Gardening

The First Frost Came Early

Even if you know your growing zone, your actual predicted "first frost date" can vary based on your microclimate. We are in growing zone 7a; our predicted first frost date is October 21st, but it will come by October 31st. This year it came early, on the evening of October 17th/early morning of the 18th.… Continue reading The First Frost Came Early

Gardening

September In The Garden

September 2026. A month in photos. Started out hot. Had a chill the third week; it went down to 40* one night. Flowers came back as temps dropped from the 90s into the 80s, then fell as low as 58 on the first day of fall. And on the last day of the month, it… Continue reading September In The Garden

Clean Living · Gardening

Welcome Fall 2026

This week, my oldest son turns 29 on Friday. I was on bed rest for much of that summer due to developing Preeclampsia. I watched my 24th summer slowly and painfully go by, looking out a tiny window. The day he was born, the rain came. Winds howling. Fall rolled right in that day. I… Continue reading Welcome Fall 2026

Gardening

6 Weeks Out To The First Frost

Here in Shenandoah Junction, WV, it still feels like summer. It will be 90° this afternoon. But there are the tells that fall is coming. We are starting to get spells where the night temperatures are in the 50s. In the morning, it isn't hot outside right away; once the sun rises, it takes much… Continue reading 6 Weeks Out To The First Frost

Gardening

The 39 Green Pea Cycle

Even as we enter our 16th month in the Shenandoah Valley, I still expect Western Washington to grow. Slowly, I am adapting and learning. One area is fall planting. Last year, the garden was only partly built at this time point. Because of that, I planted some crops very late - to even have anything… Continue reading The 39 Green Pea Cycle