6 Fall Plant Challenges to Join on Pinterest or Instagram This Year

As the weather cools down, I start looking for ways to get creative with my plants.

Social media sites like Pinterest and Instagram make it easy to join new challenges and share progress with others.

Joining these fall plant challenges is a fun way to learn new skills, connect with plant lovers, and keep my space feeling fresh.

Every season brings new ideas, and honestly, I just love seeing what people are growing and trying this fall.

1) Pumpkin Growing Contest

Every fall, I jump into a pumpkin growing contest. It’s a fun way to get involved with the gardening community on Pinterest and Instagram.

All I do is plant pumpkin seeds and share updates about their growth. I usually snap photos each week to show how things are going.

The main goal is to see who can grow the biggest, brightest, or maybe even the weirdest pumpkin. Sometimes there are silly categories, like funniest shape or best pumpkin art—those always make me laugh.

I use hashtags like #PumpkinChallenge or #GrowWithMe so others can find my posts. It’s also a great way to discover new plant friends.

Sharing tips and tricks is a big part of this challenge. I always pick up something new about watering, soil, or even how to keep pests away.

At the end, I’ll post a final picture of my pumpkin next to something for scale, like a basketball. It’s wild to see how much it’s grown.

I get tons of inspiration from other gardeners’ photos and ideas. Growing pumpkins isn’t always easy, but the contest keeps me going.

Most contests don’t have prizes, but honestly, I just feel proud of the effort. Plus, it’s fun to celebrate fall with people who get it.

Anyone can join, even if you don’t have a yard. Some folks grow miniature pumpkins in pots on balconies or windowsills.

Joining a pumpkin growing contest gives me something to look forward to every week. It’s a simple, fun way to make gardening more social and a little more exciting.

2) DIY Succulent Terrarium Challenge

I absolutely love seeing creative plant ideas on social media, and the DIY Succulent Terrarium Challenge is one of my top picks. It’s easy, fun, and lets me show off my style.

All I need is a glass container, potting soil, some small succulents, and a few decorations. I usually just use what I have at home.

I start by picking a container—it could be a jar, bowl, or even an old vase. After cleaning it out, I add rocks for drainage, then some cactus or succulent soil, and arrange my succulents on top.

To make it my own, I’ll add small stones, shells, or maybe a tiny figure. Some people use colored sand or fairy garden bits.

Once it’s done, I snap a few photos and post them with the #SucculentTerrariumChallenge tag on Instagram or Pinterest. It’s always fun to see what everyone else comes up with.

Building a DIY succulent terrarium is pretty relaxing, even if you’re not a plant expert. Succulents are low-maintenance, so I can enjoy my creation without stressing over it every day.

I like scrolling through the hashtag for inspiration. Some designs are simple, others are super detailed. The best part is that everyone’s terrarium ends up looking totally different.

I share my terrarium photos and sometimes add a list of supplies or a few tips about keeping succulents healthy. It’s a nice way to connect with other plant lovers and get ideas for my next project.

3) Fall Leaf Pressing Art

One of my favorite fall activities is leaf pressing art. I love gathering colorful leaves from my backyard or a local park.

The reds, yellows, and oranges really pop and make my creations unique. Pressing leaves is easy—I just put them between two sheets of paper and slide them inside a heavy book.

After a week or two, the leaves are flat and dry, perfect for craft projects. I use them to make cards, bookmarks, or even wall art.

Sometimes I’ll glue them onto paper to make shapes or animals. I like sharing these little creations on Instagram or Pinterest with friends.

Trying new patterns keeps it interesting. I once spelled out words using different leaf shapes—other times, I make wreaths by gluing leaves in a circle.

Each piece feels special because every leaf is a little different. Sharing my projects online is half the fun.

I use hashtags like #FallLeafArt or #PressedLeaves so people can see my work. Seeing what others create always sparks new ideas for me.

Collecting and arranging leaves is actually pretty calming. It connects me to nature and lets me get creative with what I find outside.

The bright colors always make me smile.

4) Cattail Weaving Workshop

Every fall, I join the Cattail Weaving Workshop. It’s such a fun way to celebrate the season and pick up a new skill.

This challenge pops up on both Pinterest and Instagram, and it always nudges me to get creative. Cattails grow near ponds and lakes, so I’ll walk by the water to pick the long leaves after they dry in the sun.

Collecting cattails feels like a little adventure. The workshop usually shares simple ways to weave cattail leaves into mats or baskets.

I often find short video tutorials that make each step easy enough to follow. Some crafters post photos of seriously impressive projects.

I usually start with a small basket. I share pictures of my progress using hashtags like #CattailWeaving and #FallPlantChallenge.

It’s exciting to see what other people are making and leave comments on their posts. Weaving teaches patience and helps me chill out, honestly.

It also feels good to use natural materials instead of buying new stuff. When I finish a project, I’ll put it on the table for everyone to see.

Sometimes I invite friends to join by tagging them in my posts. A few will DM me for tips on finding or drying cattails.

We laugh about our mistakes, and every basket has its own style. I find lots of ideas just by scrolling through boards and reels.

The community is always helpful, and people love sharing their favorite weaving tricks. The Cattail Weaving Workshop lets me show off my creativity each fall.

I look forward to this challenge every year—it’s a great way to meet people who love plants and crafting as much as I do.

5) Autumn Herb Garden Setup

Setting up an autumn herb garden is one of my favorite fall routines. Fall is perfect for herbs like parsley, cilantro, chives, and sage.

These herbs don’t mind cool days or chilly nights. I pick a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day.

I use pots or raised beds to keep things tidy and easy to water. Good drainage matters, so the roots don’t end up soggy.

I plant herb seeds or starter plants in fresh, nutrient-rich soil. Watering is important, but I try not to overdo it—cool weather keeps the soil moist longer, so I check with my finger before adding more.

Sharing my setup on Pinterest or Instagram is part of the fun! I post pictures of my garden tools, the planting process, and how the herbs grow as the weeks go by.

These updates help me track growth and connect with other fall gardeners. I like using labels or cute markers to show each herb’s name.

It looks good in photos, and honestly, it helps me remember what I planted. People often ask questions, so I’ll answer with tips about soil, watering, and sunlight.

When the herbs start growing, I snip a few leaves for cooking. There’s something so satisfying about using fresh herbs I grew myself.

I’ll share recipes using my homegrown herbs in my posts and stories. Joining an autumn herb garden challenge keeps me motivated.

I like seeing other people’s herb gardens and picking up new care tips. It’s simple, fun, and adds a little green to my fall days.

If you’re new to gardening, herbs are a gentle way to start. They don’t need much space or fancy tools.

I just use pots, a watering can, and a small trowel. Watching herbs thrive in fall is honestly pretty rewarding.

I get to enjoy fresh flavors, and my kitchen smells amazing. Being part of a social media challenge just makes it even more fun.

6) Winterizing Roses Project

I always want my roses to survive winter looking healthy, so every year I join a Winterizing Roses Project on Pinterest or Instagram. It’s a great way to find new tips and share my own progress.

First, I gather supplies—mulch, garden clippers, burlap, and gloves. I’ll post a quick photo of my supplies to kick off the challenge.

Next, I trim any dead leaves and stems from my rose bushes. I try not to cut too much, just enough to tidy things up.

I upload a before-and-after picture to show my process. Covering my roses is the most important part.

I pile mulch around the base to protect the roots. Some winters, I wrap burlap around my plants to shield them from wind and ice.

I like to share a quick video of this step to help others learn. Checking the challenge tag is always interesting—I see how others are winterizing their roses.

People have all sorts of ideas, like using straw instead of mulch or old sheets for covers. I comment on posts to ask questions and swap advice.

As the season changes, I keep posting updates. Even a simple photo of frost on my roses can be fun to share.

Sometimes things go wrong, so I’ll ask for help in the comments. The best thing about joining a Winterizing Roses Project is seeing how everyone’s garden looks in spring.

It feels good knowing my roses have a better shot at coming back strong. Sharing my journey online keeps me motivated and helps me learn new ways to protect my roses all winter.

How to Participate in Plant Challenges

I love how easy it is to join plant challenges and meet others who enjoy plants as much as I do. Picking the right challenge, sharing progress, and joining the conversation just makes the whole experience more fun.

Finding the Right Challenge

I usually start by looking for plant challenges that match my interests. On Pinterest or Instagram, I search for hashtags like #FallPlantChallenge, #PlantSwap, or #AutumnPlantGoals.

These hashtags help me find popular and active challenges. I pay attention to the rules, dates, and themes.

Some focus on care routines, while others want to see certain kinds of plants. Reading the challenge info helps make sure I know what’s expected so I don’t miss anything.

Here are a few ways I find and pick a challenge:

• Explore recent posts tagged with the challenge hashtag
• Read the host’s instructions in their launch post or bio
• Choose themes that fit the plants I already have or want to try

It’s easier to stay motivated if the challenge looks fun and fits the plants I already have at home.

Sharing Your Progress Creatively

Once I’ve joined a challenge, I like to snap clear, bright photos—natural light is my best friend. I’ll tidy up my plant area first, just so the plants really get their moment to shine.

I usually write short captions to explain what’s going on. Sometimes I’ll throw in a care tip, mention a little plant drama, or just share what’s changing. It keeps things interesting and, honestly, a bit more helpful.

Some ways I like to share include:

• Making before-and-after collages
• Posting time-lapse videos of plant growth
• Writing simple care tips in the post

I always tag the hashtag for the challenge and mention the host, so my posts don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Engaging With the Community

I make it a point to comment on other people’s posts and answer any questions about my own plants. Liking and saving posts helps me feel more connected with other plant folks.

If I see group chats or story polls, I’ll join in when I have time. It’s a fun way to swap ideas and maybe pick up a new plant trick or two.

Here are my favorite ways to engage:

• Leave friendly comments on at least three other posts every week
• Share my favorite entries to my Instagram story (with credit)
• Ask for advice and share my own experiences

Meeting other plant lovers is honestly one of the best parts of joining these challenges.

Tips for Capturing Stunning Fall Plant Photos

I’m always on the lookout for ways to make my fall plants look their best. Playing with natural light, focusing on those bold autumn colors, and switching up my camera angles can totally change the vibe of a photo.

Utilizing Natural Light

My favorite time for plant photos? Early morning or just before sunset, hands down. That’s the “golden hour”—the sunlight is soft and warm, and everything just glows.

If the sun’s too harsh, I’ll move my plants into the shade or pull a sheer curtain across the window. Overcast days are actually great because the clouds make the light super even. I almost never use my camera’s flash; natural light just keeps the colors so much more true.

Here’s my quick checklist for perfect lighting:

• Shoot early or late in the day
• Avoid direct midday sun
• Look for soft, indirect light
• Don’t use flash

Highlighting Autumn Colors

I keep an eye out for those deep reds, oranges, yellows, and purples that really make fall plants pop. The brightest leaves or flowers usually become the star of the photo for me.

Backgrounds are surprisingly important—I’ll go for a plain wall or a patch of grass so the colors stand out. Sometimes I’ll scatter a few pumpkins, pinecones, or fallen leaves around the plant for a little extra seasonal flair.

I don’t use heavy filters; I just tweak brightness or contrast if I have to. The goal is for the colors in my photos to actually match what I’m seeing with my own eyes.

Creative Angles and Composition

Switching up my angles keeps things interesting. Sometimes I’ll kneel down to shoot at plant level, other times I’ll try a flat lay from above. It’s wild how a small change shows off new details.

I like using the rule of thirds—I’ll picture a grid on my screen and put the plant where the lines cross, not just smack in the center. I’ll also try:

• Focusing on one leaf or flower
• Framing the subject with branches or fences
• Leaving some empty space for a clean look

Trying out different angles and setups always helps me find something unexpected. Every plant has a best side, right? I try to show it off.

Frequently Asked Questions

I love sharing little tips to help you get the most out of fall garden challenges. Whether you’re growing pumpkins, setting up a herb garden, or just getting creative, there’s something for everyone here.

Which plants are best for a fall garden challenge in zone 6?

For zone 6, I’d go with kale, spinach, carrots, garlic, and lettuce. They can handle cooler temps and even a bit of frost. If you’re looking for flowers, mums and pansies are always a solid pick.

What are the top trending fall garden challenges on Pinterest this year?

Pumpkin Growing Contest is everywhere on Pinterest lately. The DIY Succulent Terrarium Challenge is also making the rounds. I keep seeing people share their Fall Leaf Pressing Art and Cattail Weaving Workshop projects, too.

How can I participate in a fall plant challenge on Instagram?

I just search for hashtags like #FallPlantChallenge or #PumpkinContest. Then I post my photos or videos, tag the challenge, and jump into the comments to chat with others. Some accounts run weekly prompts or contests, which is always fun.

Can you suggest any creative fall plant challenge ideas for my front yard landscape?

A few fun ideas: try growing the biggest pumpkin, build a herb spiral with autumn herbs, or make a scarecrow from natural materials. I also love arranging bright ornamental cabbages and mums near the front door.

Are there vegetable garden plans specifically for fall challenges that are popular on Pinterest?

Definitely! I see loads of raised bed plans for autumn vegetables. People share simple layouts with spinach, kale, garlic, and radishes. Some challenges focus on companion planting and keeping the garden colorful and productive right up to the end of the season.

What tips do seasoned gardeners have for overcoming common autumn gardening obstacles?

I always mulch my plants; it really helps protect their roots from those wild temperature swings.

When pests show up (and they always do), I’ll grab some row covers or reach for natural sprays.

Clearing away fallen leaves—honestly, it’s a bit of a chore, but it goes a long way in keeping diseases at bay.

If there’s a risk of frost, I just toss some garden fabric over my crops for the night and hope for the best.

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