Preparing Your Fall Garden: A Low-Waste Approach

With less than 30 days until the Fall Equinox, I can feel Autumn settling in and see the beginning of the most beautiful metamorphosis. Imagine those mornings, crisp and clear, where every breath feels invigorating, and the comforting embrace of a hot cup of coffee becomes a cherished ritual. Just when you thought the summer's intense heat had worn out our floral companions, the fall offers them a reprise. A second bloom ensues, revealing nature's resilience and enchantment. And while the flowers put on their encore, there's a palpable excitement in the air. We all sense it - the anticipation of diving into our closets to reunite with our beloved, cozy sweaters. It's a time when every rustling leaf and every fleeting sunset feels like a personal love letter from Mother Earth, inviting us to slow down, reflect, dream, and hope for the future.

As a gardener, I love this transition and am savoring every last moment of fresh tomatoes, blueberries, and all the rest of Summer’s delights. While I’m sad to see them go, I’m anxious to compost what’s left of them and start fresh. Some of the beds will be put to rest, and others will be sewn with new, leafy goodness to enjoy this season. 

Seeds to Sow in the Fall: What to Plant in a Fall Garden

As autumn graces our gardens, it offers a prime opportunity for planting a range of edibles, particularly for those who might be venturing into gardening for the first time. Leafy greens like kale, spinach, and other lettuces thrive in the cooler conditions of the season, making them an excellent choice for novice gardeners. 

This is an ideal time to focus on what grows beneath the soil - root vegetables. As the temperatures dip, the underground world thrives, making it the perfect season for planting and harvesting a variety of root crops. Vegetables like carrots, beets, turnips, and parsnips are particularly suited for the cooler conditions, developing a sweeter taste as they remain in the cold ground. These veggies are not only delicious and versatile in recipes but also packed with essential nutrients. 

Want a set-it-and-forget-it option? Plant garlic and onions. These bulbs thrive when planted in the fall, as they require a period of cold dormancy to break their growth cycle. For garlic, autumn planting allows it to establish roots before winter, ensuring early spring growth and a bountiful summer harvest. Onions, when sown in the cooler months, benefit from an extended growth period, resulting in larger, more flavorful bulbs by harvest time. Both crops are relatively low-maintenance, making them suitable for novice and seasoned gardeners.

Besides the sheer joy of cultivating your own food, there are tangible benefits to be reaped. Growing your own greens can be a significant cost-saver, cutting down your grocery bills. Environmentally speaking, home gardening reduces the need for transportation and plastic packaging associated with store-bought greens, making it a sustainable choice that contributes positively to the planet's well-being.

If edibles aren’t your thing, fall offers a palette of opportunities to set up for both immediate and future blooms. While the autumnal landscape might predominantly be associated with the shedding of leaves, it also witnesses the vibrant blossoms of Chrysanthemums, asters, and goldenrod. These fall-blooming flowers add an unexpected burst of color to gardens, heralding the changing seasons. But the magic of fall planting doesn't stop there. You can also plant bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth during this time, setting the stage for a riot of colors come spring. Besides aesthetic value, there's an ecological advantage to fall planting. Opting for native flowers bolsters local biodiversity, attracting pollinators and other beneficial wildlife. Moreover, native plants, once established, typically require less water and care, promoting sustainable and water-wise gardening practices. So, even if edibles aren't your primary interest, autumn remains a promising season for planting, ensuring beauty and sustainability go hand in hand.

The "Leave the Leaves" Campaign

With its cascade of colorful leaves blanketing the ground, Autumn is not only a visual spectacle but also brings with it several ecological benefits. These beauties are not mere garden debris; they play a crucial role in sustaining the health and vitality of our natural habitats.

One of the primary advantages of these fallen leaves is their ability to act as a natural mulch. By spreading them across garden beds, they help suppress the growth of unwanted weeds, reducing the need for chemical herbicides (although we hope you’re not using those anyway). In addition, leaves form a protective layer that aids in retaining soil moisture. This is particularly valuable during drier months, ensuring plants receive consistent hydration and reducing the need for frequent watering.

But the significance of fallen leaves isn't confined to plant health alone. They serve as a habitat and food source for loads of beneficial insects and wildlife. For instance, several butterfly and moth species lay their eggs in leaf litter, ensuring their larvae have immediate access to food upon hatching. Frogs, toads, and salamanders also find refuge among the damp, decomposing leaves, protecting them from predators and harsh weather conditions.

As for methods to utilize these fallen treasures, gardeners can harness the decomposing power of leaves by creating leaf mold. This decomposed matter, rich in nutrients, is a gift to soils, enhancing their structure and fertility. By simply piling up wet leaves and allowing them to decompose over a year, one can procure a valuable soil amendment that boosts plant growth and health. Furthermore, leaves can be strategically placed over garden beds during winter months, offering a protective shield against frost and harsh temperatures. This not only conserves the warmth of the soil but also ensures perennial plants and bulbs remain unharmed during cold spells.

In essence, the leaves that trees shed during autumn are far from being mere organic refuse. They are, in fact, nature's way of ensuring a cycle of life, growth, and sustainability. The next time you see a carpet of leaves in your garden, remember how they silently contribute to the environment and send a little thank you. Go ahead, leave the leaves. 

Sustainable Bird Feeding Practices

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the natural food sources for our avian friends become scarcer. This makes the colder months, especially fall, a crucial period for supporting local bird populations. Feeding birds during this season not only aids their survival but also offers a delightful opportunity to observe them closely and see many different species that frequent our gardens and balconies.

However, with the growing awareness about environmental sustainability, how and what we feed birds needs a thoughtful approach. One significant step toward this is choosing birdseed that aligns with eco-conscious values. Opt for bulk birdseed that comes without plastic packaging, a move that not only reduces waste but often proves more economical in the long run. These seeds, typically available in local feed or pet stores, can be stored in reusable containers, ensuring freshness while minimizing environmental impact.

But it's not just about the food itself. The vessel through which we offer these treats can be sustainable too. Upcycling materials around your home to create DIY bird feeders is both an environmentally-friendly and creative endeavor. From old teacups and wooden boxes to mesh fruit bags, the possibilities are endless. Crafting these feeders can also be a fulfilling family activity, merging the joys of creativity with the ethos of sustainability.

Beyond the immediate provision of birdseed, consider a longer-term approach by planting bird-friendly plants in your garden or yard. Plants like berry-producing shrubs or seed-laden grasses offer natural food sources for birds. This method not only supports the local bird population but also promotes biodiversity, attracting a wider variety of species and ensuring they receive a balanced diet.

In essence, feeding birds sustainably in the fall is a harmonious blend of immediate support and long-term ecological thinking. It reminds us that even our smallest actions can have profound implications for the world around us, forging a deeper connection between humans and nature.

Embracing Low-Waste Practices in the Fall Garden

Low-waste gardening isn't just about growing plants—it's about cultivating an environment where every resource is treasured, and nature thrives in its purest form. Here's a quick rundown of its core practices:

• Composting: Every gardener's dream is to have rich, fertile soil. Composting is a transformative process that converts garden waste into nutrient-dense compost, often referred to as 'black gold'. This organic matter not only enriches the soil but also improves its texture, fostering healthy plant growth. If you’d like more info on composting check out our past blogs or go to www.clarkcountycomposts.org.
• Water Conservation: Mindful water use is vital in sustainable gardening. Practices like collecting rainwater in barrels provide a natural source of irrigation. For more local information on this topic, check out Clark Green Neighbors.
• Natural Pest Control: Instead of relying on chemical pesticides, low-waste gardening advocates for biological solutions. This includes introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs and lacewings, that naturally prey on common pests. Companion planting, or strategically pairing plants that support each other's growth and deter pests, is another effective method for maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. We have some really great books in our lending library that can help with this!
• Reusing and Upcycling Garden Supplies: A true low-waste gardener sees potential in everything. Instead of discarding old pots or plant markers, they're given a second life through creative repurposing. Whether it's painting pots to give them a fresh look, or turning discarded wooden spoons into plant markers, the possibilities are endless when imagination meets sustainability!

More Ways to Have a Low-Waste Lifestyle Fall

Since we’ll all soon be spending some more time indoors, here are a few sustainable activities to immerse yourself in during this season:

• Crafting with Nature: As the leaves change color and pinecones litter the ground, nature presents a plethora of crafting materials. Utilize fallen leaves, twigs, and pine cones to create rustic home decor items, a fairy house (or an entire village), DIY artwork, or anything else you can dream up! 
• Community Seed Swaps: Building community ties while fostering biodiversity is the essence of seed swaps. By organizing or participating in these exchanges, individuals can reduce packaging waste and encourage the growth of diverse plant species in local gardens. We’ve got one on the books but perhaps you want to host another?
• Seasonal and Local Eating: Fall ushers in a cornucopia of delicious produce. From pumpkins to apples, the season is abundant. Embracing a diet based on local and organic fall foods not only ensures freshness but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-haul transportation.

As we bid farewell to the warm embrace of summer and welcome the refreshing chill of fall, it's an ideal time to reflect, recalibrate, and embrace sustainable practices in our daily lives. Remember, every small action counts in our collective journey towards a greener future. For those seeking hands-on experiences and community engagement, our shop will be hosting a series of workshops and events throughout the season, providing an excellent opportunity to learn, share, and grow together. From all of us here, we wish you a fantastic end to your summer and a fruitful, eco-conscious autumn ahead.