Fall weather brings unique challenges and advisories. Here are some key factors to consider as you plant your crops, select seeds, and care for each plant properly. Keep reading to find out what the best vegetable to plant in October are.

Planting seasons throughout the year

Fall vegetable gardening hinges on two things: The climate you reside in, and the amount of care you are able to dispense on your plot. Some varieties do require more care than others. Predictably, winter in most regions is not hospitable for plant growth. The only exception to this would be, of course, tropical or desert climates. For moderate areas, springtime is labeled as March through May. This time frame is ideal for many root vegetables, like potatoes, turnips, and radishes. You’ll see some of those vegetables recirculate again in the fall when the weather cools again.

As you get closer to May and even June, leafy greens like mustard and swiss chard can flourish. Next, the summer season, which covers June through August, is best for planting tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. And that brings us to the fall.

October falls right in the middle of the final planting season of the year. Since the weather will start to cool, milder temperatures often bring rain. This means less watering for you and allows your garden to establish root systems in the ground.

Best vegetables for the fall

If you’re ready to whip up a hearty fall stew, you have your pick of vegetables to grow. Root vegetables include beets, carrots, radishes, and turnips. These colorful and resilient plants have the best cover in the case of early frosts, as long as the cold doesn’t penetrate too deeply into the ground. For greener options, try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, and most lettuce varieties. These leafy kinds tend to be frost tolerant and can even last through light snow on the ground.

Flavorful vegetables include garlic, onion, snow peas, and leeks. Especially if you add a good amount of mulch, you can increase protection from the varied fall elements. October can be an unpredictable time weather-wise, which is why these vegetables stand the best chance of surviving sudden fluctuations in temperature.

Foundational gardening practices

The key when choosing vegetables to plant in October is building better soil. To do this, go through your plot and clear out old debris. Next, it is important to till the soil. Tilling allows oxygen to reach deeper into the ground and keep your soil biologically active. Some gardeners prefer a no-till method, which disturbs the soil less but focuses on small, drilled holes when planting each seed. No-till prevents much of the topsoil disturbance. There are various pros and cons to the till and no-till method.

Once you’ve prepared the soil, it is time to plant. Take your time when planting, taking care to cover each crop thoroughly. When you top your seeds, insulate them thoroughly. A great way to reinforce this is to recycle fallen leaves and integrate organic matter with manure or other soils. Healthy root systems need to be watered every five to seven days, so depending on the amount of moisture your season brings, you’ll want to supplement your garden’s water supply.

October is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The leaves change, the weather cools, and the air is crisp and clean. If you’d like to get outside and indulge in the abundance of this magical season, try a vegetable garden. There is such a wide variety of vegetables that are able to flourish through frost and snow. Root vegetables especially circulate through both spring and fall planting periods. If you take the time to reinforce your soil, monitor the water supply, and plant early in the month, you’ll have a colorful spread to adorn your table. All you need is a small plot, a little patience, and a healthy appetite.

Can strawberries grow vertically?

The very simple answer: Yes! Strawberries are very versatile and hardy plants, making them easy to grow in a variety of planters, locations, and environments.
Although strawberries are typically grown horizontally in rows on the ground, that doesn’t mean you can’t switch up their position. Vertical growing can be perfect for those with limited space. You can create tall structures, allowing the strawberry plants to grow out parallel to the ground.

All your strawberry plants will need is the same watering, sunlight, and attention that they would otherwise get in the ground.

What is the best planter for strawberries?

The absolute best type of planter for a strawberry is one that mimics vertical growing walls. This type of pot features holes in various locations around the container. To plant, you simply poke the strawberry plants through the holes, leaving the roots buried in the compact dirt within the pot. This type of planter is ideal for strawberries because they are very little maintenance to begin with.

They really just require enough sunlight and water to get the job done. This type of planter also prevents the fruit from touching anything but the air, resulting in a much smaller chance of bacterial growth on the strawberries. Since strawberries have a shallow root system, this type of planter offers just enough soil for them to sit comfortably.

This hole-filled container can be bought or created on your own with a drill. Either way, it is an affordable, handy option to try that will result in vibrant, juicy red berries.

Do hanging strawberry planters work?

Hanging strawberry planters are a great way to grow luscious, delicious, fresh fruit right at home. The great thing about hanging planters is that they can fit nearly anywhere, making them a great option for anyone with limited space. Strawberry plants flourish in this type of environment because they offer plenty of growing space for the strawberries and compact soil for the roots to grip.

When it comes to getting a hanging strawberry planter of your own, it is important to ensure that you have a good space for proper growth. Ensure that the area you choose has plenty of sun and little to no wind.

How do you make a strawberry tower?

A strawberry tower is essentially a tall, cylindrical container that has holes cut into it for the strawberry plants. It is then filled up with nutrient-rich soil, fitted with lush, green strawberry plants, and placed in the sun for plenty of light. Making a strawberry tower can be easy when you have the right materials and tools to get the job done efficiently. To start, you’ll need:

• A tall, thin container as your base — something like a five-gallon bucket
• Hole drill bits
• Landscape fabric
• Nutrient-rich soil
• Strawberry plants
• A sunny area

To begin, cut holes about two inches apart in all directions around your tall, thin container. Using hole drill bits will ensure a clean and circular opening that will be perfect for the plants. Next, line the interior walls with the landscape fabric and cut X-shaped slits where the fabric overlaps the opening to the holes. Fill the container with healthy soil and delicately push the roots of each plant into the openings on the sides of the bucket. Place your strawberry tower in a bright, sunny area and water it daily to enjoy a fruitful harvest of strawberries each year.

There are a multitude of ways to grow your own delicious strawberries right at home. These methods and tactics offer you a way to be creative and find what works best for you. By growing vertically, you not only save space but also create a stunning wall of beautiful plants to enjoy. From strawberry towers to hanging planters, you can grow this delicious red fruit in any direction.

So, which is best for the modern gardener? This is quite the loaded question because the truth is that both peat moss and coconut coir can be useful under similar and different circumstances. When considering peat moss vs. coco peat, you’ll need to evaluate a few factors. Keep reading to learn more about some of the key similarities and differences between these exciting growing mediums.

What is coconut soil?

Coco fiber is often referred to as coconut soil or coco coir. It is a byproduct of coconut production and tends to be sourced in regions such as Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. Coco coir has a long history of use as a hydroponic growing medium. It’s becoming more popular as an alternative to soil for gardeners around the world.

Many claim coconut soil to be a particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly product. Others, however, disagree with this claim because of the vast amounts of water required to prepare commercial coconut fiber for use in gardening. Sustainability aside, coconut soil can be a very useful gardening product with a variety of applications.

What is peat made of?

Peat is derived from the sphagnum moss found mostly in Canadian marshlands. This product is naturally acidic and became available in the mid 1900s. It somewhat revolutionized gardening by allowing among other things for better control over the way water is retained in soil.

Peat helps soil retain water, which in turn allows vital nutrients and minerals to stick around longer, too. Peat moss can soak up a massive 20 times its weight in water, releasing it back at a very slow rate. This is the quality that has made it a standard for many gardeners over the past 50 years.

Where does peat moss shine?

Plants that thrive in moist soil will love growing in peat moss. The water retention qualities here are almost better than anything else out there. While not every plant loves this degree of moisture, many are very happy to receive it. Peat moss also tends to be a bit more cost effective than coconut coir in most cases. This can help it to be a less expensive growing medium.  Plus, if you water your plants with tap water, peat moss can be a useful choice. Because tap water tends to be alkaline, using peat moss—which is acidic—can promote a more neutral pH for your soil.

Is coconut soil good for plants?

Coconut soil can be a great choice for many different gardening applications. Coconut soil actually holds more water than peat moss but will not retain the water for as long. Also, because its pH is very close to neutral, it can be used with a wide variety of plants without the need for additives to balance acidity.

It’s possible to grow plants in a mixture of coconut coir as high as 80% coconut. This can be an attractive option for getting some of the benefits of both natural soil and coconut soil. With reconditioning, it’s even possible to use coconut soil from year to year. This is another benefit that boosts the sustainability profile of this growing medium.

Is coco coir better than soil?

If you can water your plants frequently, coco coir can be a vitality-promoting growing medium. In many cases, plants grow quicker and healthier when planted in this soil or a mixture than in normal soil alone. Coco coir is also a particularly useful compost addition. It has a high carbon composition that can help balance nitrogen-rich materials such as leftover foods and grass clippings. Many gardeners love that coco coir takes an exceptionally long time to decompose. This helps to make it a potent growing ally that can last for two to three growing seasons if reconditioned properly.

So, which is the right one for me?

Both peat moss and coconut coir can be very useful products for gardeners. They offer some similar benefits but also have many differences. The best choice is the one that matches the unique soil composition of your yard, the plants you want to grow, and several other factors.

If you are unsure which product to choose for your garden, consider consulting the experts at your local garden center. They will be able to give you the lowdown on these products once you tell them more about your garden and what you hope to achieve. The bottom line is simple: Both peat moss and coconut coir are amazing products that can be very useful for the modern gardener.

Since every landscape is unique, there could be a variety of solutions to dealing with excessive sun exposure. Perhaps there is ample space to reduce the sun’s intensity by shading the area with trees or large shrubs. Or maybe the home entrance faces west and needs a few nice foundation plants or an accent flower bed for curb appeal. Regardless of the scenario, this list of afternoon sun plants offers a variety of solutions.

Large shade trees 

If space permits, planting a shade tree can help. Trees that grow tall cast pockets of shade that move across the landscape as the angle of the sun changes through the day. The temporary shade that they provide gives smaller plants a bit of a break from the heat and helps the adjacent soil to retain more moisture. For easy maintenance, choose tree species that won’t drop large fruits, nuts, or flowers, like:

• Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry)
• Acer rubrum (Red Maple) 
• Acrocomia aculeata (Macaw Palm)
• Aesculus californica (California buckeye)

Small flowering trees

Flowering trees add ornamental beauty and structural interest to the landscape. Many selections grow best in the understory beneath larger trees and struggle in locations with intense sun and heat. Plants that can tolerate late afternoon sun and reward you with gorgeous bloom displays will be:

• Malus species (Flowering Crabapple)
• Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle)
• Prunus x cisterna (Purpleleaf Sand Cherry)
• Magnolia stellate (Star Magnolia)

Evergreen shrubs

If the landscape is a room, then evergreen shrubs are the furniture. Often used to accent entryways, add interest to large wall expanses, or to create living screens, evergreen shrubs are vital to effective landscape design. Of course, not all perform well in intense light and heat.

• Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae) grows to a pillar shape that is ideal for creating privacy screens or accenting tall entryways and corners.
• Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) features round, evergreen, boxwood-like leaves and a globe-shaped growth habit that makes an excellent landscape filler or neutral screen to highlight low-growing shrubs or perennials in front. 

Flowering shrubs

Flowering shrubs, whether evergreen or deciduous, add seasonal interest to the landscape with their bloom displays and, in many cases, foliage color. Layer them in foundation plantings among evergreen shrubs, or use them to create accents and focal points throughout the landscape. Choose flowering shrubs that will tolerate the afternoon sun and give multiple ornamental seasons.

• Numerous cultivars of Abelia chinensjis (Abelia) offer green or variegated, evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage and either pink or white flowers in midsummer.
• Itea virginica (Sweetspire) displays white flower panicles in early summer, brilliant burgundy foliage in autumn, and red stems through the winter.

Perennial plants

Perennials are herbaceous plants that grow back from the root year after year. Most are planted for their weeks-long flower displays. Include different species that bloom in spring, summer, and fall, as well as different plant sizes and flower types for a dynamic display that changes throughout the growing season. The best perennial afternoon sun plants are both sun loving and drought tolerant.

• Salvia nemorosa (Meadow Sage) grows low to the ground and produces purple flower spikes in spring.
• Coreopsis auriculata (Tickseed) produces a profusion of golden yellow flowers in late spring to early summer.
• Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) is a tall midsummer bloomer with pinkish-purple flowers.
• Hylotelephium telephium (Autumn Joy Sedum) is a mid-height succulent that produces pink buds in late summer, followed by red flowers in fall.

Annual flowers

Annual flowers live out their complete life cycle in one growing season. Use them in compact flower beds or container plantings to add intense, consistent color from spring through fall. There are lots of choices of annual plants for afternoon sun.

• Catharanthus roseus (Annual Vinca), is a compact, upright plant with intense flower colors including pink, red, white, and purple.
• Pentas lanceolata (Pentas) grow upright stems with terminal clusters of tiny white, red, or pink star-shaped flowers.
• Portulaca grandiflora (Moss Rose) is a low-spreading succulent plant that produces round one-inch diameter flowers in yellow, red, or orange tones.

Afternoon sun can be tough to manage, but some plants love it. Choose the right plants and you’ll enjoy a beautiful, thriving sunny landscape.

Tomatoes are some of the most versatile vegetables (or fruits, botanically speaking) out there, with over a thousand varieties in terms of colors, shapes, and sizes. Whether cooked or raw, they add a vibrant touch to the look and taste of a dish or sauce. Best of all, they’re loaded with nutrients that are linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of cancer as well as heart and bone diseases.

Want to enjoy tasty, fresh-picked tomatoes right in the comfort of your home? Thankfully, tomatoes are easy to grow on your own. You don’t need to be an expert gardener. You don’t even need a big space or know how to grow a vegetable garden to get started, either. Check out this quick guide on how to grow tomatoes in pots so that you can transport them easily when it comes time to harvest.

Benefits of growing tomatoes in pots

If you have recently acted on your balcony garden ideas and your space is limited to that area, no problem! Although tomatoes are typically cultivated in a vegetable garden, they also thrive in pots. Using this method has multiple advantages compared to planting directly in the soil, and it will help you save money on fertilizers.

By planting your tomatoes in containers, it’s much easier for you to protect the plants from critters (like rabbits and deer). You’ll also be better able to protect their roots from pests and diseases. You’ll be able to control how much water the plant gets, which prevents the soil from getting soggy or sandy. Additionally, there’s the convenience of adjusting the location of the pots to just about anywhere they can get sun and keeping them easily within reach for harvesting.

A step-by-step guide to growing tomatoes in pots

How to choose the right pot

The size of the pot should match the size of the plant. For tomatoes specifically, it’s better to go for bigger, deeper containers. Tomato seedlings may seem small, but a full-grown plant requires a lot of room in order to develop a strong root system. Dwarf varieties can make do with hanging baskets or pots sized 8 to 12 inches, while typical bush types will grow best in 5-, 8-, or 10-gallon buckets. For vining varieties, it’s recommended to go for 15- to 20-gallon tubs to ensure maximum support for the plants’ lengthening stems and heavy fruit production.

When it comes to the pot itself, there are many material choices available. Containers made of plastic and other artificial materials are fine choices, as they do not dry out quickly. Wine barrels, fabric pots, and galvanized metal troughs also make excellent vessels for growing tomatoes. You might wish to avoid terracotta, however, as the porous clay means the plan loses moisture quickly.

No matter what type of pot you use, make sure it has drainage holes to let the water drain freely and to let air reach the roots.

The best soil for growing tomatoes

Soil from planting beds can be too heavy for containers, and it could possibly contain pests and disease-causing organisms. We suggest using a premium-quality potting mix, particularly the light and fluffy type so there’s plenty of space for moisture and air to move through the soil.

As a rule of thumb, wait to plant until after the last frost in your region. Fill the pot with soil at least 1 inch below the rim so you can easily add a layer of mulch for maintaining moisture. Dig a hole so that most of the seedling is deep under the soil (about 2/3 of the stem) while keeping some leaves sticking out at the top. Any leaves or branches below the soil line must be removed. In time, roots will develop and strengthen, making them more likely to produce healthier plants. To avoid disturbing growing roots, insert a support when planting and secure it firmly into the soil. Depending on the type of tomato, you can use a stake, cage, or trellis.

Pick the right location and arrange the pots

Dealing with poorly-lit areas can be quite easy if you’re up to the task. Position the pots in a way that they’ll be exposed to the sun for at least six hours a day. You can move them to different spots if you think they aren’t getting enough sun in one location. Because tomatoes need consistent moisture, you might also want to place them near your garden hose reel, unless you don’t mind lugging around a watering can from time to time.

When arranging pots, group them to shade the roots, but leave enough space between them to prevent leaves from rubbing each other, which can spread diseases. One thing to note: Avoid placing them directly on asphalt and other hot surfaces (especially metal), since this can cause the roots to burn and interrupt plant growth.

Water and feed regularly

Proper watering is key to growing tomatoes in pots successfully. The soil must retain consistent moisture, but be careful not to saturate it. Do a simple finger push test—if the top inch is dry, it means the plant needs a drink. It also helps to have a saucer beneath the container to catch excess water. This will enable the plants to absorb extra moisture, which is especially ideal during hot days. A good garden hose can help make this easier.

Some potting soils already have nutrients in them, but you’ll want to continue feeding to yield stronger plants and juicier tomatoes. The general recommendation is to fertilize the plants about once every other week for the early growing period, and then taper fertilizing once the tomatoes start to ripen. Go for well-balanced fertilizers specially formulated for tomatoes and other summer crops.

But what happens if you’re limited on space? Good news! An outdoor kitchen (and that oh-so-necessary barbecue stand) can be fitted for a small space. Developing outdoor kitchen ideas for small spaces sometimes takes time because there are a lot of important aspects like available space, budget, and needs to consider. But once you have your own kitchen outdoors, you’ll realize that the time, effort, and money you put into planning, designing, and developing your outdoor kitchen ideas were well worth it.

How much does it cost to build a small outdoor kitchen?

Is it possible to build an affordable outdoor kitchen? What must you consider prior to beginning such a project? Before you extend or remodel your property to include an outdoor kitchen, it is important to first organize and plan everything. You’ll need to know what you want to accomplish with your new outdoor kitchen, what you will need to achieve those goals, how much it will all cost, and what the end result will be.

Price is definitely one of the most important components of any remodel or addition. How much do you want to spend on the design of your kitchen? The price range for outdoor kitchens is usually between $3,000 and $15,000. For a small outdoor kitchen, the cost should be closer to the lower end of that range.

Equipment in your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can choose anything from a bare-bones, economical style to a luxurious and extravagant outdoor kitchen with a large, impressive built-in grill, bar, sink, and refrigerator. That’s up to you, your space, your budget, and your needs.

Once you’ve done your homework and gotten a rough idea of the cost, it is important to also learn about outdoor kitchen design and layout for small spaces. The design or layout of your desired outdoor kitchen should not affect your house, yard, or porch design. This is a kitchen that can add to the value of your home, so make sure it doesn’t contrast with the original home design. Remember, you’re bringing a little of the indoors outside, so try to plan accordingly.

How do you plan the layout of an outdoor kitchen?

Once you’ve done your research, you can plan, design, and develop the layout of your outdoor kitchen, along with its construction. However, If you don’t feel confident in your planning skills and you have the room in your budget, you can use a professional (either a kitchen-making brand or an expert kitchen designer) to take care of the project for you. Obviously, hiring an expert will cost more than you developing it yourself, but you might decide that the expert’s experience is worth the additional cost.

There are many suitable small outside kitchen layout ideas to choose from, such as an L-shaped island, a basic island, or a U-shaped center. L-shaped layouts provide separate spaces for cooking and preparing food. A basic island layout, on the other hand, often includes a small cooking space, a sink, and a grill. It is most suitable for light cooking. The U-shaped center layout partitions the kitchens into several areas. These are special areas for you to prepare, cook, and eat, and are ideal if you plan to prepare a lot of food at once.

In addition to the above three projects, there are other kitchen projects and programs. You can really create a unique design to perfectly complement the size and shape of your house. The highlighted layouts can also be modified to suit your particular needs.

What should I put in my outdoor kitchen?

What types of accessories and appliances will you need in your outdoor kitchen? These can be as critical as deciding on which ones to put in your regular kitchen inside, but most of the outdoor choices will need to be weatherproof. Make sure to also take into account cabinets, tables, and other storage options. Keep in mind as well that you will need to run electricity and plumbing for outdoor appliances and sinks. If you aren’t hiring an expert to do the installation for you, be sure to check how easy these items will be to install on your own.

An attractive and fully-equipped outdoor kitchen just isn’t complete without a BBQ island. This grilling hotspot will be an eye-catcher in your outdoor kitchen space.

Even if you’re limited on space and funds, you can still create a pleasant and functional outdoor kitchen and dining area for all your get-togethers.

How do I make my grass greener?

If you already have a lawn planted and are just looking to spruce it up, there are a few things you can do to improve the look and health of your grass. Here are some tips.

Fertilize regularly, even in the fall

Fertilizers, whether store-bought or homemade compost, are an excellent way to get a fuller, more beautiful lawn. Make sure you’re fertilizing regularly, and remember to add fertilizer in the fall, even if you’ve stopped mowing for the year. Fertilizing in the fall will ensure your lawn survives the winter, as it helps the grass bulk up before the cold months, like a bear about to hibernate. Give it the nutrients it needs to get through the coldest part of the year and you’ll see stronger, greener, healthier grass return in the spring.

Improve your mowing strategies

Another easy way to improve the look of your lawn is to change the way you mow it. Check your blades to see if they’re becoming dull, and sharpen them if you need to. Dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, and torn grass turns brown much more quickly.

Consider changing the height you cut at and not taking quite as much off the top. Cutting too much of any plant at once can stress it out, and your grass is no exception. Trimming off just the ends leads to a healthier, greener lawn.

Finally, if you find you mow in the same pattern every time you cut the grass, you’re likely crushing the same sections of grass each time with your wheels. Add a little variety to your mowing route to easily avoid this problem.

Make sure your lawn gets the moisture it needs with additional watering

Watering your lawn is also important. In many climates, your grass should get most of the water it needs from rain, with only occasional watering to supplement rainfall. If you live somewhere drier, you may need to water your lawn more frequently. Water your lawn early in the morning or in the late afternoon so the water has time to soak in before evaporating, which helps you avoid burning your grass.

In the event of a drought, you can conserve water by creating a rain barrel or by saving some of the water you use that might otherwise go down the drain. As long as the water doesn’t have any chemicals or a lot of salt mixed in, it’s safe to use on your lawn.

How do I get started creating a beautiful green lawn?

If you haven’t already established your lawn, here are some things you can do to ensure your new lawn comes up strong, lush, and vibrant. 

First, ensure you properly loosen and aerate your soil. This makes it easier for the roots to grow thick and strong and for the plants to get plenty of oxygen. You can turn an inch or two of topsoil, as you would in a garden, with professional aerators or with a trowel or garden fork.

Seeding thickly and reseeding in the spring, especially if you have thin spots in your lawn, helps maintain a thick, luscious yard.

Dandelions, often considered the bane of lawn care, actually break up soil and aerate lawns naturally due to their long, strong roots. If you find your lawn filled with dandelions, let them do some of the work for you before getting rid of them. If they’re going to hang out, you might as well put them to work for you!

What can I spray on my lawn to make it greener?

There are plenty of chemical and organic sprays that claim to make your grass greener, but knowing which one is right for your lawn can be a challenge. If the pH of your soil is higher than 7, look for sprays or fertilizers that include iron sulfate or sulfur.

Homemade compost is great for this. For a soil pH lower than 6, look for sprays or treatments that include limestone. Slow-release sprays and fertilizers, or ones that release nutrients in stages over a period of time, are excellent for helping your grass fend off weeds, which in turn leads to a greener, healthier lawn.

What is the greenest grass variety?

Grass grows almost everywhere, and there’s certainly no shortage of varieties. If you’re looking for dark green grass, Kentucky bluegrass is a favorite among many lawn experts, with perennial ryegrass not far behind. Both have dark, rich colors and grow quickly and thickly. Just note that if you live somewhere with very hot temperatures, these grasses might not be the best choice; they both prefer cooler climates over warmer ones.

If you live farther south, look for floratam, a variety of St. Augustine grass. It grows more slowly than Kentucky bluegrass, but it has a similar dark green color. Bermuda grass, another Southern favorite, grows more quickly than floratam and is also a deep, rich green.

If you’d like something vibrant but light, check out centipede grass! It has an interesting, pale-blue-green color that’s sure to turn heads.

Lawncare doesn’t need to be stressful, and a green lawn doesn’t have to be out of reach. If you want to know how to get a green lawn, these tips can help you get and keep the lawn of your dreams. With a little work and some patience, even the driest brown lawn can become lush, beautiful, and green.