The Fall Garden

Collecting seeds, removing summer plants, raking leaves…all of these may be on your fall gardening to-do list, but don't forget to add planting to it, as well! Cool-season vegetables produce a tasty fall crop if planted now, and it’s also a good time to plant bulbs, annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Many youth gardens focus on spring and summer activities, missing out on the rewards of an autumn garden experience. Fall generally brings favorable weather with cooler temperatures and ample sun and rainfall. Some cool-season plants actually perform better when grown in the fall. From a teaching perspective, a fall garden allows you to plan plant-based lessons throughout the academic year, which enhances learning and encourages a love of gardening and an appreciation for the environment.

Background and Lessons
The Fall Garden - Ideas to help your fall gardening season flourish.

Extending the Harvest - Gardening techniques to extend the growing season.  

Lesson Ideas
Bulb Botany - Students explore the parts of fall-planted, spring-blooming bulbs through dissection.

Lettuce in the Landscape -Students investigate the ornamental properties of lettuce in order to expand students' perceptions of what kinds of plant material can be used in landscapes.

Program Spotlights
Lesson in a Bowl - Advisory Board Member Candace Clavin Rein shares experiences from her New England salad garden project.

Garden Fresh vs. Store Bought: You Decide - Advisory Board Member Susan Stradling shares survey results from youth gardeners and fellow staff members.

Topsy Turvy Tomato Planter
A fresh approach to container gardening

Cedar Raised Beds
Garden even if your schoolyard is paved



Rain Barrel
Capture runoff from your school's roof for irrigation

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