When you plant a garden in the fall, you don’t have to only plant trees, shrubs and bulbs, but you can also plant a garden that will be full of vegetables that you can use year round.

Planting a fall and winter garden will take some time and you will also need to know what types of vegetables can survive in the climate you live in. If you live in a harsh winter climate, you may not be able to plant as many vegetables in your garden as you would if you lived in a mild weather climate. Do the research and find the vegetables and plants that will survive during the weather months and the freezing temperature.

Most vegetables will need about 60 days to mature and grow. Plan the desired vegetables that you want 60 days before you expect the weather to freeze or create a frost. After you plant your vegetables and frost and freezing temperatures come early, you can purchase a greenhouse box to place over your vegetables or you can also place a tarp over them. Keep your vegetables warm enough to withstand the fall weather and the temperatures that are created by Mother Nature.

Some of the winter vegetables that can do well are carrots and parsnips. The snow and frost that is on them will create a good source of water and will allow the vegetables to create a better taste. To receive fall vegetables plant direct seed carrots, peas, beets, spinach and lettuce in the first part of August. The cooler nights will allow the vegetables to receive a good source of water and will also help the vegetable obtain the crisp flavor that you desire.

The soil that you plant your vegetables in is very important. Without good soil, your vegetables will not receive the nutrients and organisms that rich soil has located within it. Also plant your fall and winter vegetables where you had your spring and summer vegetables planted. The soil already has the nutrients that you have added and has a good source of earthworms that help your vegetables grow. As you rotate out the vegetables each season, the soil will become richer and will help produce stronger and better tasting vegetables. Add compost and compost tea to your soil when you plant new vegetables. The organisms that are located in the compost and compost tea will allow the vegetables to grow quicker.

If you live a harsh winter climate, you can also purchase small greenhouses that you can use to create a bountiful garden full of your favorite vegetables. Whether they are spring, summer, fall or winter vegetables, you can enjoy them year round when you plant them and allow them to grow in a greenhouse. If you purchase a greenhouse, have it located where it can receive nature’s sunlight and stay warm. The warmer and more humid a greenhouse become, the less amount of water you will need to give to the vegetables and the quicker your vegetables will be able to grow, allowing you to enjoy them sooner.

Summer’s end is near and your bright summer colors may be starting to wilt.  Add some color to your fall garden with these expert fall gardening tips.

1) For an instant display you could try adding summer bedding plants to containers and borders for your fall garden. Petunia surfinia is a good choice and will bloom until the end of summer. Ensure it is grown in a sheltered spot in light shade. Bedding plants do require a lot of watering so if you don’t have a lot of time, this may not be the best option.

2) There are many brightly-colored perennials that flower late in the season, such as astilbe, helenium and phlox paniculata. They will grow back every year and are a good way of ensuring your fall garden gets that extra splash of color. As they get bigger, some perennials may require dividing or staking.

3) If you want to add late summer flowering plants to an existing border, try to buy a few of the same variety and color and intersperse them throughout the border for a more subtle display.

4) Depending on how much space you have it may be worth creating a separate flower bed for late summer flowering plants.  This can help when you are deciding on colors and will ensure that as the flowers in the summer bed fade, they will be replaced by others in another part of the garden.

5) If you are planning on creating a bright display of warm colored flowers for your fall garden, try to avoid too many pastel colored blooms as they will be overpowered by the stronger shades.

6) Dahlias are a popular choice and come in different colors and varieties from pom-pom to cacti types. However, be aware that most dahlias need to be over-wintered inside as they can be susceptible to frost damage.

7) To brighten up containers and baskets in your fall garden, violas are another good choice. If you remember to deadhead them they should continue to flower until early winter.

8) To add some vertical interest to borders, consider planting crocosmia. It has upright, spiky leaves and orange-red flowers. A popular variety is Lucifer, which grows up to 120 centimeters tall and has bright red flowers.

9) It isn’t just plants that can brighten up borders and pots; shrubs with bronze, dark purple or burgundy foliage work well with yellow, red and orange colored flowers. Berberis, heucheras and lysimachia ciliata are all good choices.

10) Japanese anemone is perfect if you have a low maintenance fall garden and will thrive in a shady spot. The plant produces large pink, mauve or white flowers, which should bloom until October. Anemones can become invasive and after flowering it may be necessary to split them up and plant in other areas of the garden.