What To Expect From Herbs & Greens During Fall

Summer Herbs 

Basil

Basil, including Tulsi basil (aka Holy Basil), is grown as a frost-sensitive annual in most areas. Because of this, the plant will be killed by the frost and will not regrow next year. As temperatures start to drop below 50°F (10°C), basil can start to suffer, and growth may slow down significantly and it will focus on producing flowers and seeds. Harvest any remaining leaves to use before an expected frost. This is the perfect time to make some big batches of pesto to freeze and enjoy overwinter!

Managing Basil as Fall Arrives:

• Harvest Regularly: As fall approaches and temperatures begin to drop, it's crucial to harvest basil regularly. Frequent harvesting encourages bushier growth and prevents the plant from going to seed prematurely.
• Pruning: If your basil plant starts to grow tall and leggy, pinch off the tips of the stems to encourage lateral growth. This helps maintain a compact and productive plant.
• Protection from Cold: Because basil is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, you might want to consider taking the following steps:
  • Cover: Cover your basil plants with row covers or cloths in the evenings to trap some heat and protect them from light frost.
  • Bring Indoors: If you're growing basil in pots, consider bringing the container indoors to a sunny windowsill or placing it in a greenhouse to extend its growing season.

Mint, Sage, Oregano & Thyme

The mint family contains many of our common culinary herbs, including sage, oregano, lemon balm, thyme and of course mint! These herbs are known as “herbaceous perennials”. This means that they will die back over winter but return in the spring.Make sure they are planted in a spot where you are happy with them and where they can spread and continue to grow next year. If they are planted in a pot or in a less than ideal location, fall is a perfect time to transplant them. Move them to their new space or larger pot early in the fall season so they can adjust before a hard frost kills them back.

Harvesting Herbs (Mint, Oregano, Thyme, Sage, Lemon Balm):

1. Timing: Start harvesting herbs before the first frost to capture the best flavor and aroma.
2. Technique: Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut stems just above a pair of healthy leaves. This encourages bushier growth.
3. Pruning: Remove any yellowing or diseased leaves regularly to keep the plants healthy.
4. Drying and Preserving: To extend their use into the winter, dry herbs by hanging them or using a food dehydrator. Once dried, store them in airtight containers.

Planting and Caring for Herbs in Small Container Pots in Fall:

1. Select the Right Containers: Choose pots that are at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes. Ensure the containers are large enough to accommodate the root systems of the herbs.   Grow pots provide aeration for roots.  
2. Potting Mix: Use a good quality organic potting mix designed for vegetables or greens. Ensure good drainage by adding perlite or sand if necessary.
3. Sunlight: Place your containers in a location that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, even during the fall season. Consider moving them to sunnier spots if needed.
4. Watering: Container plants can dry out quickly, so monitor soil moisture regularly. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering. Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
5. Fertilization: Like all edible plants, herbs benefit from occasional feeding. Use organic amendments such as compost and worm castings to add nutrients to the soil.
6. Protection from Frost: Containers can be moved indoors or to a sheltered area during extremely cold nights. Alternatively, cover them with blankets or cloths to protect them from frost.

Greens

Fall is an ideal time for growing greens! Most greens will happily grow in cooler weather and many varieties (like spinach, chard, mustards and kale) are frost hardy.

Summer greens will most likely have bolted by now. This means that they have produced flowers and set seeds. You can remove and replace any spent summer greens with new varieties for fall. Remember to refresh your soil when you plant your new greens by adding some worm castings and fertilizer.

Greens are fairly heavy feeders, so it is important to keep feeding them throughout the fall and winter if you are growing them in pots or on the Planted Wall Gardening System. Make sure to feed the soil with  worm castings and soil amendments  to ensure your greens have plenty of nutrition.

Harvesting Lettuce, Arugula, and Kale:

1. Timing: Begin harvesting when the leaves are of desirable size, usually 4-6 weeks after planting.
2. Leaf-by-Leaf Harvest: For lettuce and arugula, pick the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. For kale, you can harvest individual leaves or cut the outer leaves, leaving the center intact for further growth.

Planting and Caring for Leafy Greens in Small Container Pots in Fall:

1. Select the Right Containers: Use pots that are at least 8 inches deep to allow for the development of healthy root systems.  
2. Potting Mix: Use a good quality organic potting mix designed for vegetables or greens. Ensure good drainage by adding perlite or sand if necessary.
3. Sunlight: Place the containers in a location that receives 4-6 hours of sunlight per day. Leafy greens can tolerate partial shade, especially in the afternoon.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, as container plants can dry out quickly. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
5. Fertilization: Make sure to feed the  soil microbes  4-6  weeks to provide essential nutrients.  Earth worm casting tea or a fish emulsifier are great organic options! 
6. Protection from Frost: Move containers indoors or to a sheltered area if frost is expected. Cover with cloths or use mini-greenhouses to protect them during cold nights.