September arrives with a whisper of fall in the air. The trees begin their transformation, dressing in brilliant hues of crimson and gold. Cozy knits make their seasonal debut, and the scent of sweet apple treats drifts from kitchen windows. Warm days give way to crisp, cool nights—a gentle reminder that the seasons are shifting.
This is a time to step outside, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the place we call home.
Castle Rock typically sees its first frost around October 3rd, but that doesn’t mean your gardening days are over. With thoughtful planning, you can extend your growing season and enjoy your harvest well into the early frost.
Late-Season: Fall Gardening Tips
As the season shifts, your garden can continue to thrive.
1. Stop Fertilizing
Let your plants gradually wind down and harden off.
2. Early September Planting
You can still sow cool-season crops like:
- Swiss chard
- Spinach
- Kale
- Beets
- Radishes
These vegetables can be harvested before a hard frost.
3. Plant Spring-Flowering Bulbs
Wait until nighttime temperatures are 40–50°F. Think tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
4. Install Spring Perennials
Plant at least six weeks before the ground freezes.
5. Add Evergreen Trees
Introduce year-round structure and beauty to your garden.
6. Water Through Winter
Continue watering trees and shrubs during dry spells.
Garden Etiquette for Autumn
7. Save Seeds
Collect and label seeds from your favorite plants for next season.
8. Clean Up with Care
Remove dead vegetation to reduce disease.
9. Mulch Generously
Apply mulch to insulate plant roots and retain soil moisture.
10. Aerate & Deep Water Lawns
11. Apply Grub Control
Treat lawns to prevent root damage.
12. Support Local Wildlife
Place out suet feeders for overwintering birds.
With mindful care, your garden can continue to bring joy, beauty, and abundance—long after summer fades. Autumn is not the end; it’s an elegant pause before the next flourish.
Happy gardening.
Gardening is more than a lifestyle—it’s a passion cultivated over 25 years in landscape design. I cherish every moment spent nurturing the earth, watching beauty unfold, and sharing nature’s bounty. From vibrant blooms to fresh harvests, my hope is to inspire you to step outside, breathe deeply, and grow with intention.
Let’s create something beautiful—together. Happy gardening.