Autumn time to look back on this year’s triumphs

With the arrival of fall, most of us are enjoying the fruits of our labors and admiring the last vestiges of an abundance of color and beauty in Union County this year.

Fall also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the successes, and failures, of this year’s garden. I for one will not plant white carrots again. Not one single white carrot grew larger than my small finger, while all other colors grew to an average and realistic size.

Our corn seemed to be ready to eat anywhere from one to two weeks earlier than other gardeners experienced. I attribute this to the reflective heat of the solid wood fence to the north of the corn. As we no longer have a fence to the north of where we’ll plant our vegetable plot next year, it will be interesting to see if there is any difference.

Most calendars have enough writing space to jot down information to assist you in planning your garden for next year. Even tracking the first and last frosts, the day you set your vegetable starts out and when you started seeds can give you a guideline to follow in years to come.

One trick I developed to assist me in tracking when I planted what, is to take a felt-tip marker into the garden with me and as I plant the last seeds from a packet, I write the date on the packet. Or something to the effect of “1st sowing May 15th” and later “2nd sowing June 1.’’ Using a small plastic tote (with a sealable lid) keeps seed packets together and dry, and serves as a handy place to keep the marker, string or small stakes for writing on. The totes with handles are especially useful.

As I planted the five pounds, and four types, of garlic, I also mapped out where I planted which type, knowing that certainly I would not remember by next spring what was planted where. Never having planted that much garlic before, I was surprised at how many cloves there were once the bulbs were taken apart. It took several hours to plant them all, and mapping occurred as I went along.

For those of you wondering if it is too late to plant fall bulbs, certainly not! Planted now, they will still have some time to establish a root system before the chilly days of November bring all growing to a halt.

We are a community of gardeners and growers. The natural beauty of our surrounding area is complimented by the beauty of our towns and individual gardens and creative landscaping. This is evident in all areas of our region. I see thoughtful and interesting plantings every time I venture out from home.

Until next time, enjoy the beauty around you, and plan to add more in the years ahead.