It’s 95 Degrees… Why Are We Talking About Fall?

The other day Jordan looked around the homestead, looked at me, and said,

“It’s time to start planting fall shit.”

I just stared at him.

Sir…

It’s July.

It’s hotter than the hinges on the gates of Hades outside. The tomatoes are still producing. The peppers are happy. The okra is just getting started. The dragon fruit is growing like crazy.

And you’re talking about fall?

Welcome to homestead life.

One of the biggest surprises for people who are new to gardening is learning that the garden doesn’t care what month it is on the calendar. It has its own schedule.

If you wait until the weather feels like fall to think about planting your fall garden, you’ve probably waited too long.

Down here in Louisiana, fall gardening actually starts in the middle of summer. While everyone else is trying to stay cool, we’re over here pulling out seed trays and making plans for broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, and so much more.

It feels backwards.

Until you understand why.

Those cool-weather crops need time to get established before the temperatures finally begin to cooperate. By the time that first cool breeze rolls through, you want healthy young plants that are ready to take off, not seeds that are just getting started.

That’s one of the things I love most about gardening.

It teaches you to think ahead.

You’re never just working for today.

You’re always preparing for tomorrow.

The harvest you enjoy later usually begins long before anyone notices the work you’re doing.

Honestly, that sounds a lot like life.

It sounds like building a family.

Building a business.

Building a community.

None of those things happen overnight. They grow because somebody was willing to prepare before anyone else could see the results.

So yes…

While most people are still enjoying summer tomatoes, we’re already making room for cabbage.

While everyone else is thinking about beach trips, Jordan is thinking about broccoli.

And, as much as it pains me to admit…

He’s right.

Don’t tell him I said that.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a fall garden to start… in the middle of July.

Welcome to life at 1737.

Cultivating Community. Harvesting Home. 🍂🌱