As the warmer weather finally finishes, it’s time to prepare your Vegepod garden for the cooler months ahead. Transitioning your Vegepod for autumn planting ensures a smooth shift between seasons, allowing you to make the most of your raised garden beds.
With proper soil care, some strategic crop selecting, and frost protection, you can set yourself up for a thriving autumn harvest. Follow these practical steps to clear out your summer crops and get your Vegepod ready for the next season.
Harvesting the last of summer produce
Before you start transitioning your garden, it’s important to harvest the last of your summer produce. Late-season crops like tomatoes, strawberries, capsicums, chilies, and zucchinis can still be used in a variety of ways to avoid waste.
● Tomatoes: Make homemade pasta sauce, salsa, or sun-dried tomatoes.
● Strawberries: Preserve them by making jams, freezing them for smoothies, or dehydrating them for a sweet snack.
● Capsicums and chilies: Roast and store them in olive oil, turn them into relishes, or dry chillies for long-term use.
● Zucchinis: Grate and freeze for baking, add to stir-fries or make zucchini fritters.
Using up the last of your summer crops ensures that you minimise waste while enjoying fresh, homegrown flavours.
Soil care after summer
After a long summer of growing, your soil needs some attention before the autumn planting season begins. The following steps will help replenish nutrients and improve soil structure:
1. Aerate the soil: Loosen compacted soil using a fork or cultivator to improve drainage and allow roots to spread easily.
2. Composting: Mix in organic compost to replenish lost nutrients and enhance soil fertility.
3. Mulching: Apply a fresh layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
4. Balancing soil pH: Test your soil and amend it if necessary, with lime (to reduce acidity) or sulphur (to increase acidity) to create optimal conditions for autumn crops.
5. Adding organic fertiliser: Apply slow-release organic fertilisers such as manure or seaweed-based liquid feed to support healthy growth in the coming months.
Best autumn crops for Vegepod’s raised beds
Autumn is a fantastic time to grow a range of vegetables in Vegepod’s raised garden beds. With a self-watering system and protective cover, these beds provide an ideal growing environment for cool-season crops.
Some of the best crops to plant in your Vegepod during autumn include:
● Leafy greens: Spinach, kale and lettuce thrive in cooler temperatures.
● Root vegetables: Beetroot, carrots and radishes grow well in raised beds with deep soil.
● Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower benefit from the protection of Vegepod’s canopy.
● Herbs: Coriander, parsley and thyme flourish in the mild autumn climate.
Setting up frost protection for young seedlings
In some regions, autumn temperatures can drop significantly, leading to the risk of frost. Protecting your seedlings is crucial for their survival and healthy growth. Here’s how to safeguard your plants against frost:
1. Use Vegepod’s protective canopy: The microclimate cover acts as an insulator, keeping temperatures stable and protecting young plants from frost.
2. Apply mulch: A thick layer of mulch around seedlings helps retain warmth and moisture in the soil.
3. Water in the morning: Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, so watering in the morning allows the soil to stay warmer overnight.
4. Use row covers or cloches: If frost is expected, covering plants with fleece, plastic cloches, or garden fabric can help shield them from extreme cold. You can also purchase a Vegepod Hothouse Cover for added protection.
5. Position plants strategically: Keep seedlings in a sheltered area, such as near a wall or fence, to reduce exposure to cold winds.
Recipe ideas for your remaining summer crops
As you transition your garden for autumn, you might still have an abundance of summer crops left. Here are some delicious ways to use up tomatoes, strawberries, capsicums, chilies, and zucchinis:
● Tomato & basil bruschetta: Dice fresh tomatoes and mix with olive oil, garlic, salt, and chopped basil. Serve on toasted bread for a simple and tasty snack.
● Strawberry & spinach salad: Combine fresh strawberries with baby spinach, feta cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a refreshing salad.
● Roasted capsicum & chickpea hummus: Blend roasted capsicums with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a smoky, flavourful dip.
● Spicy chili oil: Infuse olive oil with dried chilies, garlic and herbs for a homemade spicy oil that’s perfect for drizzling over pasta or pizza.
● Zucchini fritters: Grate zucchini, mix with eggs, flour, and herbs, then fry until golden brown. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki.
These recipes ensure that your summer crops are put to good use while you transition into autumn planting.
Preparing your garden for autumn planting is an essential step in maintaining a productive garden year-round. By harvesting summer crops wisely, caring for your soil, choosing the right vegetables, and protecting young seedlings from frost, you can set your Vegepod up for a successful season. With a Vegepod-raised garden bed, transitioning between seasons is even easier, ensuring you can continue to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce with minimal effort.