Just a couple of gems I picked from my garden before the cold front came down.

Just a week ago the veggie garden was doing so well and we were basking in the bounty.

Peppers and kale were growing vigorously in the crisp, balmy fall air.Basil, thyme, lemon balm as well as chard were coming out of their summer hiding and looking downright delicious!

Bees were buzzing around,

and my grape and plum tomatoes were still bushy and producing fruit.  I love these tomatoes, since they keep producing all the way from late spring to the first frost of late fall. What else could I ask for.

I was busy planting some cold weather collards, adding tons of composted manure and organic fertilizer to revive the soil as I planted. During my years of gardening I have learned that good soil makes for great plants, so I always diligently work on that before planting, and during the growing year.

Being outside was just wonderful. Warm, gentle sunlight and fresh, balmy breezes. I had planted garlic cloves a week prior and already the little leaves were peeking out of the ground. Can’t wait to harvest my first crop in spring.

Fresh lettuce was added as it loves the cooler weather of fall and winter. These little guys should be fine as long as I cover them when the temp dips below 32.They have already put on many leaves, and are delicious and pest resistant. A double win!

It’s important to eat your broccoli, so I had planted a purple one. Can’t wait to see it in it’s maturity. Purple broccoli – go figure. Should be pretty.

Well that was all before, and now we are sitting inside, stuck in a long spell (7 days – not months  😀 ) of cold (34 degrees), misty and sleety rain. Have not seen the sun in 4 days and it will take another 3 days for it to show up here again. The arctic air should finally move to the east and outta here – back up north where it belongs. Teehee. I must not forget to cover my veggies tomorrow night as the temps dip below the frost line, or else this pretty picture below….

will turn into melted mush of wilted vegetation in no time.