Row by Row Episode 213: Growing Small In The Fall

No, we don't mean you should be growing less, just think about other smaller uses to grow your own food. There is a lot more focus on the container and raised bed gardens lately. More and more people are starting to learn how to garden and become more sustainable. One of our favorite times to garden using containers and raised beds is in the fall. Container, vertical, and raised bed gardening is ideal for those with little to no in-ground garden space. Problems with soil-borne diseases, nematodes, or poor soil conditions can be easily overcome by switching to a container garden.

Did you know that raised beds are one of the most popular ways to garden? Vertical gardening is also growing in popularity with people using new or existing structures in their homes. Think of the space you can save with vertical growing! Let's look at some reasons why you should be growing small in the fall!

Container Gardening, Growing Small in the Fall

Reason #1 you should be growing in containers: easy access! You can grow right outside your kitchen, or even inside your kitchen! Grow in spaces like balconies, patios, doorsteps, window sills, driveways, etc. It makes it easy growing small in the fall.

Sizes: Important to know how large, and deep the container must be. Consider the size and shape of the plant's root system, and how rapidly it grows. Light-colored containers keep the soil cooler than dark containers. Container Drainage: Drainage holes are essential

Prep: Put in desired space before filling and planting. Check the appropriate shade/sun according to plant requirements. Plain garden soil can be too dense.

Fall plants great for containers: Lettuce, Herbs, All-Top Turnips, Kale, Collards, Beets, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Mustards

Container Materials - Growin Small In The Fall

Clay or terracotta are attractive but breakable and easily damaged by freezing and thawing
Cast concrete is long-lasting but can be heaving and hard to move.
Plastic and fiberglass are lightweight and become brittle with cold or age.
Wood: Choose a naturally rot-resistant wood. Don’t use creosote (toxic to plants)
Root Pouch Grow Bags: Allows the plant roots to breathe and grow but make sure you have the right size!

Raised Bed Gardening

One of the most popular ways to garden. Knowing the tips & tricks will help you be more successful!

Location: Survey your sun exposure throughout the day. Note the number of hours of full sun, part shade
Irrigation: Plan how you are going to irrigate
Soil: Don’t start with bad soil, invest in your soil because the soil is what feeds the plant. Crappy soil, crappy plants. Need soil with good nutrition, good water retention, good drainage
Compost 1/3 of the mix, aeration component 1/3 mix (perlite) 1/3 water retention material (peat moss, coconut coir)
Mulch: Organic covering for the top of your soil that’s going to help protect your soil, and help keep it nice and moist. Buffer layer to the top of the soil. (straw) be aware of wood chips
Placement of plants: Plan ahead and think about how the plant is going to grow and its size once it matures. Will it shade out other plants? Low growers up front, bigger ones in the back.
Bed Preparation: Soil testing, amend, cover crops, Mulch, tarping, don’t let it stay bare.
Label your plants, and document what and when you planted them.

Vertical Gardening - Best way to grow small

When you're limited on space, grow up! Vertical gardening is growing rapidly in popularity. People are planting wherever they can. Pots suspended on a wall, stair step structures, vertical towers, arches, fence panels, trellis, and cages. Why? Here's why:

Saves space
Harvesting is easier when upright
Plants are healthier, up out of the soil, no splash back, leaves do not stay moist
Beautiful spaces
Fall Plants For Vertical Growing: pole beans, gourds, cucumbers, tomatoes, winter squash, peas
Fall Plants for Vertical Towers: Strawberries, Bush beans, herbs, lettuce