While many gardeners hang up their trowels as August heat gives way to crisp morning air, seasoned gardeners know a quiet secret: Autumn isn’t the end of the gardening year; it is the foundation of the next.
This is especially true in Archuleta County, where our short growing season makes fall the peak harvest period, meaning we truly have to make hay while the sun shines.
While spring gets all the fanfare with its sudden burst of greenery, fall offers far superior conditions for critical soil building and plant establishment. The soil remains warm from months of summer sun, encouraging robust root growth, while cooler air temperatures reduce moisture loss and heat stress.
If you want a thriving garden next year, the work begins right now.
Our 2026 September in the Garden program will be your roadmap to maximizing your autumn landscape, plus a fantastic opportunity to gather outdoors, learn directly in a community garden space and share experiences with fellow local growers.
Join us at the Vista Lake Community Production Garden for three morning sessions focused on fall garden success.
Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice, come join the conversation as we learn various fall gardening techniques and strategies.
These sessions are free and will take place on Wednesdays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
The sessions will take place in the PLPOA Vista Community Production Garden, next to the administration building. Interested community members can register for this and other events, including the 2026 Archuleta Health Fair and Expo, by visiting our website, www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
To learn more about Healthy Archuleta and discover future events, visit www.foodcoalition4archuleta.org.
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