Even though where I live, it’s still hard to imagine fall or winter, if you’re thinking about gardening in cooler weather, you need to start planning now.

Many people do spring gardens, while fall and winter gardens are less common. But in the South, because the ground rarely freezes, you can grow vegetables almost all year long due to the extended planting season.

I’m going to give you all my best tips on how to start a fall or winter garden, depending on what you want to plant. And I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

How to Start a Fall or Winter Garden

Consider your location

I’m coming from the perspective of living in the South, but if you live in a radically different climate, the potential for a fall or winter garden may not be the same. Even if you are in the South, there are different planting zones that will tell you when to start seeds and transplants for the best outcomes.

You can find good estimates for planting specific crops by visiting the website of The Old Farmer’s Almanac and entering your ZIP code.

Plan your garden beds

The next step is to plan out your garden beds. I love raised bed gardens. You’ll need to research how much space each plant you desire needs so you know how many you can plant in one raised bed. Some plants only need a little room to thrive; others need a lot. You can also garden in other kinds of containers.

Test your soil

In order for your plants to thrive, the soil needs to have the right composition. A quick Google search including the phrase “soil test” and the name of your state will provide instructions for how to get your soil testing kit as well as how to collect soil samples. Alternatively, several companies are now offering soil testing kits and analysis through independent labs, usually for a slightly higher fee.

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