Frost on the Pumpkins

You know it is fall when there is frost on the pumpkins! I woke up this morning (very early) to see that there was indeed, frost on the pumpkins and unfortunately, on my flowers. I don't think it was expected because even my weather alerts didn't warn me of the frost.  Alas, all good things must come to an end, and at the end of September in the northeast, it is expected.  Summer is officially over.

There are good things about fall though, beginning with the spectacular colors when the sugar maple leaves turn color, to the abscence of stinging insects buzzing about. It is also time to harvest apples and some varieties of grapes to make cider and ice wines.  All good things, according to this writer!

The frost is also a signal to begin harvesting certain squash in the fields, from the pumpkins to those fabulous hubbard squashes.  After the harvest, it is also time to plow the fields under in preparation for next year's garden.

If you normally wait until next year to prepare your garden, you're missing out on some interesting gardening methods, namely lasagna gardening, which can be done in the fall.  Interested in learning about this gardening method?  Check out my article on SmallFarms4You.com:  Lasagna Gardening.