We’re having a great time right now with our cool-season crops and the tail-end of our fall clean-up, but the fun of gardening isn’t over just yet; we’ve still got to figure out what to do with all that food we’ve grown and how to make it last the long Ontario winter. If you’re in the same boat, this blog is for you!
If you want to have a successful fall veggie harvest this year, you’ll want to carefully select crops that thrive in our unique climate and consider their timing. Cold-hardy vegetables like kale, carrots, and Brussels sprouts can withstand our chilly autumn nights, while pumpkins and squash love the warmer days. By choosing the right crops and planting at the right time, you’ll set yourself up for a bountiful harvest and some pretty tasty fall treats!
Guelph’s climate can be a bit unpredictable, but that’s all part of the fun! I suggest keeping a close eye on the weather forecast so you’re well prepared to cover your crops if frost is on the way. When it comes to harvesting, it’s best to do it in the morning when temperatures are still cool to help preserve the flavour and freshness of your produce.
Canning, freezing, and other proper food storage techniques are skills every Guelph gardener should master to ensure they have access to fresh, homegrown produce year-round. After all, there’s not much fun in growing a ton of tomatoes if you’re just going to watch them shrivel up and rot, is there? Preserving your food the right way also reduces food waste and saves you money on groceries. I don’t know about you, but I love saving money on food!
Canning, in particular, is a time-honoured tradition that allows you to savour the flavours of summer and fall throughout Guelph’s long, hard winter. If you’re into making tomato sauces, pickles, or even fruit preserves, canning is a rewarding and eco-friendly way to extend the life of your harvest and share the goods of your garden with family and friends. Just be sure to follow safe canning practices and consult reputable resources for tried-and-true recipes.
So what about food storage? Root cellars and cool, dark basements are your best friends when it comes to making food last for the long haul, as they mimic the natural conditions of many root vegetables, allowing them to stay fresh for months! I also like to invest in some quality storage containers and label the date in plain sight to keep track of what’s in my pantry, so nothing accidentally turns into fermented soup!
Freezing is a great way to keep veggies like peas, beans, and corn usable long past their harvest date; just give them a quick blanching first for better results. Other garden goodies, on the other hand—like basil, rosemary, and oregano—are better dried and stored in sealed containers or jars. You can also dry other aromatic superstars like lavender, mint, and lemon balm for use in those satisfying winter teas! If it’s sweeter yields you’re hoping to hang onto, like berries and stone fruits, the best way to savour their summer goodness for months to come is to turn them into jams and preserves.
In Guelph, the harvest season isn’t just about reaping what you sow; it’s a celebration of community and connection. Whether it’s a pumpkin patch visit with the kids, an apple-picking adventure in the local orchards, or a day at Royal City Nursery filling your car with fantastic fall flowers, these little moments bring joy and warmth to those who call Guelph their home and—more importantly—bring our community closer together!
When we think about sustainable harvesting, it all comes down to how we actually grow our food. To ensure your harvest is truly sustainable the following year, transform your garden into a pollinator-friendly haven where bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds can thrive, and use natural fertilizers, compost, and rain barrels to save on your energy bills. By growing our own food and choosing organic options, we contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying delicious, chemical-free produce.
Harvest season means it’s time to get outdoors and spread the abundance of the season amongst our community. Eat good food, share it, donate it, and love it—because you grew it! If you want to make this year’s harvest a happy one, drop by Royal City Nursery to learn more about all things fall.
