garden prompts

As the season winds down, so does the garden. We started writing the monthly chore list as a way to help those that are new to gardening and are not really sure what to do. We also talk about what we do specifically for our zone 7b. You can still do some of these things but if you are colder (or warmer) than us, you may need to make some adjustments. Our November garden chores are more focused on keeping things warm and covered than anything.

November Garden Chores

Our November usually consists cover crops and harvesting various fall crops. There’s also the mad dash to cover everything with frost blankets when the temperatures dip. It’s also the time that we work to make sure that everything is mulched well.

Cover Crops

Every year, we work really hard to put cover crops in the garden. Sometimes we’re too late and other times the chickens eat all the seeds. BUT we do try to get our cover crops in and for the most part we are pretty successful. We use TrueLeaf Markets to get most of our cover crop seeds because the pricing is great. I really like the fact that their selection is pretty big and that allows me to make my own mix.

The reason for my own mix is because I want to make sure that I am addressing problems found in the garden (low nitrogen, impaction, etc) but also planting things that my animals can eat. I don’t want accidently plant something that will kill my goats.

Harvesting

While in some places, there’s snow on the ground. In Georgia, it’s just cool/cold at night. Sure, we’ll occasionally get a frost but it’s not too bad. But we have to stay on the harvest in order to make sure that we don’t accidently forget something out there. Here’s looking at you last year’s zucchini.

We usually have several bean plants that we are still harvesting green beans from. Some, we let go until they are dry so we can save seeds. But for the most part we are really looking for fresh eating.

Frost Blankets

This is the time of year that our frost blankets are getting a workout. While we don’t want to cover everything, like the onions and garlic, we do want to make sure that the things that are tender get covered but only if the temps are going to get at or below freezing.

Usually we put the frost blankets on after dinner and take them off in the morning before all the other chores. We try to make sure that we only put them on if it’s going to be cold enough. This cannot be said enough.

Why don’t we cover the garlic and onions? Well, we want them to “die back” so that they start growing well again in the spring and summer. They don’t actually die back, but they need enough cold to set good bulbs.

Mulching

Mulching is probably just as important as water for the garden but is always the first thing that is forgotten. Every time. Mulching is this magical, amazing thing that solves a ton of problems in the garden.

Weeds? Mulch. Still have weeds? Put more mulch down.

Watering too much? Mulch. It helps the soil retain water.

Compacted soil? Mulch! It will start to decompose on the ground and the soil will take it up and start to compost it.

Cold? Mulch. It acts as insulation.

Heat? Mulch! It will keep the ground cool.

The only thing it doesn’t do is help with pests.

Can you tell I love mulch? It’s probably because I hate weeding. I will seriously shovel wheelbarrows full of mulch before I pull a weed. Which is ridiculous but it is what it is.

Not That Many November Garden Chores

As you can see, there really isn’t THAT many things to do in November. It’s mostly protecting what you’ve got going and harvesting as you can.

What do you do in your November gardens?