If you are residing in urban communities like myself, you might have picked up several hobbies during CoVID. For me it was dog walking and expansion of my urban garden. Prior, I maintained herbs on the window sill since I thought that was the only green in my control. Suffice it to say, I was wrong again .  Led by the Ruach I started conducting my research. Ultimately, the Spirit confirmed that I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me, thus my urban gardening journey began. 

As a novice, it was important to compile tips and bits for my living space. This summer scorched. As a result of the  hear, I harvested red skin potatoes, a small harvest of sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and various herbs. The basics of gardening include space, time, sunlight, water, packed with patience and the will to achieve. As we transition what seems like summer into winter, gardening 101 recommends a level of preparation for each season. Winter signifies shorter days and freezing temperatures, which can make a difference. This winter, experts are predicting deep freezing temperatures. So, should we cower down and not plant? No, I recommend arming yourself with some tips and aim towards plants that strive in frigid temperatures. Home Improvement offers some tips as your prepare for Autumn and Winter months. 

1. Take stock of your garden in the fall

Fall is a good time to look at what has done well this year in your garden and what hasn’t, and where you might want to make changes for the next planting season.

“Most outdoor plants are fine to keep outside all winter and will return next spring, but annuals need to be cleared out of the garden and replanted next season. 

At the end of the season, trim back your annuals or seasonal veggies and make sure to note where they are so you can recognize them when they begin sprouting next season.  Preparations such as this really helps in the long term.

2. Tune in to the weather in your area

Prepping your garden for cooler months will depend on where you live.  If you live in the Northeast, please ensure your gardens and planters get a good layer of mulch to insulate your plants. Think of it as putting a blanket around your plants to keep them warm through the winter months.  

Other tips:

a-ensure mulch doesn’t touch the trunks of trees and shrubs to prevent rot and other diseases.

b-For ceramic and terra-cotta pots, you want to make sure you store them in a cool, dry place where they won’t freeze and crack.

3. Clean up your garden.

Take some time to prepare your outdoor plants for the cooler months by tidying up. Remove any invasive weeds, trim any dead leaves, and dispose of diseased or pest-ridden plants and plants that have diseases or bugs. This will help reduce problems for next planting season.

4. Plant cold-hardy vegetables that can survive frost

Make sure to plant some vegetables in the fall that tolerate cold. Fortunately, that includes some you might want to throw into your daily smoothie. Some recommendations include: beets, kale, parsnips, and spinach. Currently, I am still attempting my cabbage, sweet potatoe, and celery.  All strive in more frigid tempertures. I started my beets in the summer. I decided to continue to monitor to determine whether it will thrive in the colder months.  Another great tip: did you know the leaves from beet can be in stir-fries? Similarly, dandelions leaves can be consumed like kale. 

5. Bring your herbs inside for the winter if they were outside

All of my herbs were maintained indoors throughout the year. According to the research some plants, such as herbs, thrive better indoors.  That I've found to be valid. 

Bottomline, life brings transition we just must stay prepared to deal with the change rather than be surprised by the change. What are your thoughts? Can you add any vegetables or fruits to this list? Experts, share you tips for change in seasons.

#healthy=wealthy #stayprepared #urbangardening #yesyoucan

Warm Regards,

CeeCee