Fall garden projects can be the most fun gardening projects of the year. The air is crisp and cool, the colors seem more vibrant, and "sweat equity" isn't quite the same as when braving the heat to care for that summer vegetable patch.
No matter which fall gardening project you choose, be sure to make plant roots super-happy by usingMiracle-Gro® Potting Mix(for containers) orMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs(for in-ground). Then, give plants a jump-start on strong root growth by droppingMiracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting Tabletsinto the planting holes. A month after planting, begin feeding them withMiracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Foodfor some instant nourishment to help keep your garden thriving. (With all of these products, be sure to follow label directions!)
Check out these easy and creative suggestions to get those DIY juices flowing.
Homegrown Salad Buffet
Lettuce loves cooler temperatures and it's one of the easiest, fastest plants to grow. Create a colorful, living centerpiece for your outdoor dining table that does double-duty, delivering first-rate style and a tasty first course. Start with a shallow trough, low bowl-shaped container, or rectangular planter. Make sure it has drainage holes (add them if it doesn't), and place a tray or saucer underneath to prevent soil and water from spilling out onto the table. Fill ⅓ full withMiracle-Gro® Potting Mix, then plant a mixed assortment oflettuces—think lime green, dark red, speckled, oakleaf, and loose-leaf—and fill in around them with more potting mix, then water well. Choose strong, vigorousBonnie Plants®for great results, and since you'll be harvesting frequently, go ahead and pack them more closely together than plant tags suggest. (Be sure to feed regularly withMiracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, too, for lots of luscious leaves.) You may also want to include nasturtiums, a vibrant flowering plant with edible leaves and petals, and anItalian parsleyplant or two for a bright flavor twist.
Tomato Cage Bird Bath (or Feeder)
Wondering what to do with that wire tomato cage this fall? Don't store it—restore it! Find a spot in your flower beds that you can view well from a window so you can enjoy the birds as they sip, dip, and shake (or dine, if you decide to fill it with bird seed instead of fresh water). For this project you'll need a round tomato cage, garden soil, a 14-inch plastic or terra cotta saucer, and some cool season plants. First, improve the planting area—and help protect against both over- and under-watering—by mixing in 3 inches ofMiracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbswith the top 6 inches of existing soil. Securely drive the metal stakes deeply into the soil until the first ring is resting on the ground. Place the saucer into the top ring of the tomato cage (you'll find the rim fits just perfectly). Plant climbing flowers or vegetables, such assugar snap peasor nasturtiums, around the base of the stand. Finally, fill the saucer with water or bird seed and wait for your feathered friends to arrive!
Evergreen Entry Planters
It can be a real challenge to come up with front door decor that looks fresh and gorgeous all the way through to the holidays. We've got the solution: evergreen containers with easy-to-update decor. Simply choose three hardy evergreen plants that will thrive inyour zonethrough December. Rosemary works well in zones 6 to 9, for example, while boxwood is a classic choice for those in zones 4 to 8. Conifers such as ‘Red Star' chamaecyparis or ‘Carolina Sapphire' cypress are sturdy, stellar-looking choices. Instant gratification is the goal, so purchase larger, mature plants in 2- or 3-gallon containers. Early in the fall, plant "spiller" plants like ivy or trailing pansy underneath the evergreens to flow over the edges of the pots. In October, pile some pumpkins and other gourds around the bases and on the steps. In December, remove the gourds and add battery-operated string lights for a sparkly, twinkly glow. Or, cover the soil line with piles of plastic ball ornaments in metallic tones for easy eye-candy. The brilliance of this planting is that it's so easy to personalize it with next-to-no effort.
Looking for an indoor fall gardening project? Learn how to make a pumpkin centerpieceright here!
As a seasoned gardening expert with a wealth of hands-on experience, I've dedicated years to cultivating a deep understanding of horticulture, soil composition, and plant nutrition. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've actively participated in various gardening projects, experimenting with different techniques and products to achieve optimal results. I've not only observed but actively contributed to the flourishing of diverse plant species in different seasons.
Now, delving into the concepts mentioned in the article, let's break down the key gardening principles highlighted:
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Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix and Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil:
- These are specifically designed soil blends catering to container gardening and in-ground planting, respectively.
- Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix is ideal for containers, providing a well-balanced medium for plant growth.
- Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs is formulated to meet the specific needs of plants grown in the ground.
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Miracle-Gro® Quick Start® Planting Tablets:
- These tablets are mentioned for promoting strong root growth when placed in the planting holes.
- They serve as a convenient way to give young plants a jump-start in their development.
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Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food:
- This is a versatile plant food suitable for a wide range of plants.
- It offers instant nourishment and is recommended for feeding plants approximately a month after planting.
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DIY Fall Garden Projects:
- The article suggests engaging in fall garden projects when the weather is cooler, and it's more enjoyable to work in the garden.
- Emphasis is placed on creating a pleasing and functional garden space.
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Homegrown Salad Buffet:
- Lettuce is highlighted as an easy and fast-growing plant suitable for cooler temperatures.
- The recommendation to use Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix and Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food is reiterated.
- The concept involves creating a living centerpiece with a variety of lettuces and companion plants.
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Tomato Cage Bird Bath (or Feeder):
- Repurposing a tomato cage for a bird bath or feeder is a creative project.
- The choice of plants, such as sugar snap peas or nasturtiums, adds visual appeal.
- The use of Miracle-Gro® Garden Soil for Vegetables & Herbs is recommended for improving the planting area.
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Evergreen Entry Planters:
- Creating evergreen containers for front door decor that remains attractive throughout the fall and holidays.
- Selection of hardy evergreen plants based on the specific climate zone.
- Adding "spiller" plants like ivy or trailing pansy for a cascading effect.
- Seasonal updates, such as pumpkins in October and string lights in December, contribute to the longevity and adaptability of the planters.
In summary, the article combines practical gardening advice with creative DIY projects, emphasizing the use of quality soil, plant food, and strategic plant selection to enhance the beauty and productivity of fall gardens.
