Hey, it’s Ronai!

Can you believe it’s already time for the end-of-season garden clean-up? Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just starting your garden journey, this is the perfect opportunity to set yourself up for success next year. So grab your gloves and let’s get to work—because we want that garden soil happy and healthy when spring rolls around again!

Start with the Vines – And Burn 'Em!

First things first—let’s talk vine plants. Squash, cucumbers, pumpkins, you know the drill. They may have been the stars of the summer, but now it’s time for them to exit the stage. And here's a hot tip: don’t toss those vines into your compost!

Instead, burn them! Vine plants can carry pesky diseases that you don't want sneaking into your compost pile and back into your garden next season. So, build a bonfire, grab some marshmallows, and turn those vines into ash that can safely be sprinkled into the garden later.

Harvest What’s Left Before you start pulling plants and tilling the soil, give your garden a final once-over. There’s often a surprise harvest hiding in there—tomatoes that ripened late, herbs that just keep giving, and maybe even a few straggling peppers. Pick everything, and anything that’s overripe or damaged can head to the chickens or compost pile.

Clear Out the Beds Now’s the time to get down and dirty—literally. Start pulling out all the dead and finished plants, but be gentle on the roots. Some plants like beans and peas leave behind nitrogen that’s good for your soil, so consider just cutting them at the base and leaving the roots in the ground to decompose. Mother Nature's doing her magic even when you’re not watching!

Tidy Up & Mulch It Down Once your beds are clear, give the soil a good rake to break up any clumps. If you're like me, you love keeping things neat and ready for next season! If you’re planning on covering your beds, now’s the time to layer on that mulch or cover crop. Straw, leaves, or even a simple black tarp can keep weeds at bay and protect the soil from harsh winter weather.

Clean & Store Your Tools Your garden isn’t the only thing that needs a little TLC—don’t forget your tools! Clean off the dirt, sharpen those blades, and oil the handles so they’re ready to roll next year. And while you’re at it, this is the perfect excuse to organize your tool shed or garden station. Trust me, your future self will thank you!

Plan for Next Year Once you’ve wrapped up the clean-up, take a few moments to dream about next season. What worked well? What do you want to grow more (or less) of? It’s never too early to start planning, and this is the best time to jot down notes while everything is fresh in your mind.

So that’s it! A little work now, and you’ll be ahead of the game come spring. Until then, happy homesteading—and here’s to a restful winter full of cozy planning for next year’s harvest!

Catch you in the garden, Ronai