Growing Patience on the Porch

Pumpkin blossom

Now that the garden has been put to bed, the plants have taken refuge on the porch.

Mary Washington asparagus lounges
in a new urn.

The Mary Washington asparagus, which has been hanging around in coir pots, has moved to its permanent home in a large urn on the back porch.  All summer long I have argued with myself about where to put the asparagus bed.  After much debate, I finally decided to plant it in a pot on the porch so I can protect it from extreme temperatures.  It has perked up in the week since, so I think it's happy in its new pot.

Tractor Supply is a great place
for end-of-season bargains!

Since it's fall in the South, that means it's time to plant garlic, and plant I did.  I planted both a hardneck variety (Chesnok Red) and a softneck (Inchelium Red) in planters I found on sale ($1.99!) at Tractor Supply.  I planted 30 cloves each, which should, hopefully, yield thirty heads each.  Before the cold weather arrives, I need to mulch each pot with leaves or straw for protection.  On the coldest days, I can move the pots closer to the house for protection.  Time is wasting, though, and I'd like to get a few onions in pots, too.

A tiny pumpkin perches
at the top of the plant.

A pumpkin grows
at the end of a vine.

I've been really frustrated by the Small Sugar pumpkin plant.  While the vine is vigorous and the blossoms are glorious every one has dropped to the ground.  Until today, when I spotted two tiny pumpkins!

I had just about given up on it fruiting this season, especially after the light frost late last week.

The lesson I keep learning with gardening is that I must be patient, and I must be diligent.  I must be attentive to the needs of each plant so that it can flourish and produce at its maximum output.  Whether I'm tired, or hot, or out of the mood, the garden has its needs and, if I want to benefit, I must do my part.  For a procrastinator, that's a hard lesson.

But it's one I must learn.

The winter garden is living on the porch.

What's growing in your garden?

Nancy