Thanksgiving marks the time for end of the gardening season reflections, a time for many gardeners to reflect on their successes and challenges. Today’s cold, rainy weather feels like the perfect moment to think back on this season and the lessons it brought.. Looking back on this year’s garden, I’m struck by how much effort, patience, and a touch of creativity it took to nurture my little patch of green. From the first sprouts of spring to the final harvest, the journey taught me more than just how to grow food—it taught me about resilience.
This summer was full of lessons. I battled blight that threatened my tomatoes, birds that saw my crops as a buffet, and my sweet but mischievous dog, who unexpectedly developed a taste for ripe tomatoes. Despite the setbacks, there were also plenty of rewarding moments: digging up plump potatoes, harvesting vibrant banana peppers, and experiencing the simple joy of stepping into the garden to find something new and thriving.
Tomatoes at the End of the Gardening Season
This year, I grew a couple of varieties of tomatoes: Roma and cherry. While they thrived, my beefsteak tomatoes struggled, producing just two fruits the whole season. I planted four Roma plants across two beds and two cherry tomato plants in another bed. Coming from a setup where I’d only grown in buckets, I was unprepared for how big these plants could get in raised beds—they completely outgrew their spaces!
The plants produced an impressive amount of fruit in a short time, but I couldn’t keep up with harvesting before the blight set in. I managed to freeze a good portion for sauces and gave plenty away, but it was clear I needed a better plan for next year. I’ll be researching how to improve my soil and prevent blight to make the most of the next growing season. The end of the gardening season is always bittersweet, especially when looking at the successes and challenges with my tomato plants.
Peppers
It was a mixed bag for my peppers this year. My banana peppers thrived and produced well, but my bell peppers struggled. Once the tomatoes started thinning out, the bell peppers finally began growing, and I ended up with several decent-sized peppers from two plants. Unfortunately, the other four plants, including some in buckets, didn’t produce anything usable.
Potatoes and Onions
The potatoes were a bright spot this season. While I harvested a decent amount, I was hoping for more and realized I’ll need to tweak my approach next year to increase yield. Onions, on the other hand, were a bit of a challenge. Most of them grew small, almost like shallots, except for a few red onions in another bed that turned out massive. I suspect I didn’t plant the right varieties for my area, so I’ll be focusing on better options next season—especially for my yellow onions.
Looking Ahead After the Gardening Season Ends
This year’s garden was rewarding, but it also came with its challenges. I went bigger than I needed for the space I was using, and that made it harder to manage. Next year, I’ll pay closer attention to spacing and plant fewer per bed. That way, I’ll have the right amount of produce for my family without feeling overwhelmed. As I reflect on the end of the gardening season, it’s clear that careful planning and adaptability are key to a successful garden.
Life has been busy, and it’s slowed down my homesteading plans. I still need to winterize my beds by pulling the old plants and mulching, though I’ve missed the chance to plant a winter crop. I also need to prepare my water storage for the colder months. These tasks will set the stage for a fresh start in the spring.
As I look ahead, I’m setting new goals for my homestead—and for myself. I want to get more organized, grow smarter, and keep this blog updated more often. What would you like to see in future posts? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!
That’s it for now—see you soon!
