The September 2024 Guide

September is an exciting month when we can finally say hello to our friend, Autumn. Dreading the season’s change seems to be the typical sentiment when it comes to fall since it’s the precursor to winter. But I view the shift differently. I actually look forward to a change of pace, cooler temperatures, a shorter list of garden chores, and a bit of hibernation on the horizon.

Before I get ahead of myself and truly allow myself to slow down, I have a lot of catch-up during September as I prepare the gardens and plants for winter. I find comfort in living in Iowa; when one season becomes tiring, another is just beginning. And whether you’re ready for it or not, the following season proceeds.

This year, September brought both late-fall-like chills and summer warmth, but the tasks must happen regardless of the temperature. I started planning and repotting some plants for winter storage, worked in the vegetable garden in preparation for next year, and did a few final plantings of perennials. September is a chance to finish up those tasks I was waiting on for the temperature to offer a bit of motivation, and finally, I can say they’re mostly complete; as a gardener, I can also say those tasks are never entirely done.

Thankfully, we have a chance to catch up and chat about everything this month. I’m drinking some hot coffee from a vintage restaurant mug and hope you’re holding something cozy today, too!

Let’s Talk About the Garden

The pumpkins have been harvested and placed all around my farm. During the month, I’d check on the patch often, making sure to watch for the stems beginning to dry. I always pick them as soon as possible because the bugs can ravage them quickly. I had a small patch this year but could still harvest enough pumpkins and squash for my walkways as well as Mom’s.

Pumpkins are a task that’s always challenging and comes with a lot of stress. The bugs are impossible to get ahead of. That’s why I only planted a few and knew I’d have to be okay with how they did, whether amazing or terrible.

I pulled the tomatoes out of the garden about a week ago; often, I let them go until they freeze. But the hornworms were infesting them, and they really stopped producing. Thankfully, the 12 Amish paste tomato plants I put in Mom’s raised beds are beautiful and full of fruit.

I posted about my process of pruning back tomato foliage by a third to a half in their last month before cold weather sets in. This pruning allows the energy to go into ripening the remaining fruit for a few early fall tomatoes. And, good news! There are ripening tomatoes on the vine, so we’ll have even more to enjoy in October.

This month, I’ve also started planning the garden for 2025. I planted all my garlic and shallots in mid-September for next year. Planting them now allows for more growth, resulting in larger bulbs the following year. Soon, I’ll see sprouts emerging; eventually, snow will blanket them to protect them through the winter.

It feels good to start winding everything down in the garden.

Let’s Talk About Food

As the days grow shorter, I find myself drawn to the warmth of the kitchen. There’s something truly comforting about having a pot of something delicious simmering on the stove as the evening sets in. It’s a joy that I look forward to every fall as I really enjoy my early autumn meals.

My lentil harvest bowl and apple cider chicken quinoa bowl are two that I come back to time and again. They’re both hearty, nutritious, and full of seasonal flavor. I like that the components can be made ahead of time and assembled as needed throughout the week.

Another current favorite, especially since I still have a bit of cabbage from my garden, is my recipe for ramen chicken salad. It’s a bit of a twist on the traditional, but still has those delicious, crunchy noodle pieces.

Soon, I’ll whip up my favorite pumpkin bars, spiced carrot muffins with molasses, and pumpkin coffee cake. You know, the necessary seasonal spices and pumpkin-flavored baked goods!

Soup has been on my mind with the cooler weather, and soon, I’ll make a batch of turkey quinoa chili. Nothing makes me happier than chili!

In case you missed any of the recipes I published this month, check them all out here:

• ​Canned dill pickles​
• ​Canned pickled peppers​
• ​How to make kimchi at home

Let’s Talk About Kip

My number one helper, Kip, has been loving the cooler weather. His energy and playtime have only increased with endless frisbee play and lying by me while I work in the yard. If you watched my recent garlic planting video, you couldn’t miss Kip flopped over on his side in the yard, napping and moving about occasionally.

Every morning, as I carry him outside (since he cannot do the stairs by himself), I tell him that I’m so excited to spend another day with him. I mean it; every day feels like a special gift to have him so happy and healthy.

Until we talk again, I hope you have a terrific month of October! Whether you’re somewhere that stays warm or the next 31 days look a bit cooler, I’m sure it will go by quickly!

Stay tuned for my special email this weekend about the holiday magazine! Talk then!