September

It's hard to believe that September is already here with its shorter days and cooler nights. In fact, some parts of our state were already under a frost advisory last night.  Although our county was listed as one of the areas that may see patchy frost, our town was just south of the advisory area.  Hubby and I agonized over what to do.  Although we weren't in the "red zone", we live in a valley, which is always more susceptible to early frost. To cover everything would be impossible.  Although, I have accumulated quite a pile of cast off sheets, table cloths, blankets and pieces of plastic; we would not have enough to cover even the pumpkin patch. Much of my garden is done producing, and many of the plants are ready to be pulled for composting, but still more plants have a ways to go.  Our pumpkins are a bit slow this year, and are just now blossoming and setting fruit.  The corn, cabbage, peppers, pole beans, beets and squash are still going strong.  It would be a tragedy to lose everything to an early frost.  Do we cover or do we not???  What do we do?  My grandfather always said if the temperature is below 50 degrees at 9:00 pm, then a frost is likely, if it is warmer than 50 degrees then frost is unlikely.  I checked the temperature at 8:20.  It was 51 degrees. Oh, the agony.  Try to cover what we can or take our chances?

My dear, sweet Hubby decided that he would get up before sunrise and spray the gardens with water, which supposedly, if it is done before the sun shines, will save the plants if they have been touched by frost. I agreed to this solution; I was, however, a bit worried that nothing could save the tender pumpkins.  Ughhhh, the turmoil that early frosts can cause...

We woke to a very chilly 37 degrees, but no frost!!!!

What a relief!!!  The weather is supposed to start warming back up again with a bit more seasonable temps, which my garden will appreciate, as well, will I.  My zinnias will keep showcasing their brilliant colors, the pumpkins may have a chance at offering us a few jack-o-lanterns this fall, and we can continue enjoying the fresh veggies at our table every evening for supper.

We will be able to enjoy the brilliant colors of summer in my yard for at least a few more weeks...

The apples will have a little more time to mature...

The tomatoes will have more time to ripen...

We will be able to enjoy the beauty of summer for just a tad bit longer...