This month, seize the opportunity to kick off some new gardening habits and start fall vegetables in time for holiday meals.
by Addie Ladner

October brings a reenergized spirit in the yard, says Tami Purdue of Sweet Peas Urban Gardens: “The weather is nice and you can get so much done.” She shares some garden projects to try.

Save Your Seeds 

As your summer flowers and edibles fade, Purdue suggests harvesting their seeds. “Hold your hand under the dried flowers and gently shake them to release all those beautiful seeds,” she says. Wrap them in a dry paper towel and store inside a zip-top bag in a dark, cool spot.

It’s All Rosy 

“Fall is the time to get roses in the ground for a stunning show next year,” says Purdue. If you already have roses, prune them back to encourage flowering and a consistent shape. Start by cutting off dead branches and blooms, including any competing shoots at the center, then trim to your desired height.

Consider Composting

“Composting is an easy and affordable way to aid the garden,” says Purdue. Toss your veggie scraps, egg shells, coffee grounds and yard waste into a compost vessel or a partitioned-off area of your yard; once it’s broken down, add it to your soil. Purdue says the key to avoiding critters and smells is a 50/50 green-to-brown ratio: add enough yard clippings (the “green”) to balance and break down food waste (the “brown”). “Critters are lazy,” Purdue says. “They don’t want to dig to find your scraps.” 

This article originally appeared in the October 2024 issue of WALTER magazine.