486 - Making Space for Fall Crops (when summer crops are still growing)

Trying to plant a fall garden when your beds are still full of summer crops?

You don't have to clear everything at once. A simple bed-by-bed assessment can help you decide what stays, what goes, and where your fall crops can fit.

In this episode, I walk you through how I transition my garden from summer to fall, including how I decide when to remove productive plants, prepare tired soil, add compost, manage mulch and irrigation, and use space underneath taller crops. You'll also learn how I approach direct sowing versus transplants and plan ahead for garlic, onions, and winter beds.

Harvest to Kitchen
Learn step-by-step how I preserve my garden harvest through canning, freezing, and dehydrating. Use code PRESERVIT by August 31 for $50 off.
https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen

Key Takeaways

• Decide which summer crops can come out now.

• Identify crops you're ready to stop growing.

• Refresh cleared beds with about two inches of compost.

• Adjust bed prep for seeds versus transplants.

• Use taller summer crops for temporary fall shade.

Chapters

00:00 – Harvest to Kitchen sale
01:48 – Assess your fall garden space
04:08 – Know what can come out
06:32 – Make room for fall brassicas
08:49 – Remove crops you're done with
11:12 – Plan what comes out soon
13:34 – Refresh soil for fall planting
15:45 – Prep for seeds and transplants
18:09 – Plant beneath taller crops
20:27 – Use temporary shade wisely
22:13 – Try relay planting
23:05 – Give brassicas enough sun
25:19 – Plan for garlic and onions
27:44 – Harvest to Kitchen reminder

Resource Links

Fall Salad Garden Planning Calendar:
Plan your fall salad garden with planting dates that help you stay on track.
http://journeywithjill.net/fallsaladgarden

Friday Emails:
https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

YouTube:
https://journeywithjill.net/youtube

Podcast Archive:
https://journeywithjill.net/podcast

Recommended Brands & Products:
https://journeywithjill.net/recommended-brands-and-products/

Amazon Storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeginnersgarden

Harvest to Kitchen

If preserving your garden harvest is something you want to build into your routine, Harvest to Kitchen walks you through canning, freezing, and dehydrating step-by-step in my kitchen. It includes nearly 60 how-to videos and printable recipes, plus new lessons on freezer pickles and candied jalapeños.

Use code PRESERVIT by August 31 to save $50, bringing the price from $149 to $97.

https://journeywithjill.net/harvest-to-kitchen

Disclaimer

Gardening advice shared in this podcast is based on my own experience in Zone 8a (Arkansas) and from the feedback I receive from others in different gardening contexts. Your results may differ depending on your location, climate, and growing conditions. Always check your local extension service or trusted resources for region-specific guidance.

Some links mentioned may be affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.