Fall Crops

As fall moves along, we spend much less time in the gardens, and it makes me sad. We still get outside but it's usually for hikes or to orchards for fall festivals. Our backyard becomes a lonely place, although it's probably just my imagination that makes it so. In fact, there are still vegetables in the garden and work to be done. A week or so ago I picked all the last squash - butternut this year. I'll make soup with it, most likely. And, we've got another great crop of carrots, also a winter soup staple. Although the brussel sprouts didn't do well this year, there are still some to be picked and eaten and there are beets left as well. I love that the root crops extend the vegetable season, but it all makes me think of winter.