My favorite season is nigh, can you feel it in the breeze? We may be creeping back up in terms of temperature after a blissful “false fall”, but the unmistakable shift in light cannot be ignored: autumn is on her way! With it comes harvest season and an end to a disappointing gardening period for me. I hope at least some of you managed to get some tasty tomatoes in my stead!
While harvesting and slowing down is the main theme of this time of year, there are some veggies that can be planted at this time to enjoy in the cooler months. Since they prefer cool temperatures, anything that you can plant in early spring can be planted in early fall as well. The key is that they get planted in enough time to avoid the first frost. Some of the best veggies to plant at this time of year for our region are radishes, lettuce, spinach, arugula and bok choy.
Other plants that can go in the ground are fall flowers such as mums, asters, and cosmos. Tulips, daffodils, iris and lilies are some of the bulbs you can plant as well at this time of year. Most garden centers will have these available for purchase. While they may not be blooming any time soon, you will have a lovely surprise come spring if you forget you’ve planted them like I will!
In addition to planting and harvesting, it is also a good time of year to reflect on what went well in your garden and what could be improved. For me I think the heat waves in conjunction with an early summer trip to New Zealand made any attempts at gardening moot. My tomatoes have gone into survival mode and it is anyone’s guess as to whether or not I’ll see even one by the first frost. The basil plant that I put in with the tomatoes is happy and thriving, and I made a very tasty pesto from its large and vibrant leaves. I decided not to plant any other vegetables aside from another smattering of what I call “chaos carrots” and as a result have nothing but massive weeds to show for it. Perhaps next year.
No matter how you decide to wind down your garden, I wish you the best. Whether you’re like me and without a tomato to your name, or find yourself with gallons of cucumbers and zucchini, I hope that this time of year brings you joy as the temperatures lower and the light fades. We can all be thankful for harvest season, even if what we harvest is the memory of the hope of spring.
