Full Circle – A Gift that Keeps on Changing
October 1, 2009
Hello fellow gardeners,
It has already been one full year describing the seasons and giving you suggestions on how to improve your gardens. When it comes around “Full Circle” it’s always a surprise to realize how quickly we pass through one year and its four seasons. Have you noticed how the garden can envelop (or swallow) you, and the time we spend gardening changes how we perceive life, time, and space?
Back to basics. This month of October provides an opportunity to reflect on the previous year and what you’d like to change. Last October I described the difference between frost hardy, frost tolerant, and frost sensitive plants; and how row covers of Remay, hoops and plastic , and a greenhouse can extend your seasons. What I have learned since last year is that the frost can come earlier—and harder than expected (it was 20 degrees in Tumacacori during the early morning hours last October 13th)—and that I need to take care of the plants much better. I’ll list some important steps you can take to care for your garden; note which ones you have already taken and which ones you can improve on:
Your soil is the key. It needs to be loose and rich in humus, which means a thick compost layer either worked in or used as the top layer. It is the food for the roots of your plants for the next six months.
Your plants need to be healthy and vigorous. Try to avoid any insect damage and stress from the elements in the early stations of growth or it will slow them down—and with the cold snaps they might just shut down completely. Take good care of them, from the start of seeding to transplanting.
Your water application needs to be in balance. Just enough moisture might not be enough and too much will drown them. To keep your topsoil, you will need to protect it with a good layer of mulch. Wood chips and straw are great blankets for the skin of the earth. It holds the moisture for days and doesn’t let the cold and heat in so easily.
Sunlight is a life force that is essential to keep plants growing in the next two seasons. If possible, don’t plant in the shade. Recognize your deciduous bushes and trees. How many hours does the sun reach your garden in the winter when the sun is the lowest? Try to have 4-6 hours minimum.
Row covers—Remay, plastic covered hoops, or a Greenhouse: the ultimate improvements. They don’t have to be expensive to be very effective, and I highly recommend them.
I love this season of change. There is a special sacredness that surrounds all of us. Our planet earth is talking to us, and when you start observing the elements and all life forms you will be enriched—you actually become part of the change and the rhythm of the seasons. Stand in the middle of your garden and reflect on the past, present and the future; experience the presence of a gift that keeps on changing.
As always I encourage you to have fun, joy, laughter, and lots of love in your heart. These are the best growing tools for your plants, yourself, and those around you—seen and unseen.
Of course I encourage you to arrange a tour or attend an event at Avalon Organic Gardens, Farm and Ranch. This month there will be a 3-day Global Sacred CosmoPop Concert & EcoFest at the Garden Friday October 23 through Sunday October 25. Enjoy camping if you like, vendors, an independent film, much music, and of course garden tours. Contact us at (520) 603-9932. I look forward to meeting you there.
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