Putting Plots To Rest

Greetings and welcome back gardeners,

I hope it has been an amazing growing season for you, filled with lots of large and beautiful harvests. 

As the season begins to wrap up with colder weather approaching, it is important to continue to care for our beds and plots in preparation for the winter. And, doing so is quite easy.

When the weather begins to drop, (close to freezing or freezing) warm weather plants such as squash and cucumbers will begin to die and wilt from the cold. Once this process begins to happen we know it is time to change for the winter. 

First, chop off the main foliage on the plant, leaving only the stem and roots intact, in the ground. Next, cover beds with compost and combine with pre-existing soil in the gardening area. Lastly, cover the plot with a light layer of hay or straw. Now your plots will be set for winter. It is really this simple. 

If you are wishing to continue to grow plants throughout the winter there are a variety of plants that thrive in the cold weather. For example, cold hardy vegetables such as kale, spinach, swiss chard, collards and broccoli all enjoy the colder weather and grow great over the winter along with, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts that actually taste sweeter after a frost. Root shrubs such as Carrots, turnips, parsnips, and garlic also grow well or overwinter safely in cool soil. Following, snap dragons will hold up in chilly weather. Also, it is ideal to plant bulbs for the spring time now, during the season and weather shifts. By planting now, flowers will be in full bloom by mid to late May!

Happy growing, and congratulations to another amazing summer growing season!!

                   The Consumption Literacy Project