There is a sense of deep satisfaction in putting the garden to bed and getting everything ready for the blanket of snow that is just around the corner!

We broke the job into smaller tasks and checked them off as we could and as the weather cooperated. It always feels like a race against mother nature and when a beautiful day hits, all I want to do is work outside!

Clearing the Garden

We started by clearing  the garden of everything that isn’t organic. We stacked tires and concrete pavers, hung pepper cages, and ripped up mulching fabric.  Next we drained and put away hoses and irrigation pipes, took down fencing panels and dug up fence posts.

Chickens

The chickens help us out by enjoying produce we weren’t able to bring in before the first hard frost and by continually adding more fertilizer to the soil. It’s so great to see this wonderful relationship of the chickens and the garden giving to each other!

Plant Debris

To prevent any harmful pests or viruses from overwintering in the plant debris, we drug all the old, dry vines and stems to a safe area and started a bonfire.  I love the smells, crackling sounds, and sight of leaves and weeds burning in the crisp autumn air!

Manure

We are really blessed with wonderful neighbors!  Adam and Sarah ( May Day Acres ) filled our truck with composted manure from their gorgeous Gypsy Vanner horses and then brought over another big load in their trailer.  We’ll spread the manure out over all the garden and get it tilled under. All Fall, Winter and Spring it will be breaking down and feeding the soil.

Another Bountiful Season

The sun is setting over another bountiful garden season.  All summer we enjoyed a diet of fresh, organic produce.  As we prepare for winter, our shelves are full of  pickles, stewed tomatoes, apples and winter squash.  I always hope that next year I’ll be able to grow more and preserve more.  I dream of having plenty for my family, my parents, friends and even some to sell at a farmer’s market.  It is a lot of work, but as my husband says, “it’s good work”.  David O. McKay said “The privilege to work is a gift.  The power to work is a blessing.  The love of work is success.”  I’m so very thankful for my health that allows me to work and for this beautiful, safe land we have been blessed with .