5 Things to Do Now for a Better Vegetable Garden Next Year!

November is here, and for many of us, the vegetable garden is tucked away for the winter. The days are shorter, the temperatures are dropping, and it’s time to spend a little less time outdoors and a little more time dreaming about a better vegetable garden for next year!

But just because the gardening season is over doesn’t mean we have to stop thinking about gardening.

In fact, November is the perfect time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what we might want to do differently next year.

So grab a cup of coffee or tea, get comfortable, and let’s chat about a few things you can do now to make next year’s garden even better!

1. Make Notes About This Year’s Garden

* Which vegetables produced the most?

* Did you plant too much of something?

* Were there vegetables you wished you had planted more of?

* Did pests or diseases cause problems?

These little notes will be helpful when you’re planning next year’s garden.

2. Take Care of Your Garden Soil

If you haven’t already, consider adding finished compost to your garden beds. You can also protect exposed soil with a layer of leaves or mulch. I do both of these every fall.

Your soil will benefit from a little attention now.

3. Clean and Organize Your Gardening Tools

Check your garden hoses, pots, seed trays and other supplies. I have made a list of a few tools I want to buy for next seaon. Hopefully I can find some great sales.

You’ll be glad everything is ready when spring arrives!

4. Check Your Leftover Seeds

Check the dates, organize your packets and make a list of anything you need to replace.

Don’t automatically throw away older seeds. Many vegetable seeds can remain viable beyond their printed dates if they’ve been stored properly.

I am lucky I have a great cold storage where I keep all my seeds. I overwinter potatoes I use for seed next year, as well.

5. Start Planning Your Garden Layout

Think about whether you want to make changes to your garden. Maybe you want to try raised beds, add a few containers, or experiment with vertical gardening.

I keep a notebook so I know where I planted items in previous years. Rotating where you plant your vegetables is an important way to keep your soil and plants healthy and disease free.

A little planning now can save you time and frustration next spring.

Garden Tip of the Month: Don’t Throw Away Those Leaves!

Instead of bagging them up and sending them away, consider using them in your garden.

Here are three ways to put them to work:

* Mulch: Shredded leaves make a wonderful protective layer over garden beds.

* Compost: Add leaves to your compost pile as a source of carbon.

* Leaf Mold: Pile leaves in a corner and let them break down into a wonderful soil conditioner.

One little reminder: Shredding leaves helps them break down faster and prevents them from forming a dense, soggy layer.

Who knew those fallen leaves could be so valuable?

Something Good From the Garden: Homemade Vegetable Soup

Use whatever vegetables you have stored from your garden. Carrots, potatoes, onions, celery and squash all work beautifully.

Add some vegetable or chicken broth, your favourite herbs and seasonings, and let everything simmer until tender.

It’s a wonderful way to use up your garden harvest and enjoy a little taste of summer during the colder months.

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A Little Garden Wisdom

What’s one vegetable you absolutely want to grow next year?

Is it tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, beans, or something you’ve never tried before?

Hit reply and tell me. I always enjoy hearing what other gardeners are growing!

Until next time, keep dreaming about that beautiful vegetable garden waiting for you next spring.

Happy Gardening!

Your Vegetable Gardening Helper 🌻

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