As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, gardeners are facing both new challenges and exciting opportunities. In a recent episode of “The Valley Today,” host Janet Michael talks with Joanne Royaltey, a Frederick County Associate Extension Agent and Master Gardener, to discuss how local gardeners can make the most of the fall season—despite unpredictable weather and shifting climate patterns. Click here to listen.
Joanne begins by acknowledging the difficulties many gardeners have faced this year, from erratic spring rains and cold snaps to the intense heat and drought of summer. She emphasizes that adaptability is key: “We must be adaptive gardeners because there’s so much change going on that we cannot control.” Rather than feeling discouraged by slow-growing plants or unexpected setbacks, Joanne encourages listeners to focus on what they can control. She suggests starting with healthy soil, organic practices, and smart watering techniques.
One of the standout tips from the conversation was the value of mulching with leaves and recycled materials. Joanne, who has bagged hundreds of bags of leaves from her own property, urged gardeners to use these natural resources instead of buying commercial mulch. She also highlights the benefits of rain barrels and drip irrigation systems, which help conserve water and reduce costs during dry spells.
Raised beds emerged as a favorite strategy for both Janet and Joanne, offering better soil control, easier access, and improved water efficiency. The duo discussed creative ways to build raised beds on a budget, from repurposing old metal tubs to upcycling pallets and unused lumber. Joanne cautions, however, to be mindful of treated wood and to opt for safe, modern materials.
The conversation turned to fall planting, with Joanne recommending cool-weather crops like lettuces, mustard greens, peas, radishes, spinach, and garlic. She reminds listeners that fall is also the perfect time to plant bulbs for spring blooms, and suggests experimenting with “lasagna gardening”—layering different bulbs in a single pot for a continuous display of color.
Beyond plants, the conversation delves into supporting pollinators and beneficial insects. Joanne shares simple ideas like creating puddling ponds for butterflies and bees, and using non-chemical methods to deter pests. She stresses the importance of research-based solutions and reaching out to local extension offices and Master Gardener help desks for advice.
Community was a recurring theme throughout the conversation. Janet and Joanne encourage gardeners to connect with one another through plant swaps, local events, and online resources like the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardener Association. “We’re in this together. We’re growing together. We’re living together,” Joanne reflected, underscoring the sense of camaraderie that gardening can foster.
As the conversation wrapped up, listeners were left with a sense of optimism and empowerment. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and support from the gardening community, fall can be a season of abundance and renewal—even in the face of uncertainty. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, the message was clear: embrace the changes, nurture your soil and your spirit, and enjoy the beauty of autumn in your garden.
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