In our fall garden, our vegetables are just a few short weeks from being ready to harvest.
We planted the lettuce less than 30 days ago, and we’re already enjoying fresh salads.
This cabbage should be ready to eat by the first part of November. Keep in mind, we are located in South Carolina and our growing season is longer than in a lot of other areas.
Why don’t I take you for a quick walk in our garden to show you what’s growing.
Peppers and okra from the summer garden are still producing.
We’ve replanted almost of our raised beds with a variety of vegetables that grow well in the fall: broccoli, rutabagas, brussells sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower.
Since we like collards so much, we’ve planted quite a few of those. Collard plants are frost tolerant. In fact, they say collards are only good after being “touched by frost.” Here’s my favorite recipe for cooking fresh collards.
Unfortunately the weeds continue to grow, so I try to keep the garden tilled and the weeds hoed. When it comes to weeds, you’ve got to stay ahead of the game or they’ll take over your garden.
This is our asparagus bed. These plants will go dormant soon.
These plants are fern-like and are so pretty. Jane captured this dew on the asparagus one foggy morning. Once we get frost, I’ll cut them back to the ground. I look forward to an abundance of fresh asparagus in the spring.
I’ll continue to add organic materials to my compost bins all winter. And here’s a tip if you’re composting. Go by your local Starbucks or any coffee shop and ask for their used coffee grounds. I just added a 20 pound bag to this compost bin. “Hmm. I’m thinking pumpkin spice latte today!” If you’ve been thinking about composting, this is a good time to start. In a few weeks, I’ll put up a post about how to compost. It is, without a doubt, the best fertilizer, and it’s free!
I’ve put away my tomato cages for the winter. The birds use them to roost and they fertilize the area where I’m going to plant my cucumbers next spring.
I enjoy a foggy morning in the garden at the cottage at the Crossroads.
Live from Windhams’ Crossroads,
Katherine Barnes says
October 24, 2012 at 8:46 amJane,
LOVE your garden!!! Where in S.C. are you located? Near Florence? I would love to visit!
Kathy Barnes
Rock Hill, SC
Robyn says
October 12, 2012 at 8:47 amEnjoyed looking at your pictures. I was raised on a tobacco farm in NC and we always had a garden. I remember many many foggy mornings just like the ones in your pictures. Thanks for sharing and stirring some memories for me!!!
Leonard Comer says
October 12, 2012 at 6:59 amI love asparagus, think that I will try it in my little backyard garden in Simpsonville next year. I know that I am going to plant okra. Grandkids love it.
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
October 9, 2012 at 11:27 pmWow your garden looks amazing. I wish we had planted a late garden this year.It is always so much fun to make the veggie season last as long as you can!!
Shanno@A Cozy Place Called Home says
October 9, 2012 at 6:14 pmLeo and Jane, your fall garden looks great. I like the ethereal quality of the fog. I think everything you planted would be tasty (except the collards). I am a born and raised southern gal who has never learned to like them. Maybe your recipe will change my mind. The two of you are doing a great job with your home and garden. Thanks for sharing the progress.————-Shannon
Shirley@Housepitality Designs says
October 9, 2012 at 5:51 pmAlways love seeing your garden!…I really love the “foggy” pics….Boy, what a harvest you will have!!
Jean Windham says
October 9, 2012 at 4:09 pmLeo, my favorite thing in this blog is the photos of the foggy mornings. They are spectacular! The fall garden is certainly beginning to take shape. I hope to come down and get some lettuce. I miss seeing you guys. Love to all and happy blogging. Jean
Keeping it Cozy says
October 9, 2012 at 12:41 pmYour garden is so inspiring to me! I did not plant a fall garden this year, but I’m definitely planning on it next year. It all looks wonderful.
Barbara F. says
October 9, 2012 at 10:58 amLeo, this is a fabulous post. I think you should have a show on HGTV. I am looking forward to meeting you and Jane this weekend. xo
Dolly Sarrio says
October 9, 2012 at 9:38 amI think maybe you two should begin having garden tours! Beautiful gardens and home place.
Ann says
October 9, 2012 at 8:50 amWhat a wonderful post! I loved seeing all the changes since summer. I have heard that coffee grounds help hydrangeas bloom. Do you think that’s true? What time of year would you apply them? My hydrangeas have never bloomed well and I have tried many different things. Your photos are beautiful by the way. That new camera is being put to good use!
Carlene @ Oganized Clutter says
October 9, 2012 at 7:31 amWell kept gardens Leo. It’s hard for me to imagine such a long growing season here in Minnesota.
debbiedoos says
October 8, 2012 at 7:25 pmHi Leo and Jane…Your gardens are pretty fantastic still. Awesome pics too. I sure wish I had half the green thumb you two have.
Olive Cooper says
October 8, 2012 at 3:59 pmTotally in awe of your asparagus:}
Kim says
October 8, 2012 at 3:05 pmWe still have okra and peppers from summer, too. Everything else is through. We decided not to do a cool weather garden. Maybe next year.
Fine House says
October 8, 2012 at 1:36 pmYour garden is beautiful! I love the pictures . . . since I do not have your green thumb or space, I’ll take the virtual tour.
Vickie says
October 8, 2012 at 12:28 pmYour garden is looking good! I can hardly wait for the brussel sprouts in my garden to be ready.
Kris says
October 8, 2012 at 12:17 pmYou have a wonderful garden and it’s so well tended. Its great to be able to have fresh vegetables all year round. 🙂 I imagine taking care of this garden is a labor of love.