OCTOBER WAS WARMER than usual. In fact, it was HOT! The vegetable plants I put in the ground in October succumbed to the heat. But cooler weather is here, and I will be replanting. Here are a few things you can plant now: spinach, lettuce, garlic, radishes, carrots, cabbage, beets, turnips, and Brussel sprouts.
Have you noticed all of the goldenrod blooming over the last few weeks? Goldenrod is a very important source of nectar and pollen for the bees. My honey bees are happy, happy, happy! Nature’s pollinators play a key role in the production of most of our fruits and vegetables, and an abundant source of nectar and pollen will help them survive the winter. Speaking of surviving the winter, many of the native bees, such as bumblebees, and butterfly larvae spend the winter burrowed under the fallen leaves of autumn. It perhaps may be best for them (and us) to leave the leaves where they fall and not rake them up.
Fall is my favorite time of year to garden – cooler weather, weeds are not so vigorous and there are fewer bugs. If you are new to gardening, now would be a good time to get started and hone your skills. Two pieces of advice, grow what you like to eat, and start small. A small raised bed planted with your favorite cool weather veggie will get you started on the right foot and build your gardening confidence. Visiting your local feed and seed store and talking with their staff, talking to the local growers at your favorite farmers market, or just chatting with other gardeners will provide you with a wealth of information. Send me an email at [email protected]. See you in the garden.
