Fall Garden Audit: 8 Things Every Gardener Should Do To Recap + Plan For Next Year
As the gardening season winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your successes, learn from any challenges, and start planning for next year’s garden. Documenting your experiences not only helps you improve your garden over time but also gives you a head start when spring rolls around. Here are eight essential tasks to help you recap the season and set yourself up for an even better garden next year.
1. Reflect on Garden Successes and Challenges
Before moving on to next season’s plans, take some time to reflect on this year. What were your big wins? Did your tomatoes thrive? Did you successfully keep pests away from your greens? Celebrate those wins! On the flip side, think about the challenges you faced. Whether it was a pesky bug infestation or a crop that didn’t perform well, recognizing these issues helps you learn and improve. Make notes on what worked and what didn’t so you can adjust your approach next year.
2. Take a Seed Inventory
Now’s the time to go through your seed collection and take inventory. Which seeds do you have left? Which varieties performed well this year, and which didn’t? By taking stock of what you have, you can avoid overbuying when it’s time to order new seeds for next season. Plus, it’s a good opportunity to note any new varieties you’d like to try or any favorite crops you want to grow again.
This bin is a great organization system for storing your seeds. (link) Make sure to store them in a cool, dark area, not outside or in the garage where temperature fluctuations are likely to happen.
3. Document Crop Yields and Varieties
Did you grow enough cucumbers for pickling? How was your pepper harvest? Take some time to record the varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs you grew, along with the yields you harvested. Whether you prefer keeping notes in a gardening journal (like my guidebook) or tracking this information in a spreadsheet, having a record of your crop performance will help guide your future planting decisions.
4. Record Planting Dates and Harvest Times
Tracking your planting and harvest dates can be a game-changer for planning your garden next season. Note down when you planted each crop and when it was ready for harvest. This information can help you optimize your timing for next year’s plantings, especially for crops with specific growing windows.
5. Make Notes + Plans for Next Year’s Garden
As you reflect on this season, start jotting down ideas and goals for next year’s garden. Do you want to try new crops or varieties? Are you considering expanding your garden, adding raised beds, or improving your irrigation system? Now is the perfect time to set goals and begin brainstorming how you want your garden to evolve. Do you want more tomatoes to increase your preservation goals?
My garden-to-table guidebookis your one-stop resource to track dates and yields so you can use that data to set goals and make plans for next year. Since I’ve started actually writing down all my garden data, I’ve noticed that my yields are up, I’m better prepared at the beginning of each season, and honestly, gardening is just less stressful because I actually have a plan to refer back to when life gets busy. You can get your copy here!
6. Perform a Soil Health Check
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. I cannot stress the importance of soil health enough – the nutrient levels in your harvests really comes down to the health of your soil. Fall is the perfect time to give your soil a little boost! Amend your garden with organic compost or other organic matter to prepare for next season. While I do not soil test regularly, if I had a garden that failed to thrive with most plant types, then I would order a soil test for nutrients and pH levels, which can give you the information you need to start strategically amending your soil.
7. Note Pest and Disease Issues
Every gardener faces some form of pest or disease challenges during the growing season. Document which crops were affected and what strategies worked (or didn’t work) to manage them. This will be incredibly helpful when planning next season’s garden, as you can choose pest and disease-resistant varieties, implement crop rotation, or set up barriers early to prevent recurring issues.
For example, a couple years ago I lost an entire basil crop (over 40 plants!) to downy mildew. Now, I know I need to get a downy mildew-resistant basil variety every year to ensure I have my beloved basil throughout the season.
It’s important to use clean, eco-friendly products in your garden. Harsh chemicals deplete your soil health and end up in your produce, but there are products out there made by real experts that can prevent pests and diseases without harming you or your soil, like Arber. Stock up on my favorite plant health products at Arber, and use code KATIEMOGLESBY15 for 15% off your order.
8. Organize Your Garden Photos
For those of you who honestly cannot be bothered to write down notes, that’s where technology comes in! Using your phone and technology is another great way to document your garden and track your garden’s growth and evolution over time. Take photos at the beginning and throughout the season to document your garden’s current state and track your garden’s growth over time. These images will be a visual reference for planning next year’s layout, remembering where specific crops were planted, and seeing how your garden has changed. Plus, it’s fun to look back on the beauty of your garden as you dream up next year’s design!
A Garden Audit Sets You Up For Future Success
By taking time to reflect, document, and plan for the next season, you’ll be better prepared to make your garden even more productive and enjoyable. With these eight steps, you can easily evaluate this year’s garden while setting yourself up for future success. Happy gardening!
Looking for a community to join?
Now that you’ve recapped your gardening season and set yourself up for success next year, why not take it a step further? My Garden-to-Table Membership is here to help you make the most of your harvests all year round! In this membership, you'll get exclusive access to seasonal tips, recipes, and gardening strategies to grow, preserve, and enjoy your garden-fresh produce—straight from your backyard to your table. Plus, you'll join a like-minded community of fellow garden enthusiasts! Ready to elevate your garden-to-table experience? Join today and let’s grow together!