Tucking in

I woke up one November morning in shock that it was supposed to reach 75 degrees.  You never can tell what Kansas weather will bring.  I have begun the slow process of removing all of the plants (except for my broccoli) from the garden.  However, it seems a bit counter-intuitive to pull up things that are still green; things that I have poured my blood, sweat and tears into.  Is it really that time?

This growing season in Kansas was brutal.  We broke a record for most 100 degree days since the 1930’s.  (Frankly, I don’t want to hold that record!)  So, I had to fight the weather and a few pests for every bit of produce during this awful summer.  At this point, I am ready to rest myself and my soil, and allow excitement to build about what I am going to plant next spring while my soil replenishes its’ nutrients. 

So, although it was a beautiful 75 degrees, I pulled out the last of my tomatoes from my garden bed, and added them to the compost pile.  I plan to use some newly shredded fall leaves and a little water to cover my garden with a thick blanket.  I like the feeling of tucking it in for a nice, restful winter’s nap.  To answer my own question about timing, I took a quick glance at the weather.  The next day's forecast: Rain with a high of 52.  I guess it is that time, after all.