Garden Friday

 Hello and welcome to Garden Friday!
The last week has been fraught with winter-like temperatures,
and there are a few things in the garden
that are none too happy about it!

 The loofah, which was a pollinator magnet,
is now withering away.
This heat lover couldn't abide the drop in temperatures,
although there is plenty of fruit yet to harvest.
We usually wait until the gourds turn yellow or brown,
but it will be curious to see if they change at all.
This weekend's lows are expected in the 20's.
BRRRRRRRR!

 The Black-Eyed Susan vines that have been cascading over the straw bales
have been enjoyed all summer long.
Now they look as if they are ready to call it quits.
We are grateful for the months of gorgeous color 
and the food provided for the bees.

 The volunteer tomato plant had been pulled up
earlier this month,
but this straggler somehow escaped the compost bin.

It was time to pull up the Red Ripper beans as well.
These vines generously donated 2 full pint jars
of dried beans to the pantry.
We will enjoy using them in soups and stews this winter,
as well as sprouting them on the windowsill.
Of course, we'll save some for planting next summer.
If you are interested in obtaining some of these easy-to-grow beans,
just drop me a note and we'll make arrangements to get you some.

This straw bale refuses to let go of this okra plant,
even though they were pulled up weeks ago.
This bale will most likely be torn apart 
and used in the raised beds as mulch through the winter months.

 A bit of organizing got done this week.
This bin housed our sweet potato crop,
and once that was harvested, I decided to use it to gather 
all the odd pots we have around here.
The garden can always use some tidying.

 Some time was spent amending the new beds.
Twigs and small branches were added to the bottom,
topped by leaf mulch, then wood chips.
I recycled the old soil taken from the pots in the previous picture,
and finally topped off the beds with a fresh soil mixture.

Our completed beds are now ready for their cover crop,
which should be arriving by the weekend.
Once it warms up a bit next week,
I will sow the seeds to keep the soil covered all winter.
Straw will be added for insulation and to help retain moisture.


With the cold front moving through over the next two days,
it just might be the perfect time to begin my wish list
for next spring's crops.
With two new beds to fill,
I may try some new varieties.
I can't think of a better way 
to spend a bitterly cold day.

Do you use cover crops?