Tips and Inspiration for Your Autumn Veggie Garden

As the temperatures cool down, it's the perfect time to start planning your autumn veggie patch. Mild conditions during autumn make it an ideal season to plant and grow various vegetables, and the resulting fresh harvests can be just as rewarding as those from spring and summer. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a newbie, planting veggies in autumn is a great way to extend your growing season and enjoy a bountiful harvest.

To get the best results, it's important to start with the right soil. Veggies grow best in soil rich in nutrients and organic matter, with good drainage and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. You can achieve this by amending your soil with compost, aged manure, or other organic matter before planting. Mixing in a slow-release fertiliser will also help provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season.

In addition to providing proper soil, choosing the right vegetables to plant in autumn is essential. Some great options to consider include broccoli, carrots, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, and peas, which all thrive in the cooler temperatures.

Once you've chosen your veggies and amended your soil, keep your plants thriving with regular watering, particularly in warmer or drier weather, and apply plant fertiliser every 7-10 days. By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a thriving autumn veggie garden that provides you with a delicious and healthy harvest all season long.

Here are some additional tips to help get you started!

Choose the right location: Select a sunny location that is sheltered from strong winds. Avoid areas that are prone to frost pockets or where water may collect.

Start with seedlings: While growing from seed can be rewarding, it can also be challenging for beginners. Starting with seedlings can be an easier and more reliable option, especially for vegetables with a longer growing season.

Plan for succession planting: Rather than planting all your vegetables at once, consider planting in stages, with new plants every few weeks. This will help ensure a steady supply of fresh veggies throughout autumn.

Keep an eye on pests: Autumn can be a time when problems such as snails and slugs (not our Slugg!) are more active, so keep an eye out for any damage to your plants and take steps to control these pests as needed. 

Use mulch: Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help retain moisture in the soil and also help regulate soil temperature, keeping it warmer during cool autumn nights.

Experiment with varieties: Be bold and try new types of vegetables in your autumn garden. Some combinations may perform better than others in cooler weather, so it's worth trying a few different options to see what works best for you.

Happy planting!