End of the Growing Season

My feelings about the agricultural season drawing to a close are ambivalent: endings are often poignant but i also have a sense of closure when putting things to rest - see you next year! Also, i welcome the rest. While crops are growing, they seem to need constant attention and it’s hard to get a rest.

Of course, the growing season does not end abruptly - in fact, it’s virtually impossible to name a date - but

brussel sprouts

mid-November is as good as any in this part of the country. We have had a warm fall this year and we currently still have crops growing in the garden - broccoli (we harvested some yesterday) leeks, turnips, carrots, kale, and brussel sprout - see photo on right. We have not begun harvesting these yet but it’s time now!

Some crops are planted in the fall for harvesting next year such as garlic and wheat - see photo below. The grass like plants in the foreground is winter wheat - planted in early October (after the sorghum harvest) and will be harvested about July 4, 2009. The corn from the  corn stalks in the background was harvested (by hand) in early November - we will grind the corn and use the corn meal for grits, polenta, tortillas, etc.

This is the time of year when the sun’s strength wanes, freezing temperatures, and the earth prepares to rest and replenish it’s energy. Some critters grow warm coats while others prepare to hibernate. We humans prepare as well: harvest the last of the fall crops, bring in firewood, etc. I look forward to getting cozy on the couch by the wood stove with a good book - at least that’s the fantasy. The fact is that i find it hard to slow down - there’s always email to check, internet research…. In the meantime, pass the brussel sprouts please.