This morning was the first time in a long while that I have spent any extended time in the garden. Life has gotten a bit hectic since my oldest started Kindergarten and my youngest started preschool. Just when I thought I would have a few hours to myself a few mornings a week, my oldest was home sick for four days. We had big plans for today, possibly a trip to the beach or an adventure downtown. But, I woke up this morning with that tugging feeling that pulled me toward the garden. I really wanted to plant this weekend. I am hoping for sweet pea blossoms by December. So, instead, I worked in the garden and we will swim at grandma’s house later.
I pulled up three beds and prepared them for fall/winter crops. The backyard garden (aside from the tomatoes) did not do so well, and I couldn’t justify putting any more water on it for just a few peppers. So, as temperatures here will be pushing 100 degrees today I sowed shell peas, snap peas, sweet peas, carrots, and turnips, and at the same time, harvested tomatoes and peppers.
This is the “in between” time. To pull or not to pull. I usually push the summer garden as long as it will hold out, but this year I am getting an early start on the fall/winter garden instead.
This is a time of transition: From summer to fall, new routines, new places, new communities. Why not mix it up a little and try something a little differently?
Growing Up in the Garden 
Yes, I took the plunged and pulled the worn out tomatoes and plan to replace then with cabbage. The peppers are still going strong so I will leave them for now!
Tomatoes are about the only thing I have left of the summer garden. They are still going strong, although a bit bedraggled. I have started cabbage, broccoli, and kale to replace them when the time comes. Peppers are always the last to come in for me too, but mine didn’t do so well this year.
Great post! Always a question whether to leave them a while longer.
Usually this time of year is somewhat agonizing and part of me wants to eek out the last drops of summer veggies and the other part wants to get going on the fall/winter crops. This year it was an easy decision!
I have eeked out the last of the summer veggies in my garden and have started to clear the beds. THIS year is my first attempt at a winter garden and Mud is going to build me two mini polytunnels to cover my longest vegetable bed. I’m quite excited and it is helping with the sadness I feel when I’m having to clear the beds 🙂
Yea for winter gardens! Good luck!