Clean-up Has Begun

The roasting ears were finially finished--eaten fresh there in the lottie and frozen-in at home. We kept trying to pull the stalks out but the rain kept interviening.
Well yesterday we were able to complete clearing them yesterday.
First we removed the stalks and thoroughly weeded the plot, min-tilling the soil to loosen it. After that we spread aged cow manure over the surface of the soil and raked it flat.

Next we simply laid most of the stalks over the soil to protect it during the winter. (I say 'protect it', because the ultra-violket rays of the sun destroys the microbes necessary for healthy soil)

In this last foto, you can see that the Swiss chard and beet(root)s are still going strong.
The beans in the distance will come out next week perhaps and then we will handle the ground as we did the corn plot. The entire two plots is where the potatoes will go next year.

Gardening is an on-going hobby, isn't it?

_________________
Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html

TONI-- Yes it is a bit sad when a rotation comes to an end, but as I said, gardening for m,e is an ongoing thing and in the next stage it's cleaning and protection for the winter. In some cases, I will be planting crops for winter harvest and of course next month it'll be time to plant the broadbeans which will grow to about 12" then sort of go dormant for the winter.
The pantry, freezer and every other bit of free space in the house has been filled--such as cupboards, drawers, closets, etc. All are full with fruit, veg or concentrate. We are maxed-out. it hhas indeed been successful this year.

EILEEN-- Thanks. Smile

Yes we still have things left to harvest such as Swiss Chard, Beets and Perpetual spinach which we plan to leave in place and harvest during the winter. There are also parsnips and purple sprouting spinach in place. I also planted some crocuses for the harvesting of saffron yesterday.

DROOPY--The short list of potato candidates for next year include Harlequin, Charlotte, Ratte d'Ardeche, Jersey Royals and Yukon Gold.
As it gets closer to feb we will have to make a firm choice for a march delivery.

WEEDS 'n SEEDS-- You are of course right: Gardening IS most definately an obcession. A wonderful obcession.

BUNKIE--Well, you are right about plants left in the ground protecting the soil. In fact, I plant "green manure" to cover bare ground and turn that under at tilling time. I don't think that it matters what you use to cover the soil, as long as you keep it covered.
Of course in the winter the sun isn't the only threat to your precious topsoil--also wind, rain and freezing all detract from your soil integrity...plus covered ground has more earthworms in it, and you know that they are helpful.
I hope that you manage to get a good harvest before things get too cold there.
Tes those are bean teepees there in the back. Those closest are runnerbeans and those behind the runners are a climbing french bean, called 'Rakker'.

EJ-- Mustard seed is a good ground cover, isn't it?
It sounds like you are moving into your next fase too. It just roll right along....

PRPPERSAGE-- That isn't lettuce, it's Swiss chard. Iit will not die, I plan on harvesting it through the winter.

PETUNIA & SoJ--I hope that you can protect those toms--it'd be a shame to loose the rest of your crop.
Thanks you two.

_________________
Sjoerd http://www.volkstuindersvereniginghoornenomstreken.nl/Page11.html