Tucking the Garden in for a Cozy Winter
As the vibrant colors of fall leaves blanket the ground and the air turns crisp, it’s time to prepare your vegetable garden for its winter slumber. Just like us, plants need some TLC before the cold weather sets in. Proper winterization not only protects your garden but also makes it easier to hit the ground running when spring arrives. Learn more about your growing season Here.
I often say, “If you are searching for the answer to something, just look to nature.” In fact, we are just an extension of nature in human form. Ever notice how certain times of the year bring about different emotions, sensations, and thought patterns? For instance, after the summer season, I find the need for more rest and restoring activities. During the summer, my days are long and full of activities and projects. Therefore, I welcome the cooler air as a much needed respite to my busy schedule. Restorative yoga, journaling, and preparing nourishing soups are some of the ways I enjoy the transition.
This blog post is my interpretation of the garden in relationship to our seasons of life. It is intended to offer logical tips about putting the garden to bed, while at the same time, touching on the life lessons learned when allowing nature to be our guide.
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” Albert Einstein
Step 1: Harvest all of the Bounty
Before you do anything else, take a stroll through your garden and harvest any remaining vegetables. Don’t let your hard-earned produce go to waste; consider making hearty soups, pickling, or simply storing them for later use. As you harvest, be sure to discard any overripened fruit or vegetables.
While harvesting, be sure to take a few moments to reminisce about the summer season. Specifically, by giving gratitude. Gratitude for the bounty of your crops. Gratitude for the sunlight, rain, and living soil which sustains your plants. Lastly, always give gratitude to yourself! Working towards a harvest or a goal does not happen overnight. Tiny steps repeated over and over lead us towards success. Bask in the bounty of your making!
Step 2: Clear Things Out
Once your harvest is complete, it’s time to tidy up the garden. Remove dead plants, leaves, and any leftover mulch. Cleaning up the garden now helps to reduce the risk of pests and diseases overwintering and keeps your space looking neat.
Release what no longer serves you. This is oftentimes not an easy task. However, it is such an important lesson to learn. Sometimes we need to let go of old patterns or ways of thinking to make space for new growth. Fall, the season of change, release, and let go.
Step 3: Compost! Compost! Compost!
Don’t throw away all that garden debris. Composting it will create nutrient-rich organic matter that you can use to boost your garden’s soil health in the spring. Leaves, non-diseased plant material, and even kitchen scraps can be composted. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces waste but enriches your soil.
Step 4: Cover Your Soil For Safekeeping
A layer of mulch over your garden soil helps to maintain its temperature and prevents erosion. You can use leaves, straw, or even burlap sacks as mulch. Spread a layer about 2-3 inches thick to keep your soil cozy throughout the winter.
Cover your body in nourishment. Take advantage of the harvest season to flood your physical body with nourishing fruits and vegetables. Warm meals such as soups, casseroles, or an old-fashioned pot of beans are perfect for warming the bones during the autumn season. Boost your immune system before cold and virus season sets in. Have you ever considered that some of the most immune-boosting crops are abundant this time of year? Nature always knows best…
Step 5: Protect Delicate Plants
If you have sensitive vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or kale, you can protect them with a layer of straw or even a cold frame to extend their harvest season. These measures help keep them fresh and ready for your table throughout the winter.
Add a layer of protection in the form of oils, lotions, and creams to your skin. Get a jump start on nourishing your skin before old man winter settles in. We are susceptible to dry, itchy skin due to the changes in humidity, heating our homes, and just overall dry air. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, don’t underestimate the benefits of clothing made with natural fibers to keep you cozy!
Step 6: Store Away Your Tools
While you’re getting your garden ready for winter, take some time to clean and store your gardening tools properly. This ensures they’ll be in good shape for next year’s growing season.
Storing away tools is similar to taking a much needed rest break. Take the time to allow your system to reset and adjust. The shorter days, longer nights naturally affect our circadian rhythm. Many people, me included, find themselves waking up earlier in the mornings due to the changes in light, temperature, and melatonin production. Consequently, keeping a consistent bedtime is very important for overall health, especially as the seasons change.
Step 7: Plan for Spring
Lastly, take a moment to plan for spring. Dream about what you’d like to grow, sketch out your garden layout, and consider starting some seedlings indoors when the time is right. Planning ahead is a great way to get a head start on a successful growing season.
If you can dream it, you can become it! Mindset is such an incredible but oftentimes untapped tool. Dare to dream your biggest dreams! Take those baby steps! Dare to take the path that could lead you to your new garden come spring!!
“We often forget that we are nature. Nature is not something separate from us. So when we say that we have lost our connection to nature, we have lost our connection to ourselves.”
Andy Goldsworthy
Final Thoughts
While gathering inspiration for this blog post, I found myself meandering through the paths of my leftover summer garden. The garden that really showed up and showed out! Without a doubt, it was a record-setting tomato season!
As with all cycles of life, this record-breaking tomato season is behind me. The zinnias, dahlia, peppers, and herbs are still holding on strong. But, they too, will soon succumb to the arrival of the first frost. I am standing in that delicate space which dances between what was and what will soon be. Enjoy the last handful of longer days, warmer temperatures, and vibrant colors. Indeed, Old Man Winter will roar in before we know it!
