Labor Day was yesterday. This is difficult to think that the first day of fall is just over two weeks away, on Wednesday, September 22. I’ve already observed that it’s becoming darker sooner and earlier every night.
Sunrise was at 6:18 a.m., and sunset was at 8:14 p.m. just a month ago. Sunrise is now at 6:44 a.m., and sunset is at 7:32 p.m. It’s nearly an hour less of daylight! Sunrise will be at 7:10 a.m., and evening will be at 6:47 p.m. by October 6!
Do not even you already miss summer? I believe I do, at least during the long days. Therefore, before looking for vertical wall planters indoor, let’s begin!
Planting Autumn Vegetables & Flowers
I’ve recently planted broccoli, carrots, spinach, kale, and sugar snap peas. And next week I’ll tuck in some yellow pansies amongst the begonias in the gloomy front flower bed.
So, they’ll have a few weeks to develop before I pull the begonias out right before the first frost. It is usually in the third week of October here.
When the onion and garlic sets arrive in a couple of weeks, I’ll pick up a few bundles of each to plant along the perimeter of my vegetable garden. So, they’ll keep curious creatures away from my fall vegetables, and I’ll get to enjoy fresh onions and garlic in the spring!
Look After Those Essential Garden Tools
It’s an excellent time to clean my garden equipment, vertical wall garden planters and organize my tool shed for the winter. Not my favorite duty, but necessary—at least if you want your tools to survive as long as possible.
I scrub every trace of dirt away using a brush with metal bristles because dirt may collect moisture from the air and produce corrosion.
So, I’ll sand any rusty spots with fine sandpaper and apply a little layer of flaxseed oil to the hardwood handles. And I’ll do it all while sitting on a chair on my deck, hoping for some somewhat colder autumn air.
Sharpen Your Garden & Other Tools on September 18
On Saturday, September 18 (Gardener’s fair), I want to carry my pruners inside the Great Big Greenhouse. Sharp Again will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. So, they are excellent at sharpening anything that needs it (kitchen knives, scissors, pruners, etc.).
They’ll be ready to use the next time I get out the pruners. Looking back over the preceding lines and considering all the planting and tool-cleaning I’ll be doing; I realize there will be a lot of “work” involved!
The Bottom Line
For many children, the return to school is the first step toward resuming “regular” life. It is critical to spend time with friends and socialize. So, perhaps some of the discussions might be on their experiences with plants, growing veggies, and caring for the houseplant in the bedroom.
I can only hope that the “green world” is gaining appeal among many young people and that it will become a part of the new “normal.”
The most obvious parallels are that both like picking flowers, picking fruits and berries, hunting for insects, and getting wet and muddy. So, playing in the dirt brings a grin to any child’s face. It’s a perfect match.
