Fall Gardening in Smart Pots

Fall is a great time to start a new garden or revitalize an old one. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter, and the soil is still warm from the summer sun. This makes it the perfect time to plant cool-season vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Invented in 1984 by a US Veteran, Smart Pots are fabric grow bags that allow air and water to circulate freely around the roots of your plants. This helps to prevent root rot and other problems, and it also encourages air root pruning. This has proven to greatly improve any plant’s health by allowing for maximum nutrient and moisture uptake. Smart Pots are also lightweight and easy to move around, so you can easily adjust them to the changing sunlight and temperature conditions.

What to Grow in the Fall

There are many vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can be planted in Smart Pots in fall. Here are a few suggestions:

Cool-Weather Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, radishes, turnips, peas, beans

Herbs: Parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender

Flowers: Mums, asters, pansies, snapdragons, zinnias, cosmos

When to Plant

The best time to plant in Smart Pots in the fall depends on your climate. In general, you should wait until the weather has cooled down and the ground has started to cool. In some areas, this may be as early as September, while in others it may be closer to October or even November.

For specific planting dates in your area, visit Farmers’ Almanac, the annual American periodical that has been in continuous publication since 1818. Their online Planting Calendar is an essential tool for any gardener. Simply enter your Zip Code or Location and receive a comprehensive planting calendar tailored to your location.

Check out the Almanac Planting Calendar here: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar

How to Plant

When planting in Smart Pots, it is important to use a high-quality potting mix; the plant’s roots will uptake any available nutrient that is in your Smart Pot Aeration Container. We also recommend adding compost or other organic matter to the mix to improve drainage and fertility. Harvest your own backyard Black Gold with a Smart Pot Compost Sak!

Caring for Your Fall Garden in Smart Pots

Once your plants have started to grow, you will need to fertilize them every few weeks and water regularly. We recommend closely monitoring moisture levels in your Smart Pots for the first week as watering schedules will differ from traditionally containers. Plant’s roots in Smart Pots are vigorous and fibrous due to the pot’s ability to air prune. This allows for maximum nutrient and water uptake. You may also need to stake taller plants to prevent them from toppling over.

In addition to watering and fertilizing you will also need to keep an eye out for pests and diseases. If you see any problems, take steps to correct them immediately.

With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a bountiful fall harvest from your own Smart Pot Garden!

Here are Some Additional Tips for Fall Gardening in Smart Pots:

• Choose a location that receives full sun
• Water the pots regularly but avoid overwatering
• Protect the pots from frost if necessary (e.g., Cold Frames)
• Visit your local extension office for tailored lists and tips for fall gardening crops in your area