Fall is fast approaching! With the weather cooling down, now is the perfect time to undertake some outdoor fall projects. Putting in some work in the fall will give you big payoffs in the spring. Plus, some of these projects can help make your fall even more enjoyable. Whether you are looking for some crafty ideas or backyard inspirations, this list is the place for you!
Fall Upgrades
Build a Firepit
A firepit is a great addition to any backyard and they don’t have to be difficult! A firepit is the perfect fall project because it can get used right away. You can make your backyard the hangout spot for the fall or just give yourself a relaxing area to sit back.
Find the area in your yard that you want the firepit and dig out an area big enough for your firepit (and beyond if you want to lay down some stone, bricks, or paving stones. Just be sure that you level out the area as best as you can. From there you can buy a firepit kit or build a simple firepit using bricks or stones. Add some chairs around the area and you have the perfect outdoor chill area.
If you want to make it look a bit fancier, take some extra time to dig out around the firepit and add some pea gravel or another decorative stone. Also, you can buy some nice chairs or build your own! I am just here to give you some ideas.
Build a Pergola
This is a bit more complex than building a firepit, but can easily be done in a weekend (or even a day). A pergola can add some aesthetic to many areas in a yard. build a small one over your garden or firepit area or build a larger one with a patio or deck underneath it. You can go complete DIY on a pergola or search online for designs and kits.
Plant a Garden (or Flowers)
Get to planting! Early fall is actually a great time to plant some vegetables as well as perennial flowers that you want to bloom in the spring.
Some vegetables that do great in the fall include:
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Beets
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Turnips
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Radishes
- Collard Greens
Some vegetables can last through frosts, while others need frost blankets to thrive. Planting the vegetables above can help you get another season out of your garden, or let you start up your home garden.
Crafty Fall Projects
Fall Pallet Projects
Pallet projects just in time for the fall. Pallets have taken over the DIY community as they are a cheap (if not free) source of wood and they give a rustic aesthetic. Pictured above are a few great ways to use up some pallets.
Coffee Mug Holder
An easy one day project. Take a cleaner pallet (or paint a less clean one) and cut down the size some if it is too large. Decorate the pallet as you see fit. Screw on some hooks of your choice and hang some mugs. This same base can be used for many designs. use some additional pallet wood to build small shelves for spices or wine, or use the hooks to make a coat rack or key hanger.
Outdoor Pallet Chair
Looking for more of a challenge? Why not build yourself a chair. There are many different building schemes for a chair, but this one caught my eye (Junkin’ Elsewhere). Use just two pallets along with some reclaimed wood to build an outdoor masterpiece. Grab some memory foam or stuff yourself a furniture pad and have a comfy place to catch up on our blog posts!
Garden Tool Rack
Less of a project and more of a great repurpose. Make yourself an organizer for your garden tools. As easy as putting a pallet on its side and sliding in your tools. Anchor to a wall for more support, or use a couple pieces of additional wood to add some support legs.
Preserve Leaves and Branches
There are many ways to preserve leaves. You can press them, wax them, and dry them, but perhaps best of all, you can preserve them with glycerin. This allows the leaves to stay supple and soft, making them perfect for using in decorations, crafts, and other arrangements. You can also use the glycerin to preserve branches! Check out this article to learn how.
