The end of summer always feels bittersweet to me. August is our last hurrah. Even though we head back to school at the beginning of August, we can usually swim after school and maybe piddle in the garden for a few minutes. This year the temperatures were cooler and we didn’t get in the pool more than a couple of days per week. We even closed the pool early this year because it was just too cold to swim. My garden is starting to shut down for the winter, too. Just a few days ago we brought in the last of the potatoes and harvested the butternut squash. We also scavenged some tomatoes that fell off the vine when we tried to pick them. There are massive amounts of strawberries in the beds, too, but they just weren’t ripe yet. It’s such a treat to pick a couple of strawberries for the kids as we come in the door.
If you’ve got a garden that’s on its last legs, this is the right time to sow a few seeds for your winter greens. I didn’t pull up the old plants just yet, since they’re still producing. Instead, I planted the seeds right under the tomatoes. They are a little slower to grow in the fall, but the temperatures are perfect for cool weather crops like spinach or lettuce. As you can see, they started sprouting in just a few days. Once the potatoes were dug, I planted kale on top of the soil that was left. It has grown in to completely fill the container in just a couple of weeks!! Kale is so hardy that it will last all winter long, too. I’m excited to toss it into some stews this fall. I wish our pumpkins had fared better. I had a few small ones but they just didn’t make it. We’ll try again next year. As I pick the last of our garden, it’s time to start thinking ahead to spring seed shopping.
What types of veggies do you love to enjoy during the fall and winter?
Spring! Time for green growing things.
I like squash in the winter.
The last crops of the season are special. It marks the end of summer and the beginning of fall. Things like this butternut squash make me think of Thanksgiving.
Squash is a great fall veggie. Broccoli and cauliflower go year round, too. My daughter loves her veggies actually. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, green leafy…all work for her. My husband and I prefer potatoes. So many good fall veggies, but it is hard to see the berries go. Strawberries and tomatoes are amazing in the summer. Hope you enjoy every bit of your garden.
I miss having a garden and being able to pick your own vegetables without worrying about pesticides or any other concerns from not growing your own food.
I love fall produce, especially spaghetti and butternut squash!
We love growing tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, & cilantro! I can’t wait to get started this spring!
Looks like ya’ll had a great season! Do you can or freeze?
I hate when it gets cold and we cant go out and get fresh veggies from the garden. One thing I have tried for 2 years now with no luck – potatoes but I did learn one mistake I was making potatoes and tomatoes shouldnt be close together.