News Summary
Gardeners in Milwaukee are evolving the perception of fall, viewing it as a crucial time for growth and reflection rather than just a transitional phase. With insights gained from local gardening classes and personal experiences, gardeners are adopting native plants that flourish in autumn while utilizing techniques to extend the growing season. The importance of knowing the first frost date and innovative gardening practices are highlighted, showcasing the growing trend of year-round gardening amid rising food costs. The gardening community also recognizes contributions through initiatives like the Unity Awards.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The gardening community in Milwaukee is redefining fall as a vital part of the gardening season, moving it beyond its traditional perception as merely the transitional months of spring and summer. Fall gardening is now seen as an opportunity for growth and reflection by gardeners, according to recent discussions in local gardening classes and articles focusing on best practices and techniques.
The author of a recent gardening piece shared personal experiences from their childhood in Canada, emphasizing how their relationship with fall has changed over time. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a concern for many during the colder months; however, the author highlights the efficacy of using a broad-spectrum Happylite light to combat feelings of seasonal sadness, ultimately improving their attitude toward winter gardening adventures.
As part of their fall strategy, the author is incorporating native plant species that bloom in autumn into their garden. New additions this year include a variety of vibrant plants such as purple-pink anemones, goldenrods, sneezeweeds, white asters, cardinal flowers, prairie docks with yellow flowers, and leopard plants. The garden is also flourishing with other blooming plants like Mexican sunflowers, zinnias, coneflowers, anise hyssops, turtlehead, black-eyed Susans, yarrow, coreopsis, butterfly bushes, and various sunflowers and Veronica.
A notable contribution to the gardening community includes the Unity Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations that enhance the life in Milwaukee. Participation in local gardening events, such as a fall gardening class led by expert Joe Gardener, has exposed practical benefits associated with fall planting, including more favorable temperatures, lower humidity, reduced insect populations, and a more manageable growth rate for plants.
To optimize results, the author emphasizes the importance of knowing the first frost date, which for Milwaukee is October 24. This date serves as a guide for planting and transplanting decisions, allowing gardeners to prepare adequately. The author plans to transplant indoor starts of lettuce, chard, and kale by mid-September, covering them with row covers to extend their growing season. This reflects a growing trend among gardeners to produce food during the winter months in response to rising food costs and potential labor shortages in the agricultural sector.
The need for year-round gardening in Wisconsin has become increasingly clear, and the author expresses the intention to create a homemade cold frame measuring 24 by 31 inches for winter gardening endeavors. Sowings and seed saving are also encouraged; the author is harvesting seeds from Rock Harlequin pods, rue pods, green beans, Early Girl tomatoes, heirloom yellow tomatoes, and various types of lettuce. Additionally, leaving native perennial seed heads in place provides sustenance for birds while promoting new plant growth when spring arrives.
Fall gardening is also a time for reflection, allowing gardeners to evaluate the successes and challenges faced during the spring season. The author recounts previous experiences with cantaloupe, which prompted them to create a preventative formula against powdery mildew, utilizing baking soda and horticultural oil. Emphasizing responsible gardening practices, diseased foliage should not be composted but discarded in yard waste.
Common challenges encountered include low sun exposure adversely affecting tomato plants, leading to considerations for crop rotation and the potential for transplanting to more suitable locations. The author participates in “musical chairs” with plant placements to ensure optimal care and growth. This year, certain plants, including the Sun Balls, have struggled due to unforeseen circumstances, underscoring the necessity of adaptability in maintaining a vibrant and dynamic outdoor garden throughout the fall season.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Magazine: September Gardening in Milwaukee
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Milwaukee Magazine: August Gardening in Milwaukee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
- TMJ4: Milwaukee 5th Graders Grow Food
- Google Search: Gardening in Milwaukee
- JSONLINE: Gardening Events in Milwaukee Area
- Google Scholar: Fall Gardening Techniques
- WUWMT: Gardening in Milwaukee: It Doesn’t Have to Be Fancy
- Google News: Fall Gardening Milwaukee
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
