Friday, October 23, 2020

Midwest Gardening October 2020: The Backyard

  Like my last post---I ran around and took photos...before starting work. The goal to get all the pots emptied and dumped into the compost pile along with all the garden waste. 

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One thing you can't help think about is how short our season is. Only five months ago, all our plants were coming out of this greenhouse, which is a total fright now. I'll go over our specific SUCCESSES and FAILURES in another post, and there were many on both sides.

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I had wanted to Fall garden in here, but I'm gardened out! I have one pot in here with plants that need to be transplanted and a big mess to clean up.

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I'm going to save the greenhouse cleanup for a cold but sunny day, it easily climbs to 80 degrees in here with the windows closed. A real plus in Spring.

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The vegetables have all been harvested, frozen, dried, or canned. We had hoped for an extended season, but multiple frosts really ended it. These are all the potted Peppers, which are no longer blooming, so into the compost pile! 

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Cherry Tomatoes in pots were very fruitful as were the lettuce planters, to the compost pile NOW. I can say we honestly GREEN gardened this year, other than some natural slug deterrent. 

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This is all the sunflower stalks and bean vines...yikes that's a lot for the pile! On the compost pile, I'm alternating yard waste, compost enhancer, dirt, yard waste...etc. Last will be leaves which will put a nice cover on the whole mess. We should have fabulous dirt in Spring.

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Last of our yellow tomatoes, the ones I brought in the house were spoiled before turning to their ripe color, so these are MULCH!

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Our motion sensor lights go on all night long, apparently for the munchers...! We still have raccoons in the area, woodchucks, possums, moles, squirrels, chippies, they all let us live here, sort of!

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I have three patches of Calendula grown from seed in the vegetable garden. Excellent for pollinators, and blooming still now. I think the black cloth saves some heat and keeps them alive despite frosts. I'm going to leave the plants in the garden in hopes they self seed.

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Our six-foot high Zinnias are still blooming, bees are still buzzing on them, so I will leave all the Zinnias that are healthy for the seeds and the blossoms for the birds and bees.

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Another pot of Lemon Grass, I will probably move to the front yard.

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The sun is so low already 1:00 in the afternoon,
 I have to get going.

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The sandbox becomes a pond, sometimes Dusty Miller will keep over winter. I'll try putting this in the ground somewhere sheltered.

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The birds seem to be searching for winter quarters. Lots of room at the INN here.

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Our neighbor's wood pile. He had three trees taken down on his property and the house next to him. I just hope the Woodchucks aren't under there.

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Our share of the dead Hickory we took down on the lot line. We had hoped to do a pig roast this year, but with Covid, it will have to wait.

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Our Giant Coleus grown from seed...still a few hanging on in the shelter of the extended roof.

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Our rocked area we did last Fall is deep in leaves, but wet. TIP: On the left the Caladiums have been dug up and dried for a few days, and then placed in peat moss to store in the basement through winter. 
(Crossing my fingers they grow again.)
A few Coleus are still happy despite the heavy shade and cooler temps. I wont' empty those pots as we used all new dirt this year. 

Hubby has been watering the sod to the right.

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You can see the seams. It's been down for about two weeks. We waited until Fall because of our heat and drought. Hopefully now it will take hold.

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Not any special Fall decor here. I tossed the last of the 'tiny' squash on the table...and it was picture worthy, 
dirt and all. So much to do for Clean Up!
Well, I really have to get to work, NOW.
The sun is so low already and the days are so short! 

Lots to go into the COMPOST PILE! 

How's your Fall Clean up Going?

Do not use my photos without my permission and linking back to this post on my blog.


Thank you for your cooperation!

Sandi





12 comments:

  1. That is a lot of work! We don’t have a lot of space for veggie gardens so we do mostly perennials. My daughter has a large veggie garden though and her’s did wonderfully this year.

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    1. AW, thanks, yes, it was a godsend this year. Since we couldn't do anything else. And it is great to have pickles and canned tomatoes, and tons of bakery, beans, etc in the freezer. thanks for stopping by, Sandi

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  2. You go girl you are getting everything ready for winter. Love the birds moving into the Inn. xoxo KRis

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    1. Yea, we need two more nice days. Yikes the snow this morning though! Thanks, Kris, hugs!!

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  3. Those gorgeous giant coleus caught my eye!Hugs!

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    1. I know I had to put my hand there to show how GIANT they did get. Dead now, we had snow this morning...sigh. Always, next year!!! Hugs Back!

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  4. Sandi: I don't know how you keep up with it all. Another gardening year has gone by and your's will look just as beautiful and plentiful next year..Stay well..xxoJudy

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    1. It was a good year, since we had nothing else to do. I did the gardening, and hubby did all the projects. Thanks for stopping by, Sandi

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  5. I like the squash that are all different shapes and sizes! You really do have a LOT to do to keep up with so much! But I know you enjoy it. What a good stack of firewood...that makes you feel good to have early in the season! Enjoy your day!

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    1. Most of the wood is the neighbors...but we have a burn ban because of Covid...! Only time, I wished we had a fireplace...hugs, and yes, we stay busy!!!

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  6. You did so much Work, I got Tired just thinking about all that Yardwork! *LOL*

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    1. LOL, all the leaves dropped their leaves finally, so we have at least two more days of cleanup..before the crappy weather returns. Hugs, and thanks for visiting! Sandi

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Thank you for any and all comments. I will be happy to answer any questions or comments in replies or email! HUGS!