Helen Chesnut: Time to tidy up, thin out, clean, and start fresh A major part of ongoing renewal in the garden is care of the soil. Helen Chesnut Sep 21, 2024 4:30 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Previous Next 1 / 1 The deep, buttery yellow of this new “petchoa” is like sunshine in a container.HELEN CHESNUT Advertisement Expand Listen to this article 00:05:00 Every year, as days shorten, temperatures cool, and light patterns shift in the garden, it becomes apparent that a change in seasons is at hand.
At this time, I am always overcome with the sense of a new year beginning. With that feeling comes what I think of as “The Cleanies.” Time to tidy up, thin out, clean, and start fresh, in the garden and in the home.
Soil care. A major part of ongoing renewal in the garden is care of the soil. Any plot or area that remains bare will benefit from a protective cover of small or chopped leaves, straw, or whatever loose organic matter is on hand.
I’ve placed a similar covering over the potatoes that have dried down. The cover of chopped leaves and straw mark their place. I push the materials aside to dig the potatoes as needed.
Over the years, I’ve observed that potatoes, like carrots, store best in the ground where they were planted. Compost is a major contributor to soil health and fertility. Keep compost heaps well aerated and just moist.
To accelerate decomposition, mix in or layer fresh glass clippings or .