u/pinethree777

We seem to make a distinction between Autumn decor and Halloween decor nowadays. Ever notice that it is not just pumpkins on old Halloween postcards (even though they are the main character)? Watermelon, corn, onions carrots, apples and other groceries frequented Halloween memorabilia and decorations.

During the late 1800's half of US workers were employed in agriculture. Even at the turn of the century over 40% still worked farms. I bet when the harvest was bountiful, Halloween was just that much bigger and better. It makes sense that as Americans moved into cities and the 'burbs, Halloween was less about the harvest and more about the contents of cemeteries and such.

I especially like the remnants of old Hallowe'en. The dried cornstalks, straw bales and apple cider. I like my scarecrows, candy corn and straw brooms mixed in with my witches, monsters, bats, and zombies.

Never been a flower gardener. Never paid much attention to them, however I did want to bring in more pollinators for our veggies. This past spring I planted a few native flowers, but I also planted marigolds and zinnias from some $1.98 variety packs. I gotta say, we were specially taken aback by the beauty of zinnias. I started putting some around our front porch. Some were 4 footers, some were more like ground cover, all sorts of colors and flower variations. I have flower plans for this Autumn, LOL. I finally get it. Now I grow flowers too.

This first of about a dozen other nice Seminole pumpkins will serve to remind us that Autumn is not that far away...and I need that.

There is only so much salad and salsa you can eat. In East Central, we need rain. Our tomato plants look like dried sticks, but they keep setting fruit. The banana peppers look better.

I have been very surprised with how easy it is to grow in the green trays with the silicone dehumidifier mats outside in morning sun. Even in Florida. I start them indoors and when ready for light, it's just a few days being bottom watered out on the gazebo (facing East) and they are ready. So far it has worked with broccoli, mixed salad, and butterhead lettuce. Next up are beets, I expect they will be more challenging since they are slow growers.

These southern field peas pop up every spring in our garden. I got a pack years ago on Etsy. They are indestructible. The earliest green peas are so sweet you almost can't believe it. When the pods turn yellow, they are easier to shell, and they have a rich nutty flavor. Let them dry to brown and you get dried beans for the shelf. The skinny baby ones can be chopped up whole and stir fried. They will trellis but don't really need to. They are nitrogen fixers, so what goes in after them does well. They take time to shell so I recommend you get yerself a straw hat, some lemonade and maybe put on some old timey music.

Over 100 "feel-like" degrees already! I'd be OK with going to sleep tonight and waking up on October 1st. Jack-O-lantern garden pots do help a bit even if a candy bucket had to die.

I'm like a delirious 6-year-old every year when I see the first Seminole pumpkin bloom.