Prepare the soil by mowing the weeds in your flower garden. Then, cover the area with twelve to fifteen inches of natural compost. Deep layers of compose allow very few weeds to spring up and an autumn garden will require less maintenance. There’s no need to dig or till the soil.
Compost
Use compost that is at least a year old. Any weeds that have germinated in that time will have died in the compost heap and they won’t make their way into your garden. Fresh compost will bring invited guests in the form of weeds. If you don’t have access to weed-less compost, weed the old fashioned way; on hands and knees or by using a hoe. Another alternative is to add a layer of mulch, straw or grass clippings.
Water
Don’t forget to water your autumn vegetable garden. Autumn gardens need more water than gardens planted in spring. You must be sure to give them at least one inch of water per week.
Mmm! Delicious
When you transform your mid-August garden into an autumn vegetable garden you are able to treat yourself to nutritious vegetables that have been organically grown. Enjoy kohlrabi, mesclun, radishes and turnips, which can all be eaten either cooked or raw. Fennel provides ferny greens that are fabulous when used to enhance the flavor of fish. Mustard tops and turnip greens are also eatable and can be grown in your autumn garden.
Spinach is a welcome addition and will give a second harvest in the spring when friends and neighbors are planting their first crop. In June, garlic and shallow that you planted the previous fall will be ready to eat.
The vegetables mentioned in this article can take a few light frosts without damage. You can also add lettuce, mustard greens and chard to your autumn garden by covering the plants to moderate the cold and wind above the ground. Also apply heavy mulch, such as straw. This retains heat that is still in the ground.