Why FALL Gardens FAIL & How to FIX It

[@CaliKim29]

Which Fall fail and fix resonates the most with you? Thanks for gardening with us! -CaliKim & CameraGuy 🍁25% off all CaliKim Seed Collections, CK Smart Pots, and Garden Kits w/ code “FALLGARDEN”, calikimgardenandhome.com. Ends 9.10.24. 📕Pre-order CaliKim’s new book: "The 10-Minute Gardener" (release date, Christmas Eve, 2024) at calikimgardenandhome.com/pages/10-minute-gardener, and get 2 free bonuses: ➡A FREE digital guide : "How to Create a Seed Starting Station in 10 Minutes", an exclusive sneak-peek inside CaliKim's new book! ➡$10 coupon to our Seed & Garden Shop, calikimgardenandhome.com

[@LanaiDebbie]

It took awhile for me to figure out the best time to plant a fall garden here in Lāna’i City. Our average high temperatures don’t get under 75 degrees until December. It works best for me to direct seed fall crops the end of November. Since we don’t get any frost my fall garden can grow all winter.

[@CaliKim29]

Debbie, that's so amazing that you can grow fall crops all winter in Lāna’i City! It must be great to have those mild temperatures and no frost. Direct seeding at the end of November sounds like the perfect plan for your climate-fall crops must thrive with such a long growing season. Happy gardening, and thanks for sharing your tip! 🌱 CK/CG

[@jaytoney3007]

A few days ago, I was seeing triple digit temperatures in the shade here in S Sylacauga, AL. There is a big swing in the temperatures coming my way. Today’s high was 87F, and tomorrow’s forecast is for 74F-and rain. Yeah! The forecast is for temperatures in the low 82s foe the next ten days. I’m taking advantage of it, and starting my garden early. I started at 7:30 a.m., and didn’t finish until 2:50 p.m. I’m disabled, so that is a long day for me. Before planting, I had to prepare my raised beds. I had already topped them off, but had to remove six pepper plants, and pull weeds. I got a good final harvest from them. Then I spread fertilizer, and raked it in. First to transplant were seedlings for Dutch Cabbage, red cabbage, and Rainbow Swiss Chard. Then I sowed seeds for broccoli, cauliflower, Pak Choi, Danvers carrots, Detroit Red beets, Purple Top Turnips, parsnips, Komatsuna, Yellow Heart Winter Choy, tatsoi, Nappa Cabbage, Columbine, and English Daises. All of the raised beds were watered in, have hoops, and are covered with insect netting to keep the cats and deer out of my garden. Needless to say, I am wiped out. I got a little behind having to do an emergency edit for an author friend of mine, Merick N.H. Urlik (Sam Cunningham), The War Drums of Kanth. I guess I am an editor now too. Tomorrow I am going to rest except for, taking care of the chickens, and writing. I am on chapter 8 of Exiled from Earth, and have an anthology to put together for an October 1st release, Tales From the Galactic Rim, a collection of fifteen short stories, and a novelette. Fans are asking when the next installment for Net Zero, Net 2.0 will be coming out-NASTI Business. It is near future cyberpunk. Instead of writing a trilogy, I decided to serialize it with writing novellas. NASTI Business (Nexus Advanced Systems, Inc,) starts with opening day for the games, and this one is going to be in a virtue reality battlefield. In these games, if you die in cyberspace, you die for real. Of course, they don’t advertise that part. It is all about having fun, and making quick credits (money). Not every game is fought on the battlefield. Ariel and Jenna deserve a break. They are given a pass for a reenactment of the Titanic’s maiden voyage. We no how that ended. To exit the simulation, they will have to survive. As always, I have a lot going on. Happy Gardening!

[@CaliKim29]

Wow, you’ve been incredibly busy! From gardening in those extreme temperatures to balancing multiple writing projects, it sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate. I'm impressed by how much you've accomplished in the garden, especially while managing raised beds, transplanting, and sowing seeds-getting all those crops in place must feel rewarding! And covering them with insect netting to keep the cats and deer away is such a smart move. It sounds like you're juggling some exciting creative projects as well. Editing and writing a near-future cyberpunk series with high-stakes VR games? That sounds intense and gripping! Plus, an anthology for October-you're really going for it! Taking tomorrow to rest and recharge sounds like a great plan after such a marathon of activity. Keep up the fantastic work, both in the garden and in your writing. Happy gardening and happy writing! CK

[@ceecee-thetransplantedgardener]

I love this video. It's all about preparation. In my area - our temps can flip so quickly. Literally. In the last two weeks we've dealt with highs of 70° to 95° during the day to 47° to 65° overnight. Just crazy. We don't transition slowly - the needle just moves from one day to the next. Thank you!

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you! That sounds like a wild ride with those temperature swings! It's great that you're focusing on preparation, especially in a place where the weather doesn’t like to take its time transitioning. Your garden has to be as resilient as you are! 🌱 Thanks for sharing, and happy growing through all those ups and downs! CK

[@brucevivers166]

I need to modify amending the soil for fall vegetables. I sent my soil out to be tested and phosphorous is through the roof with potassium in range and nitrogen depleted by the summer crops. I will use worm casting and worm tea, but will stick to a nitrogen only fertilizer and no compost. I plan on planting a lot of legumes and brassicas for food and for cover crop. The legumes will add nitrogen to and the brassicas will take phosphorous from the soil.

[@ramonajolley1966]

I ordered your newest book. I'm so excited. I have your other books as well. I hope that I will get a nice fall harvest. It's beginning to cool down here. Thank goodness!! I do have to rejuvenate my soil. Thanks, Kim.

[@CaliKim29]

THANK YOU, Ramona!!! I really think you are going to enjoy it...it's written in small chunks *10 minute, etc. I think it'll be a pleasant read, as well. Okay, so your weather is cooling down....let's see where it goes!! You are a great gardener...keep it up!! Big hugs, Kim

[@missourigirl4101]

Kim I do the same things when reseeding or planting by refreshing with compost and worm castings plus some fertilizer. Love these tips!

[@shervegas]

Omgoodness Kim I love your water feature! I just planted black eyed beans they started germinating already 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Thats great to hear! re: Fountain - we are so grateful for the fountain and entire backyard from the Extra Yardage show we were on. No we could have ever afforded the materials, etc.

[@igleamingrace]

The lighting definitely resonates the most with me! Hopefully I get it right this year.

[@CaliKim29]

You got this! Take it nice and easy - and DO keep me posted, please! Thank you for watching - CaliKim

[@faithhardemon9525]

I use the same process to replenish my soil but I use my own worm castings & compost...

[@CaliKim29]

NICELY done, Faith !!! And where are you gardening from ?

[@Lunasgarden2021]

Kim, you should start your own worm farm. I have two here and have also made some inground ones for my garden that I put my kitchen scraps in and the worms just come. It’s a great way to compost and I often get lots of volunteer plants in my garden. It’s spring here in South Australia so I’m really looking forward to the growing season here 😊

[@CaliKim29]

Hi Luna! Sorry for my late answer --- went out of town with family for a few days! That’s a fantastic idea! Starting a worm farm can be a game-changer for composting and enriching your soil. It’s great to hear you’ve had success with both your above-ground and in-ground worm farms. The volunteers plants are a nice bonus! Spring in South Australia must be an exciting time for you-hope you have a bountiful and beautiful growing season ahead! CaliKim

[@GreenGranny]

The temperatures needed for a fall garden resonates most with me. We typically have a quick sharp drop in daily high temps. It's not unusual to go from highs in the 90's to highs in the 60's within a week. I have tried several times to grow fall crops or flowers using the cool flower method. They just sit as small seedlings over winter. We also get snow in the winter so the small seedlings go through a lot to make it to early spring. I appreciate the discussion including temperatures. A lot of youtubers will say when to do something but we all have varied climates. It's far better to say, as you did, what temperatures are needed and how long you need them. If you need 60 days to mature broccoli then if you get too cold your plant won't die but it won't grow to maturity either. Good video!

[@CaliKim29]

It sounds like you're in a tricky climate where fall gardening is a bit of a rollercoaster ride! I can see why you'd appreciate more detailed temperature advice-those sudden drops can make all the difference between thriving plants and seedlings stuck in limbo over winter. Your experience really highlights how gardening advice needs to be adaptable to different conditions. And you're right-understanding temperature and timing is key, especially when you're dealing with snow on top of everything. Sounds like you're doing an amazing job navigating that! Do you have any favorite fall crops you're excited to try again this year? Maybe with some tips tailored to your climate, you'll get that broccoli (or another crop) thriving! CaliKim

[@stephaniegee227]

I ordered your new book. I can't wait to read it!!! Until then, I live in middle Tennessee which has very inconsistent weather this time of year. Whatever you do around here - - prepare that Mother Nature may do something different between Monday and Thursday.

[@CaliKim29]

Awesome! Thank you so much, Stephanie!!! I am flattered!! I truly hope you enjoy and learn from the book. So true about what happens between Mon-Thurs. On another note, are you famililar with a KZbin gardener also from Middle Tennessee name/channel called SouthernSkyTNGarden ? I think you'll enjoy her channel, along with the fact that she is in your neck of the woods! Plus, one guess what her name is...yep: Stephanie. Tell her CaliKim sent ya' --- HA HA. Many Thanks-Kim

[@stephaniegee227]

@@CaliKim29 I'm following her now! Thanks!!! 🙂

[@jazroberts2200]

Hi CaliKim, although I know my first frost date ,it's tricky knowing when to start my seedlings.Its very hot here in Arizona getting in the 100s .I'm going to start some seeds inside and keep my fingers crossed that they'll do well and be ready for Fall.

[@CaliKim29]

Starting seeds indoors sounds like a great idea, especially with those scorching Arizona temps! Timing can be tricky with such extreme heat, but starting indoors gives you a head start and protects those delicate seedlings. Keep them in a cool spot inside, and once things cool down a bit, they should be ready to transition outside for the fall. Fingers crossed for a great fall harvest! Let me know how it goes - Jaz If you are finding my channel helpful - do subscribe and the thumbs up the videos that you watch! That would be appreciated!!! - CaliKim

[@teriwilliams4212]

I noticed the tip you gave about adding Dr. Iron to my plants in the spring made a big difference in my starts. Could I use that with fall planting also? Question for you: I planted edamame in cow pots indoors and they are 12”! Should I transplant to a container and keep them inside? Is it too hot for them to be outside here now? Thanks for all your help. ❤

[@erikagreen248]

Love all your top and tricks. And love love your doggie

[@CaliKim29]

You are welcome and I am glad you are learning and enjoying Erika. Mac, our garden says "Hi". CK

[@boat1207]

Wow… excellent video… I’ll try smart lady 👍🏼🤔

[@CaliKim29]

Thank you!!! I'm going to hold you to that!! Keep me posted - Kim

[@nana2010G]

Hi kim my name is Dolores Gonzalez I started growing indeterminate tomatoes plants in a pot back in March but I only got 3 tomatoes out of the plant. In Topeka KS we had alot of rain so I didnt worry about watering. But like I said I only got 3 tomatoes and its already Sept. what did I do wrong? I did fertiize every 4 weeks

[@CaliKim29]

It sounds like several factors may have contributed to the low yield of tomatoes. The frequent rain might have kept you from worrying about watering, but too much moisture can cause issues like poor pollination or root problems, which could have affected the plant’s health. Fertilizing every four weeks is good, but tomatoes are heavy feeders and might need more frequent feedings, especially during fruiting. Also, if the pot wasn’t large enough, that could limit the plant’s root space and nutrient uptake. Tomatoes thrive in plenty of sunlight, so if the plant didn’t get at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily, that might have impacted fruit production. And with a lot of rain, pollinators might not have been as active, which could have led to fewer fruits. Let me know how this goes!! CK

[@shervegas]

Hi Mack!🥰

[@CaliKim29]

Mac says hi. *wink

[@Spinman1129]

Is it good to plant carrots seeds in a container and keep it inside, now? It’s over 100 where I live.

[@CaliKim29]

Planting carrot seeds in a container indoors can be a good option, especially with such high temperatures outside. Carrots prefer cooler weather, and growing them indoors allows you to control the environment better. Here are a few tips: Choose a deep container, as carrots need room to grow downwards. A pot that’s at least 12 inches deep is ideal. Use well-draining potting soil, and keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Position the container in a location with plenty of sunlight, ideally near a south-facing window. Sow the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and thin them out as they grow to avoid overcrowding. If your indoor temperatures are still warm, be sure to monitor for any signs of stress or bolting, as carrots can be sensitive to temperature changes. Starting your carrots indoors now can be a great way to avoid the extreme heat outside while still growing your own fresh produce!

[@loreewilstermann2674]

Cali Kim, for some reason when I put in my compost my garden stops growing. I feel like I have too much kitchen waste and not enough brown. I want to use all my kitchen scraps but may have too much?

[@CaliKim29]

It sounds like you might be right about the balance between green (kitchen scraps) and brown materials in your compost. Too much green can make the compost too rich in nitrogen, which can overwhelm plants and slow growth. Try adding more brown materials like dried leaves, straw, or cardboard to balance it out. This should help make your compost more plant-friendly while still letting you use all those kitchen scraps! CK

[@missourigirl4101]

Kim I do the same things when reseeding or planting by refreshing with compost and worm castings plus some fertilizer. Love these tips!