As summer gardeners, we welcome fall as the time to finish preserving our harvest and rest from our labors. Our decision to become more deliberate homesteaders though means we must reevaluate our fall activities. In short, the work isn't done; its just shifting gears so to speak.
Clint over at The Redeemed Gardener has some wonderful tips on how to best utilize this time of year. Here is a list of my fall chores, some of which Clint recommends as well. For a much more detailed and experienced fall prep guide, check out his site.
* Clean out the flower beds. What few flowers I have left from the summer are starting to look pretty ragged. Cut back the rose bushes, divide or cut back perennials. Save seeds from the marigolds.
*Clean up the garden; mow, bush-hog, disc, plow-whatever-to work up the soil and allow the clippings to compost
*Test the soil. We have never done this and we've been gardening for nine years. Hey, we've always had a productive garden. However, we had some trees in the front yard to die in the ice storm a few years back and we've been unable to successfully replace them. We've planted nearly ten different trees over the last couple of years and they've all died within a month. Since I want our future orchard to go in our front yard, I think I may need to test the soil there. If any of my readers have any advice concerning this, I'd appreciate all tips and tricks!
*Perform maintenance on any sheds/out buildings.
*Decide where you want future gardens or flowers. I have a spot running along the back of our house where Hubs laid out stones to create a garden space, but nothing was ever planted. Now would be a good time to clean it up and develop a plan for what I want to grow there next year. I'm pretty sure this is where my herb garden will be.
*Self-educate: Read all you can from those who are experienced at homesteading/gardening. Since we know we want to get chickens next spring, I have already been soaking up as much info as I can about the care and maintenance, as well as the different breeds, of chickens and chicken keeping.
*Most importantly, spend time in prayer and Bible study asking God for wisdom and direction. His plans may not be my plans!
For you seasoned homesteaders, what advice would you give us newbies pertaining to this time of year?
Thank you for the link! I hope you have a blessed new journey here. I am adding you to my blog role and will be back as often as I can to read and comment. We all are here to help each other alone the way and it looks like you have a great start in your blog role list! I look forward to our friendship!
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Thanks so much for all this information! This was my 3rd year having a garden and it was great, the kids helped out and I just love all the veggies we get from it!
ReplyDeleteI think it's the perfect time of year for siding or putting on a new roof if you need it. It's not too hot, and not too cold, and the laborers are not as busy now. It's also a great time to have trees trimmed or cut down!
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