End of Summer

I had a huge garden this year, and I was very proud of it. I took the time to plan out and strategize where to plant things (companion planting), started seed indoors and got it all placed at good times. Then, eventually, nature reminds you who is boss. My brassica plants got destroyed by worms, deer/rabbits ate the tops off all my beets, chard, and half my tomato plants, and a hot stretch roached several sections of my garden (despite constant watering and babysitting).

We left for a vacation in the Upper Peninsula in August, and when we came back things were clearly in decline. Despite the early and untimely end to many of the plants I nurtured, I was pleased at the turnout of select few, and this will help me tailor what to plant next year. I have all winter to contemplate how to beat back the insects. Notable producers: the cucumber vine, green beans, spinach/lettuce, nasturtiums, sunflowers, cherry tomatoes, and carrots. Grapes aren’t ready yet – those will be ready next month.