It is end of October and the weather is colder now, which means end of gardening season. Well, at least most
of it.  This year, we have expanded the
Square Foot Gardening up
to half of our garden.  The result is acceptable, definitely much less
labour and the children can walk around the squares easily.  However, the
hot season is quite short this year and a lot of heat-loving plants did not do
well, i.e. tomato.  Also, the frost comes in a surprise in September,
killing some young seedlings that I was hoping to grow as a fall crop. 

One thing I notice is squash grows better the traditional way: lots of
crawling space.  While I do get 1 fruit per squash plant that grows
vertically, that is just pathetic comparing to 5 or 6 per squash plant that
allows to explore on the ground.  The most important thing is that everyone
did enjoy the garden, helping out here and there.  I wish Melody’s skin
problem will be healed by the Lord so my wife can sit in the garden next summer
and enjoy our labor together.

Using straw to cover the soil for overwinter.
The simple compost is filled to the top.
I am trying to grow spinach, lettuce and swiss chard under the poly film again this year.