The garden in september
September is passing by in the blink of an eye. On my last entry, I mentioned how the rains had thankfully came earlier this year, and september already felt like autumn (a feeling we often start experiencing by mid october). I’m happy and relieved to share that we are still in this place, and the earth in the garden is moist and soft, the air is crisp, warm sweaters are a welcome addition in the evening and the fire season is (crossing all fingers) over for the year.
This early change in weather also means I can start preparing the autumn and winter garden some weeks before the usual - something I’m pretty thrilled about!
Last monday was farmer’s market day, so I packed some bags and we hit the road to get seedlings for the garden which, combined with the crops I’m starting from seed, will be the majority of this cold season’s garden produce.
Here’s what I’m planting this month:
different varieties of lettuce, including winter hardy ones
chard
spinach
curly kale
pak choi cabbage
different varieties of local heirloom cabbages
In a few weeks, I’ll be sowing peas and fava beans too, alongside radishes, mustard and mizuna.
Do you remember how, back in may, I said I’d be planting larger quantities of fewer crops? I’m so happy to report that decision was a success, so I’m applying it to this upcoming growing season too. Our pantry is stocked with tomato sauce for some months and zucchini and cucumber pickles for the year, which I’ve been sharing around. Our peppers and runner beans are still going, too!
If (when) we ever expand on our garden area, I’ll be excited to be back to trying many different crops and varieties, and for now I’ve realized that the best for our small-ish garden and for our reliance on it is to plant more of less.
This doesn’t mean there is necessarily less variety in the garden. Every year, flowers for us and the pollinators are a priority, and so are bushy perennials, culinary herbs and fruit trees. Our small ecosystem is diverse and resilient, with new birds, insects and other critters joining the party every year, which makes my heart sing.
Would love to know about your autumn gardening plans or, if you are feeling chatty - what is a garden lesson you’ve recently learnt?
Enjoy this new season!
Love,
Cat 🍂
