As we enter into Fall we are looking at preserving the harvest and planning to plant fall crops.
We are getting ready to Plant Garlic and all kinds of nuts and fruits to take advantage of the winter rains.
In the Pacific Northwest, the best time to plant garlic is generally in late September or early October. The cooler temperatures and ample moisture during the fall season provide ideal growing conditions for garlic. Planting at this time allows the cloves to establish roots before winter sets in, resulting in healthier and more robust plants. Remember to choose a sunny spot and well-drained soil for the best results.
We still have a good selection of garlic seed for your garden!


Planting perennial fruits, nuts, and berries in the fall is a great idea! Fall planting is often considered better than spring planting for several reasons:

- Establishment of Strong Root System: During fall, the soil is still warm from the summer heat, while the air temperatures are cooler. This creates favorable conditions for plants to establish strong root systems before winter. With a well-developed root system, plants are better equipped to absorb water and nutrients, leading to healthier growth in the following growing season.
- Less Competition: In the fall, many annual plants have finished their lifecycle, reducing competition for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. This allows new plants to better establish.
- Reduced Watering: Fall brings more rainfall compared to spring, reducing the need for watering.
- Early Start in Spring: By planting in the fall, you give your plants a head start in the following spring. They will have already established strong root systems, leading to faster growth.
Some of the things I like to plant in the Fall
- Fruits:
- Fruit trees of all kinds: these can be bare root or potted saplings.
- Strawberries: These can be planted as bare root crowns.
- Raspberries: Fall-planted raspberry canes establish well.
- Nuts:
- Chestnuts: Fall is an excellent time to plant chestnut trees. They require well-draining soil and full sun to thrive.
- Hazelnuts: Also known as filberts, are best planted in the fall for a robust root systems.
- Pine Nut trees. Love being planted in the fall
- Berries:
- Blackberries: Yield a good harvest in the following growing season.
- Currants: Planted as bare root plants in the fall and will produce fruit the following year.
- Gooseberries: Fall is a suitable time to plant gooseberry bushes for a future harvest.
- Honey Berries: Love fall planting
- Grapes: put all their energy into root development and take off in the Spring.
- Elderberry: love Fall planting for the same reasons.
Preserving the bountiful fall harvest on a permaculture farm is essential for ensuring a sustainable and abundant food supply. Here are a few practices to consider:

- Canning is a traditional method of preserving fruits and vegetables. It involves packaging them in jars and then heating the jars to kill any microorganisms that could spoil the food.
- Freezing is an easy preservation method. Fruits, vegetables, and even herbs can be frozen to maintain their freshness and nutritional value.
- Drying is an age-old technique for preserving food. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be dried naturally in the sun or using a food dehydrator.
- Fermentation is not only a preservation method but also a way to enhance flavors and increase the nutritional value of food.
- Root cellaring: If you have access to a cool, dark, and well-ventilated basement, you can store root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets for several months.
Remember, the specific preservation methods you choose will depend on the types of crops you have harvested and your personal preferences. Consider your local climate, available storage space, and the characteristics of the harvested produce. Happy preserving!