It’s mid July, so you know what that means, right?
No, not just sweltering heat and tons of humidity. . .it means that it is time to start planning your garden for the fall and winter. It means that it’s almost time to plant collards.
Even though I’m sure that most of us are harvesting some delicious produce right now (like me and my green beans and peppers), we cannot just reap the rewards and forget that work is still to be done to prepare for the winter.
In Georgia, the later months of the year are especially beautiful because we have a bountiful selection of things to plant such as a great variety of greens, hard-shelled squashes, carrots and of course, garlic!
If you do not know which crops you can plant in your area in the upcoming months, you can consult the Old Farmer’s Almanac online planning chart tool by clicking here and typing in your location. Another good resource for gardeners (more so in Georgia) is Walter Reeves’s seasonal calendar (although I recommend the Old Farmer’s Almanac chart because it is easier to follow).
One you’ve figured out which crops you want to plant, then prepare your soil early to make sure it is nice and rich, grab a shovel (or tiller) and have at it. I definitely recommend gardening during the fall and winter if you can because the temperatures are usually a lot easier on most people than the sweltering summer heat. Besides, who doesn’t love a good bowl of fresh spinach and some tasty carrots with cinnamon?
Thanks and God bless,
– TDM
Further reading:
Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Section
Starry Hilder’s Canning 101: Basics For The New Homesteader (VIDEO)
What To Plant Now For Your Fall And Winter Garden (Mother Earth News)
Have a resource you would like to add? Leave a comment below! We all learn from each other when we share!