Although temperatures are getting cooler as autumn sets in, our gardens are still producing! Not only do we continue to harvest produce, but we are planting new crops! In the past, the gardens were ramped down following the departure of the agroecology summer intensive students. Usually, a winter rye cover crop would be sown on the gardens at this time of year. But with our weekly campus sales continuing, we would like to be able to provide produce to the staff and students as far into the season as possible. For that reason, we have not allowed the gardens or greenhouse to retire for the year just yet. There have been a few crops that have reached the end of their lives and we have removed those plants from the garden. After a thorough weeding, we till the ground to prepare it for the next occupant. The greenhouse has had some turn over as well. As old plants are removed from the beds, the soil is turned and compost is added.

Some of the newly planted additions include crops that are known to be able to handle the cooler weather such as turnips, Swiss chard, and kale. We’ve also recently planted cilantro, Malabar spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, and an assortment of greens to include in a salad mix.