Our fall weather has been so good and I hope you have all had a few bonus hours in the garden. In the vegetable garden, I am still harvesting greens, carrots, leeks and herbs. I have also gotten to more garden clean up than usual - things such as turning the compost pile, taking copious notes about adjustments I want to make next spring, and even raking a few leaves and cutting back some dead plants. Honestly, this is more than I usually do because I get a strange pleasure out of watching the garden die and decompose. I know that is not everyone’s cup of tea, the garden is the place we get to do what we want. No rules, no judgement.
Have you planted garlic yet? If not there is still time. Same with bulbs. This mild weather is really perfect for it.
Sarah B, Sophie, Chad, Sarah M and Lily planted garlic a couple of weeks ago for our herb farm.
New to garlic planting? Read all about it here. It is one of the key rituals of the season, and such a great way to put some closure on the year and look forward to the next. Optimism is at hand.
November Garden Chores
Turn the compost pile, and get set up a new one for winter. I use wire panels like these. But I use plastic zip ties instead of the little clips .
Take notes for the spring and label plants that you want to move, remove, or divide. I use metal stakes with a pencil. It works pretty well, and I just keep a look out for the stakes while doing spring clean up.
Keep a running list of what worked well, and what you don’t want to repeat.
Empty out all the annuals containers and cut back annual plants that are in the ground.
Clean up the garden shed; clean and organize all the tools. Set up a note taking zone so that you don’t have to remember where you left your garden notebook in the fall.
Cut back dormant perennials however much you want to cut them back. Remember that the more you leave, the more you are helping pollinators and birds by creating winter habitat and forage.
Rake up leaves, however much you like to do it.
Give the houseplants a thorough bath, and wipe them down with Neem oil.