October

October is such a lovely month in the garden. The weather is starting to cool, fall tomatoes are making their way skyward, pumpkins are ripening on the vine. It is time to put in brassicas, winter tolerant herbs, spring blooming flowers like snapdragons, bulbs and trees, and to seed native wildflowers. It is that last energetic push before slowing down for winter.

In my garden I am still harvesting okra, Seminole pumpkins, hatch peppers, eggplants, swiss chard and tons of roselle hibiscus. My bush beans, tomatoes, zipper cream peas and second season cucumbers are still working their way towards production - hopefully in time to enjoy the Thanksgiving bounty.

Speaking of Thanksgiving - that is close to our first frost date, so anything that goes in the ground in October needs to be tolerant to cool weather. If you still have the urge to plunk in a tomato or pepper just make sure they are a transplant that is almost already fully grown out because you only have around 50 days before the cold is likely to take them.

If you are interested in planting natives October is the ideal month to get them on the ground. If you aren't sure which ones to put down, or how to prepare the land for them, then consider buying a ticket to attend my Lunch and Learn at The Gathering Place in Seguin on the 13th. I will send you home with native seeds and feed you lunch! All of my classes and gatherings are multi age oriented so feel free to bring along the family - whether that is great grandma or a baby you are wearing.

October will also bring the second monthly Garden Potluck on 27th @ The Gathering Place. We had a great time at the last potluck - lots of yummy food and great conversations. I learned a ton of new information about ranching lambs and running chicken tractors:) Feel free to show up anytime around noon with a dish to share. (Huge thanks to Krystal who owns the Gathering Place for opening her space for this community gathering and for cultivating such a warm environment to all be together).

Where can you find me this month to buy plants (or just to visit together about gardening and all of the things in between)? Honestly all over the place:) I have some extra markets this month, am doing two Free Delivery Fridays, have the gatherings I detailed above, and you can always send me a message to do a same day porch pick up. You can find all of this on the calendar at www.handpickedheirlooms.com/congregate.

Happy October Gardening,

Sarah (Handpicked Heirlooms)