the coldest months of the year.
The fall is an ideal time to plant big trees as water evaporation in the soil decreases and the plants have a higher chance of survival after planting, leaving you with a worry-free garden.
The best vegetables for a fall garden
Whether you have been busy harvesting your summer veggies and herbs or are just starting to think about growing some veggies of your own this #PSLszn, you are in luck.
A nice list of vegetables for you to consider in your garden this fall: Root veggies like, leafy greens, and brassica, such as cauliflower and broccoli.
How to grow vegetables in the fall: You should plant juvenile plants that are about 5 inches tall already as the fall is too late to sow from seed in our zone. Some examples of the veggies are beets, turnips, carrot, cabbage, lettuce, kale, and peas. You should be done harvesting cucumber and tomatoes right about now, and can expect to have perfectly ripe peppers ready for picking.
Compost for your garden in the fall
If you’re wondering when a good time to add compost to your garden is, early spring and early fall is a great chance to do so. As a good practice of garden maintenance, I use this quieter time in my garden to top-dress my beds with compost. I top-dress by spreading a one inch layer on my vegetable beds, perennial and annual beds, trees and shrubs, as well as any potted plants.
Wondering how to make and use compost in your garden?
Compost quality levels vary. A rich mixture of food waste, manure, seaweed, and garden detritus will keep the soil balanced and the plants looking lively and colorful. If you use a wood chip mulch, add compost around your shrubs and perennials before mulching. Many of my gardens and clients favor using only a compost top dressing in their gardens, as it provides a similar look and feeds the plants as well.
Green Thumb Pro Tip: Rent a truck or ask a friend with a truck to help you and buy in bulk. This means buying per yard. One yard top-dressing yields an area of 400sqft. Ask your local nursery for suggestions. The quality is far superior and your wallet will thank you!