End-of-Summer Garden Hacks to Try Now

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Simple garden hacks to try before the weather cools.

Just because summer’s winding down doesn’t mean your garden has to! Whether you’re working with raised beds, pots on the patio, or a full backyard setup, these end-of-summer garden hacks will help you keep things thriving a little longer, and make next season even easier. Let’s get into it!

Harvest What’s Left, Then Trim It Back

Take stock of what’s still growing: tomatoes, herbs, peppers, maybe a few cucumbers. Harvest what’s ripe and then prune the plants back. Many veggies will keep producing into early fall if you give them space and sunshine.

Have an abundance of herbs, preserve some of them with these Olive Oil Herb Cubes!

Propagate Herbs for Indoor Use

Snip basil, rosemary, mint, and thyme before they bolt. Place the stems in water to root them, then pot them indoors for a kitchen herb garden that lasts through fall and winter.

Start a Compost Pile (It’s Not Too Late!)

Got leftover clippings, leaves, or garden scraps? Start a compost bin now. Fall leaves are on the way, and you’ll want a good mix of green and brown materials to create rich compost by spring.

Plant a Fall Crop (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Lettuce, kale, carrots, and radishes all do well in cooler weather. If your soil is still warm and the sun’s hanging around, it’s not too late to start a new round of crops.

Check out the 10 Best Vegetables to Grow This Fall!

Give Your Soil a Boost

Add compost, mulch, or an organic fertilizer to your beds before fall. This replenishes nutrients and helps the soil stay healthy over the winter months.