🍂 Fall Planting Tips: Cool-Weather Herbs, Vegetables & Seeds

I’m back in the Sunshine State! Actually, it has been the Raining State, with rain throughout the summer.

The rain gauge was full to the max when I got home, and it holds 12 inches. Since I haven't emptied it for four months, who knows how much rain we really got? In the past week alone, we got seven inches as the hurricane passed!!

When we left in May to go to North Carolina, we were in a severe drought. I am hoping the rain we've been getting here is helping to fill the aquifer. There were places along the Suwannee River that could be walked across.

For those of my friends getting my Herb Talk and living near the Suwannee River, are you seeing an increase in water?

My wooly trough

All cleaned up!

As I expected after being gone for a while, the yard is VERY wooly and overgrown. To compound things, our mower is not working. 😕 Until we can get it repaired, I will be pulling weeds by hand where I would need to anyway, and using the weed-eater for the rest.

How to Store Seeds for Better Germination

As I mentioned in the last Herb Talk, I won't have time to do germination tests (check out my Herb Talk about testing seeds for germination here). I have a small fridge in my tree house craft room where I keep my seeds. It helps them stay viable longer and gives me a better chance of getting good germination.

This brings up a good point: if you didn't know already, storing your unused seeds in the refrigerator helps maintain their viability!

That doesn't mean you shouldn't check for germination, but it definitely gives them a better chance. Just be sure to keep your seeds dry in an airtight container to protect them from moisture.

My Favorite Cool-Weather Herbs and Vegetables

I love cold-weather herbs and edibles!

Certain greens, like lettuce, kale, etc., and herbs like cilantro, dill, and oregano (amongst others) are my favorites! I'm still deciding what I'm going to sow. 🤗

Here are some ideas for plants to consider growing during the cooler months:

• Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and arugula.

• Herbs: Cilantro, dill, parsley, and oregano.

• Root vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, and turnips.

• Other vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and peas.

  
  

The best choices and planting times will depend on your growing zone and local temperatures.

Preparing Your Garden for Fall and Winter

If you are like me and live in a climate zone that is a bit warmer, you can prepare for winter crops by sowing seeds and preparing the area where you'll be planting about four weeks later.

If you live in a colder zone, you should be preparing your soil for spring planting.

Consider growing cover crops that can be turned under to add organic matter to your planting area.

I actually wrote a blog on winter gardening tips that has great information you can start thinking about now as the colder weather approaches. Check it out here!

I also made a YouTube video about sowing seeds. It was one of my first, so please excuse the sound, etc.! 😂

There's lots more to talk about regarding gardening in the upcoming cooler weather, so stay tuned and share the ​sign up link​ for these Herb Talks with your friends! 😊