Fall gardening hacks: how to grow more with less effort this season

Garden smarter, not harder this autumn

6 minute read

A woman with her hair up carries a basket of carrots and apples

Are you wondering why your spring and summer garden hasn’t been reaching its full potential despite working on it all throughout those seasons? Well, get your pots and shovels ready! Wondercide is here to help you outshine your own garden! While we love spring and summer and appreciate their vibrant aesthetics, we want to bring attention to the best planting season: fall.

Fall planting offers advantages that other seasons simply can’t match. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in gardening and embrace everything plant-related. At Wondercide, we’re excited to get our hands dirty and give our yards some extra spunk this season.

Now is the time to take your planting skills to the next level and out-grow your spring and summer gardens from last year. Compete against yourself to see just how gorgeous your garden can grow when you start planting in the fall. 

Why is fall your garden’s biggest ally?

You’re probably wondering what’s so special about the fall that makes planting so much better. Buckle in as we break down why this season will leave you with a flourishing garden and a greater appreciation for plants.

It’s cool to plant in the fall.

The temperatures are cooling down, making it less sweat-inducing to get down and dirty outside. The heat has a way of pushing us back indoors even when we’d rather be in nature. Not only will you be more comfortable spending long hours outside, but your plant pals will appreciate it too. Without the bright summer sun, your plants will feel relieved of heat stress and are more likely to survive.

The fall is rooting for you.

While the air may feel colder, the soil remains warm in the fall from the intense heat it endured over the summer. Warmer soil allows roots to grow faster which will help plants grow strong in the fall and winter seasons. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll have an impressive patch of greenery.

It’s a pollination coronation.

This may be shocking to hear, but some bugs are a gardener’s best friend. You may be accidentally swatting away a little critter that was going to help your garden grow. Pollination is an essential process in nature. Without it, we’d lose access to a large chunk of what goes on our plate every day. Bees pollinate about 75% of all the fruits, nuts, and veggies grown in the U.S. according to the USDA. Bees are still around in the early fall before the temperatures get too chilly. So, why not gift them with a pollination exploration in their final weeks?

Singing and digging in the rain.

The fall season is known for its showers, which are an essential part of creating a healthy green space. The more rainfall you get, the more natural water will nourish your garden. Sometimes, taking on the responsibilities of gardening can weigh heavily. But when Mother Nature’s doing the work for you, you’ll have an easier time keeping your garden quenched and ready to sprout.

A woman with gardening gloves on digs in her fall garden with white flowers in the foreground

The need to get rid of weeds.

What’s a garden’s arch enemy? You guessed it- weeds. Luckily, in the fall, weeds tend to be less aggressive. So, your outdoor haven will spend less time fighting against weeds and more time flourishing.

Quiz yourself on autumn’s favorite plants

Now that you’re ready to whip out the spade and seeds this season, you’re probably wondering what you should plant. Let Wondercide test your knowledge of which plants thrive through fall planting. After, check out which plants do well in each region of the U.S. so you can see what will flourish in your neck of the woods with Wondercide’s breakdown of fall plants!

What vegetables thrive in the fall?

Lots! The fall is a great time of year to get your vegetable garden prepped and ready. Broccoli, spinach, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, brussel sprouts, cabbage, peas, radishes, and kale all respond well to fall planting.

What herbs should be planted in the fall?

Cilantro and parsley! Herbs are a great way to spruce up a dish and you can begin the process right now!

Which flowers will brighten up your garden by planting in the fall?

Tulips, daffodils, crocuses, asters, goldenrods, coneflowers/echinacea, sedums, hyacinths, irises, freesias, anemones, ranunculuses, and zinnias will all make an excellent addition to your autumn planting excursion.

Pet safety in the fall garden

Remember, some plants when ingested can be toxic to dogs so plan your garden accordingly and supervise pets as needed.

How do you defend your family, pets, and garden from unwanted bugs?

Do you have a passion for plants but a fear of rolling around in the dirt with creepy crawlers? That’s a valid concern, and we understand. Luckily, we can help! With fall comes an influx of unwanted pests such as mosquitos, ticks, fleas, wasps and hornets, and fruit flies. The good news is you don’t have to let them ruin your planting experience.

With Wondercide’s Insect Repellent for the family, you can repel nasty little critters from entering your personal bubble. This nature-powered spray includes four delightful scents of your choosing; peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary, or cedarwood to help keep away the critters. It’s cruelty-free and lab-proven to work. Shake the spray well before using and then get your hands, feet, and ankles. When putting the insect repellent on your face and neck, spray into the hands first, then apply. Wondercide’s insect repellent is safe around people and pets when used as directed, and is safe for pollinators if they end up in the line of fire.

A woman spraying Wondercide cedarwood Insect Repellent bug spray

And for those who aren’t interested in getting stung by a buzzing bully while they garden, reach for Wondercide’s Wasp & Hornet spray. This plant-powered tool can kill wasps and hornets from 15’ away. Fear not these nasty bugs’ relentless weapons.

A woman's hand holding Wondercide Wasp & Hornet spray in front of a set of brown garage doors

Now that you’re armed and ready to go, it’s time to get your yard prepared for a season of gardening. With Wondercide’s Mosquito Yard Spray Refill Starter Kit you’ll have a proper defense against insects. Beyond mosquitos, this spray repels and kills ticks and ants, covering up to 15,000 square ft. It comes equipped with a ready-to-use spray for the yard, garden, and patio, plus a 16 oz concentrate good for up to 2 refills.

A woman spraying Wondercide Outdoor Pest Control hose-end spray

All that’s left is to find the perfect spot around your community to plant your seeds and watch them grow.

Gardening is a great way to get in touch with nature and scratch that wilderness itch in the fall. Join us in taking advantage of all this wonderful season has to offer. Between the apple picking and haunted hayrides, get outside with a garden and a goal! Find ways to top your garden from last year and elevate your outdoor space. Arm yourself from pesky bugs with Wondercide’s Insect Repellent to ensure that you have a pleasant planting experience. And if you’re new to the gardening world, check out our tips and starters for how to grow one in the fall. Go green and hit the scene!