As the days shorten and we get more interested in the human form of hibernation, the first frost forces a burst of activity to bring in the last of the produce and crops that can’t take a good freeze. Everyone who irrigates has some last minute plumbing work to preserve the network that waters their crops. At weedom, potted plants crowd the house as we choose which ones will be kept, which ones will be trimmed and which will be composted. Herb drying rings are loaded with whatever we could grab in the last week. Greenhouse sides are rolled down, and a cover is stapled onto the door. Vital salad greens and some herbs are growing inside.
The nature of fall weather will determine how much of garden preparation occurs in the fall or the spring. We’re flexible here. Our main deterrent is high wind, though others might find wetness or cold to be the main factors that inhibit outdoor work.
Eyeballs are to the ground, looking for the little brassica weeds, the ground ivy, dandelions and catnip, all of which make their return in this season of lukewarm days and cold nights. We took in some prime catnip this week, and expect another little flush of it before it recedes back to bare stems or just a nub of green at ground level. Our kitties are getting another buzz on, and we’re drying some for tea time.
At weedom, there will be 3 frosty days, then a bit of a warmup, during which we will start the root digging. Trees and elderberry plants will find a new home, now that some rain has begun to bless our land.
This is the season for finding incredible mushrooms such as hen of the woods and lion’s mane. While this isn’t a specialty at weedom, we never stop learning, and encourage people to become familiar with the fungi of their area for the excellent food and medicine that is obtainable. We watch the wild mushroom hunting and mycology group run by ‘shroom expert, B.J. Hackett on Gab.com. This is a publicly visible group which shows a treasure trove of mushroom pictures in season, and members offer assistance with identification. (This group is very topical, (fungus only) for those who might worry about that famed social medium where any and all opinions may fly about unfettered. The above link leads directly to the group. If you want to get help with learning your own mushrooms, join Gab, (perhaps adjust the view to your liking ;-) then join B.J.’s group, show them your pictures, and ask questions. )
We don’t stand under the black walnut trees this time of year, because one or more of those green balls drops frequently, and they’re heavy enough to get our attention. There are a couple American persimmon trees here which likewise drop their ripe, sticky balls on our heads this time of year. That’s all that remains on them right now. Both trees offer great gifts, and you’ll be learning more about them in the future if you stick with weedom.
Last but not least, here’s a peek at what else happens at weedom.
Normally we get 48 usable bars out of a batch. Slower moving or trial products are sometimes made as half batches. Infusions of our good weeds are incorporated into many of the soap mixtures. We’ll tell you more about this process during cold weather when there’s less going on outside.
Natural beauty springs up in the oddest places. If we told you where this maple tree is growing, you wouldn’t believe it. :-D Catch some fall colors before they’re gone!
