Fall is here. The nights are cooler. The rains have come in. When the sun comes out, it's crystal clear and crisp.
This has been a roller coaster year, with a very early spring that went right into summer with record heat and sun. Rain was much needed throughout the spring and summer to replenish the aquefer. We are grateful for the rain and ready to embrace fall.
Most importantly, autumn is a wonderful time for year-round gardeners-homesteaders like us. There are so many harvests to do and look forward to: figs, apples, grapes, plums, limes, oranges, mushrooms, basil, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, zucchinis, and more.
Whereas most traditional gardeners have started to clean up their gardens and put away their tools for the season, the real beauty and bounty are just beginning for us, as we will be seeding and harvesting foods throughout autumn and into spring. Fall weather is amenable to quick growth of greens that we rely on throughout winter and spring: kales, chards, the various lettuces, chicories, and escaroles germinate and grow quickly in cool moist but still bright and sunny conditions of fall.
So much to look forward to. Bon Appetit!