We’re deep into it, now; the big switch from summer garden to winter garden. Our days have become cooler, and our nights starting to really dip down, and while I don’t expect that to last, it still is a signal to us to get moving on the change. So, squash and melons harvested. Cover crops cut down and put in the compost. Two inches of compost added (I used a different product this year - Organic Bumper Crop from Coast of Maine products, a family owned company that has a west coast location - I got this at Orchard Nursery in Lafayette). Seeds sown, or transplants firmed in. PVC pipes up and row cover on.
We’re working on getting about 80% of the garden done this weekend, and leaving the peppers and cherry tomatoes in for one more week - we’ll transition those next weekend. I got kale, chard, and snap pea beds done last week (in between marathon homework sessions), so those are already starting to come up.
Tomorrow I’ll work on the beds where the remaining beefsteak tomatoes are (as well as some potatoes I have to dig out) and I’ll get the garlic and shallots in. Take a look at these beautiful Inchelium Red garlic bulbs from Filaree Farms. So fat!
The last of the basil is being made into pesto this evening for dinner, and I planted arugula in its place. I also sowed more lettuces. Tomorrow I also must get the beets and kohlrabi in. Carrots, leeks, and more peas will go in next weekend. Peas: my winter goal this year is to grow enough to freeze for next summer.
The chickens are molting and feathers are everywhere. Not an egg in sight which is normal but depressing. We need more (and younger) chickens! This is next on my to-do list.
The light is certainly different, slanting sideways through the trees. A snuggly quilt feels quite good at night, pulled up to the chin. It’s almost soup weather. California tricks us though and October can be as hot as July, some years. We’ll enjoy this coolness while we can.
I imagine many of you are also going through this same stage in the garden. I’d love to hear all about what you’re planting!