Nov 16, 2009

Fall is here

The Sacramento area's typical first frost date is November 14. Last year it was December 1. This year it was November 13.

It was a light frost which really didn't do any harm to the garden as far as I can see. I can tell it's getting colder because in the last 3 days all of the strawberry foliage has started looking like this:

Strawberry foliage


My tomatoes and basil are still going strong, but the raised beds garden is protected by a tree and receives the reflected light off of the stucco on the house. It takes a really hard freeze to end the season on that side of the house.

Raised Beds - Nov 09

One of the chores this winter will likely be to remove this large bed pictured on the left. It receives far too much shade to be productive, and I've noticed the tree roots are beginning to get into it. At least we'll have lots of soil to augment other beds now.

The Tupelo tree is always a sight in the fall. It just seems to glow.

Fall is here

5 comments:

The Allotment Blogger said...

Wow, we haven't had our first frost yet in Sussex, UK, but our tomatoes are long over and I've brought the basil indoors for the winter. Your tulip tree is gorgeous indeed. I am envious! What will you replace the shaded bed with?

Fred Hoffman said...

Not to be a Sacto Stickler, but according to the NWS' Climate Center:
Avg. frost dates for the Sacramento area: Dec. 12-Jan.27.
Earliest frost: Nov. 4, 1935: 30 degrees.
Latest Frost: Mar. 27, 1898: 32 degrees.

Dirt Guy said...

Lookin' good Katie. That backlit foliage really does glow. Very cool.

Katie said...

The Allotment blogger - I was thinking about a dogwood in the shaded area. It should stay relatively small compared to the sycamore. I have a feeling it will be an "evolving" garden...

Fred - Good info! Why am I never able to find this info when I really need it?? Everything I ever see says "Sacto First Frost 11/14"

Dirt Guy - So that's who you are! I just hopped on my computer and now I see Matt's smiling face. :D Thanks for stopping by.

Lin Georgina Green said...

AMAZING! I am ever so excited to find local farmer friends interested in all the goodness of farming and living lightly on the land. Thank you ever so much for your amazing amazing blog <3 You guys rock!