FALL GARDENING TIPS
According to green-thumb gardeners, a fall vegetable garden is a must-plant in the South. The heat starts to subside (compared to July and August), and winter is still a long way off. So there’s plenty of time to grow plenty of things.
WHAT TO GROW IN A SOUTHERN FALL GARDEN
In most Southern climates, you can plant a wide variety of fall garden crops: lettuce, spinach, cabbage, peas, kale, cucumbers, summer squash, tomatoes, and more.
FALL GARDEN PLANTING SCHEDULE
The fall garden planting schedule depends on the first frost date for the zone in which you live. If you live in more Northern parts of the South, it’s best to plant a fall garden in early to mid- August. In the warmer parts of the South, it’s best to wait until September to plant fall garden crops. To determine the first frost date, call a reputable nursery and then work backwards based on how long it will take your crops to grow plus a few weeks for harvesting.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WITH FALL GARDENS
The fall garden planting schedule means that you will be growing your garden during what is traditionally the driest part of the year. Cooler weather may give you the illusion that your fall garden crops will need less water, but this is not the case. Keep a close eye on the amount of rainfall your fall vegetable garden gets each week. If it is not getting at least two to three inches each week, you’ll need to water. Also keep in mind that even though you are planting a fall garden according to the first frost date, the first frost date is only a guideline. You may experience an earlier than normal frost, so be prepared to cover and protect your fall vegetable garden in the event of an early light frost.
BEAUTIFICATION BOARD WINNERS
JULY
The Ward 1 home of Bert and Joann Cutler at
101 Wixford Way is immaculately landscaped
and maintained with custom edging around
the flowerbeds. An attractive variety of
shrubbery and flowers in both the front and
back yards creates visual appeal.
AUGUST
For Calvin and Theresa Campbell, the landscape design of
their home at 433 Sterling Park Circle has been a “labor
of love.” With Calvin doing all the work himself, he
incorporated large boulders from the property into the
design. Crêpe Myrtles and Knockout roses add pops of
color along the driveway, and the lawn is always well trimmed
with great curb appeal. This property is in Ward 4.
SEPTEMBER
The use of color and a variety of trees, shrubs,
and flowers draws attention to Steve Brown
and Linda Sykes’ home at 908 Falling Star Lane.
The overall appearance is neat, clean, and well
maintained. This beautiful property is in Ward 3.
COMMERCIAL AWARD WINNER
JULY–SEPTEMBER
Dunkin’ Donuts
1114 1st St N
ALABASTER TOUR OF LIGHTS
2021 Information
Sponsored by the Alabaster Beautification Board
Help us celebrate our 5th year of making Alabaster brighter. Enter the Tour of Lights Christmas celebration below.
JOIN THE TOUR! Entry form and information:
Complete entry form and email to:
Entry deadline:
October 1–29, 2021
Display: Must be ready by December 1, 2021, and lights must be turned on by 5:30pm each night.
Voting deadline for favorite display:
December 20, 2021.
Winners and prizes:
Will be awarded based on popular vote and announced in January.
Voting Instructions:
Will be posted online.
Judging:
December 2–20, 2021, @ 11:59 p.m.