We have had a mild autumn/winter season thus far in my zone 7 Maryland garden. Still able to do chores in the garden and bring in bounty to create warming seasonal dishes. Time for harvesting whatever is still available, cleaning up the garden, last-minute planting, getting ready for the holidays and wood chores.

The latter warms us more than once. From felling to sawing, loading and splitting, stacking and hauling and feeding the stove and keeping it stoked day and night in the cold weather, it occupies a lot of time and energy.

The garden always seems desolate to me this time of year with withered tomato vines, dying pepper plants and greens, flowers and herbs that have wilted from freezing temps at night. However, I’ve gathered seeds to dry and am still harvesting wild greens like dandelion, chickweed and a last flush of leaves from the nettle patch. Soup, wilted greens, spanakopita or pie?

There is still life out there! Though I didn’t get the garlic in until late November, it is putting out shoots under the earth that is nestled beneath a thick layer of wheat straw mulch. I am always delighted to get my box of organic garlic for planting from Filaree Farm. (www.filareefarm.com) It seems expensive; you get what you pay for and their selection and quality of garlic is choice. It is challenging to choose just a few: artichoke, tuban or hardneck, white, purple or red, marbled or striped? I am enjoying this year’s harvest–I use garlic daily to fend off cooties (not just vampires)–and I love roasting the whole bulbs until soft and creamy to smear on toast, scatter on top of pizza or focaccia or toss with pasta. I also like it just popped from its skin into my mouth!

I love all of the orange vegetables and they are so good for us; their color is indicative of carotenoids, which are so good for us. Not just carrots; both sweet potatoes and winter squash are regularly on the menu here. From oven-roasted to mashed, in soups and stews and combined with risotto, grains, pasta and as a pizza topping.

Now, with the holidays upon us (how did it get to be December already?), I am thinking of gifts that I can create with garden-grown bounty for the cook, gardener, friends and family… more on that in the next blog!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

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Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

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A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

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