November is here and we 'fall back' one hour in time! The landscape has changed dramatically and hues of fall replace the calliope of summer colors.
We're still harvesting spinach, arugula, lettuce, and kale-- and doing so surrounded by the all the plants that have succumbed to the change of seasons. Another growing season is coming to its conclusion-- but there's still much to done!
Did you plant your bulbs?
It's not too late to get your garlic cloves planted. With the especially long growing season we've had this year, the ground has plenty of warmth to get them growing. Be aware that later planted garlic will most likely mean smaller bulbs and cloves than if they were planted late September or October-- but better than NO bulbs or cloves!
Leaf Management
Fallen leaves can be a boon or a bane. Use leaves as mulch in garden beds by shredding them first, which helps speed up decomposition and prevent matting. Alternatively, add them to your compost pile for nutrient-rich compost ready in time for your spring planting. Or create a leaf pile to foster the growth of leaf-mold and increase microbial biodiversity!
Adding a thick layer of mulch to garden beds helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect plant roots from harsh winter weather. Use shredded leaves, straw, or wood chips. This not only provides a cozy blanket for your plants but also enriches the soil as it breaks down over time.
Protect Perennials and Shrubs
Tender perennials such as roses and delicate shrubs may require additional protection against the cold. Apply mulch around the base, and for extra insulation, consider using burlap wraps or creating windbreaks. This will prevent snowpack from damaging branches and help them thrive come spring.
Drain and Store Hoses
Before freezing temperatures hit, disconnect and drain garden hoses to avoid damage from frozen water expansion. Store them in a dry location, such as a shed or garage. Also, remember to shut off outdoor water sources from inside to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Prepare for Spring
Time to prepare your compost for spring growing! I have yet to dig last year's compost pit and get it stashed away-- where it will be easily accessible for growing micro greens over the winter or starting seeds in the spring. Last fall I even went so far as to create my soil mixes for these purposes-- so it was all ready to go. So much easier to accomplish in the warmth of fall than the frigid temps of winter!
Winter Growing
A garden friend posted her picture of all the plants she was overwintering under grow lights in her basement. So inspiring to see all that lush green growth against the browns of our landscape! Set up your grow lights early and permanently bring in those pots of plants you've been protecting from the frost.
Set up another dedicated space to start some herbs, grow some micro-greens, try your hand at sprouting, or maybe even growing some mushrooms! Hone those gardening skills all winter and extend those garden gifts during the 'off-season'.
Growing microgreens
Amend and mulch your garden soils
As the garden canvas clears, it's a great time to spread some compost and organic fertilizer over those garden beds. Then add a protective layer of mulch to keep what you've put in the place from the winter elements. Make notes of everything you add for spring reference and to avoid duplication.
Wildlife Care
Birds and other wildlife can use a helping hand as natural food sources become scarce. Set up feeders with seeds and provide fresh water in birdbaths. Not only will this support local wildlife, but it also enriches your garden ecosystem.
Clean and Store Garden Tools
As the growing season wraps up, it's time to focus on maintenance. Clean your garden tools with a sturdy brush-- we like to use wire brushes to remove soil, plant debris and any rust that may set in. This will ensure your tools are in prime condition for the next planting season.
Review, Dream, and Plan
Now's the time to review the year-- what brought us the most joy this year in the garden? The best harvest? The biggest surprise? The most productive? Where we were most able to share the harvest? What did we most enjoy at the table? What fills our pantry and our freezer?
And where were the lows-- what robbed you of your harvests? What pests and diseases did you encounter? How did you manage them? What worked and did not work? What did you learn? Capture it all for ongoing learning and growth in the garden-- cuz our gardens not only nourish us, they teach us too!
Finally, the most fun-- dream and plan for next season! Use the lessons of past gardens to make next year's garden the most it can be!
Your garden coach,
Theresa