Gardening, Home and Nature Thread, Nov. 15

Above, it's fog season in Central California. Our theme today is the change of seasons. The photo above is from a friend's house.

Aspens, Durango Colorado, Steve Taylor

Dead Horse State Park, Anthony Citro

Cottonwood AZ, Anthony Citro

Cottonwood AZ, Anthony Citro

Curved Aspens, Colorado Martin Podt Photography

martin podt phot curved aspens colorado.jpg

Wyoming, Tahnk Molnar

Wyoming, Tahnk Molnar

Edible Gardening/Putting Things By

Dear Katy,
The attached photo shows my tomato plants today. The weather here in SE
Wisconsin had been mild through early November, and I was harvesting
tomatoes up through last weekend. However, last Monday, a sudden cold
snap and 12 inches of snow hit in the early morning hours; and the
result is a destroyed garden. Looks like I waited a little too long to
collect that last batch of tomatoes!
Well, today I'll spade the ruined plants into my compost pile and bed
everything down. Then I'll begin to stare out the window and wait for
spring.
Nemo

NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I would say you were "caught off guard". GMail suggests that I should tell you it "looks beautiful".

Southern Living has an article on keeping pepper plants through the winter. I've never tried it. Have you?

And overwintering veggies, recipes, etc.

Gardens of The Horde

Got anything going on in your garden, yard or neighborhood? Thanksgiving veggie recipes to share?

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

If you would like to send photos, stories, links, etc. for the Saturday Gardening Thread, the address is:

ktinthegarden at g mail dot com

Remember to include the nic or name by which you wish to be known at AoSHQ, or let us know if you want to remain a lurker.

Week in Review

What has changed since last week's thread? Gardening, Home and Nature Thread, Nov. 8

Any thoughts or questions?

I closed the comments on that post so you wouldn't get banned for commenting on a week-old post, but don't try it anyway.

Last fall rose from the garden of our friends in Switzerland

Posted by: K.T. at 01:29 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good afternoon Greenthumbs

Posted by: Skip at November 15, 2025 01:30 PM (+qU29)

2 'Tis the second "brown season" of the year here in VT. November means cold rains and all the leaves gone, and just a general dreary weariness as we wait for snow. Get the same thing in April or so after the snow melts and before the green comes back.

Posted by: CaptainNed at November 15, 2025 01:33 PM (nADdg)

3 As mentioned this morning, I H8 Fall.
Chopped up 6 tarps of leaves and got into compost bin, gathered 3 more and in piles out back but if I don't get to them it's supposed to rain tonight and will be a wet 3 piles of leaves.

Posted by: Skip at November 15, 2025 01:33 PM (+qU29)

4 The lawn guys are supposed to come out sometime to replace the pansies they installed too early.

Highs in the 80s and no rain in the forecast this week, so we may be waiting a little longer...

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas, AoSHQ's Plucky Wee One - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at November 15, 2025 01:34 PM (SRRAx)

5 I just remembered to stick in the last garden rose from our Swiss friends' garden. At the very end of the post.

Posted by: KT at November 15, 2025 01:38 PM (7vIsy)

6 I forgot my last tomato harvest, as well. Mostly Black Strawberry tomatoes (large cherry size). I may have lost 4 or 5 lbs of them to the first frost on 11/10 (an amazing 19.8F) and I'm pissed at myself. Got everything else in beforehand, including the pumpkin on the front porch.

Today it's 72.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at November 15, 2025 01:40 PM (w6EFb)

7 I do 'container gardening' and brought in a jalapeno plant one winter. It bloomed and set fruit (only a couple) but finally died just before Spring-- not sure what I did wrong, it was doing so well and then *whammo* gone.

Posted by: JQ at November 15, 2025 01:41 PM (rdVOm)

8 I planted garlic this year. If it won't keep the rabbits and deer away, at least I shouldn't get any vampires.

Posted by: Paco at November 15, 2025 01:41 PM (mADJX)

9 We do container gardening with pineapples: leave 'em outside most of the year, bring 'em inside when it starts to turn cold. Managed to harvest four pineapple fruits this past summer. Having them inside is a bit tricky, though. We probably have around a dozen, and it's like having a bunch of soldiers standing around with fixed bayonets.

Posted by: Paco at November 15, 2025 01:44 PM (mADJX)

10 Does anyone need lemon grass starts? I bought 10 last spring and have a ton now. I was figuring to set some aside in a vase to root for next year. I guess the rest will be thin-sliced and frozen for tea and soups.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at November 15, 2025 01:44 PM (w6EFb)

11 Willowed from Conspiracy thread because it fits the change of seasons theme:

79 It's a rare rainy weekend here in So. California. Flood watches up. We're in the Santa Ana river flood zone. Not a cold storm so I don't expect much snow in the local mountains, unfortunately.

It's supposed to rain until Sunday afternoon then off and on all week. Had it done this last year at this time the Palisades and Altadena fires might not have happened.

Ditto if we had competent non-corrupt government.

Now flash flood warnings on tv. Nowhere near me so why are they interrupting My Favorite Martian reruns?

Is this TMI ?
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 12:01 PM (QGaXH)

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 01:45 PM (QGaXH)

12 Around here I am the lawn guy. And it shows.
I have a couple of burn piles but the wind is up today
so they will have to wait. Oh well, guess I'll have to watch
football.

Posted by: Case at November 15, 2025 01:46 PM (9HFDU)

13 Have a mug of tea but better get out and take care if those leaf piles.

Posted by: Skip at November 15, 2025 01:47 PM (+qU29)

14 All my yard waste containers are full but pick-up not until Monday. Leaves are almost done falling and there's a lot of raking to do. Meh. It'll be there. LOL!

Might put up Christmas lights this afternoon, if it doesn't rain.

Posted by: JQ at November 15, 2025 01:53 PM (rdVOm)

15 I love the colors of the trees. Thanks.

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Posted by: Yasmeen Goodwin at November 15, 2025 01:58 PM (jFjA6)

17 Spam

(jFjA6)

Posted by: JQ at November 15, 2025 01:59 PM (rdVOm)

18 KT , Thanks for the gorgeous photos in the thread. Just breathtaking beauty.

Posted by: JTB at November 15, 2025 01:59 PM (yTvNw)

19 The only autumnal detritus we have to deal with around here is the dead annuals from last week. When I say "we" I mean my brother. My lazy ass is on the back porch, as usual.

He's dragging huge tarps of dead marigolds etc into the woods. What a hard worker he is.

I just noticed that the potted begonias weren't completely frozen - the crown is fine. I guess that's another one to bring into the garage.

Has anyone propagated Boston ferns? We noticed last year that if you place them on the ground, they'll sprout new ones.

Posted by: Miley, okravangelist at November 15, 2025 02:00 PM (w6EFb)

20 The Wyoming photos are especially beautiful.

Posted by: Tom Servo at November 15, 2025 02:01 PM (GxM4+)

21 14 Might put up Christmas lights this afternoon, if it doesn't rain.
Posted by: JQ at November 15, 2025 01:53 PM (rdVOm)

Dem-leaning Older son and his gf are coming in from Boston for a week at Thanksgiving.

My evil master plan is to have THEM put up the lights, the fake tree, and the tree decos and any other T-giving related chores my wife can think of.

That'll show 'em....

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:01 PM (QGaXH)

22 I got all my tomatoes in. They didn't ripen on the plant, because it just sat there for a month after transplanting. Then it went crazy. This was a Cherokee Purple tomato. I've never grown them before, but they have a great flavor. Nice to have my own tomatoes for Thanksgiving! I still have chard and some green from a stir fry mix growing.

Am waiting for my microtomato seeds. Those are pot sized and I will try growing them inside.

Posted by: Notsothoreau at November 15, 2025 02:02 PM (EW4eo)

23 20 The Wyoming photos are especially beautiful. - Tom Servo

Assuming Wyoming really exists and the photos aren't just AI.

Posted by: Paco at November 15, 2025 02:09 PM (mADJX)

24 Beautiful photos.

It's a warm but overcast day. I planned to rake leaves for the compost pile but the thoughtless bastards on the other street started burning wet leaf-piles this morning. A Londonesque fog of lung-clobbering particles has permeated the neighborhood.

I took the keeper succulents to work. I'll be clearing the unwanted ones tomorrow.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at November 15, 2025 02:11 PM (seAfG)

25 Wow we live in a beautiful world.

Posted by: Piper at November 15, 2025 02:11 PM (Yqpb4)

26 As I've been assembling the plants and materials for a terrarium and separate vessels for succulents, I've been surprised at how varied the houseplants are compared to a few decades ago. I always liked nerve plants for the patterns and that they are easy to maintain. Used to be just green with white 'veins'. Now they come in shades of red and similar which are quite striking. There are dwarf varieties of begonias and African violets and even ferns. It's been fun seeing all this new to me stuff.

Posted by: JTB at November 15, 2025 02:15 PM (yTvNw)

27 I have a little 6x6' grow tent I start my seeds in....
It's in a heated garage and we put a small heater in it in winter for extra heat. The interior is Mylar, so the grow lights bounce around the entire inside.

Anyway, three years ago at the end of the season, I dug up a jalepeno pepper, potted it up.

It has survived three years and has constantly given me a bounty of jalepeno peppers.

It now looks like a bonsai tree. I think it's nearing its end of life, so this end of season I potted up this years peppers and now have two more to take the place of the original one.

I was so surprised at it the peppers longevity and yield.

Posted by: Derak at November 15, 2025 02:20 PM (sIVRQ)

28 Those are beautiful pictures.

I mowed the leaves last Sunday in my part of Canada. I have 2 trees that still have leaves on them. One is a huge maple with probably half the leaves still on. I'm hoping ,ost of them will fall soon so I can do the yard one last time.

It's a beautiful day here so people are putting out their Christmas decorations and lights. Mine are done, inside and outside, and look very beautiful. Mom would be happy.

Posted by: Posted by: Stateless - VERY GRATEFUL, BLESSED, LOVED AND HAPPY! -- - New Life Creation - 18.1% at November 15, 2025 02:24 PM (Sco7b)

29 Calling for rain in ETEX coming week, probably have to cut grass again.

Posted by: Eromero at November 15, 2025 02:31 PM (Wz6CK)

30 23 20 The Wyoming photos are especially beautiful. - Tom Servo

Assuming Wyoming really exists and the photos aren't just AI.
Posted by: Paco at November 15, 2025 02:09 PM (mADJX)

It exists! Ive been there. It's high on the list of potential bug-out locales should California ever go 'full Mamdani'

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:33 PM (QGaXH)

31 I kept jalepeno plants alive and they're on their second year. I kept them in a tunnel and they had fruit like in Feb, it just looked really small but they produced this year as did the tomatoes from 2024.

I'd also add it was kind of a mild winter, no really hard frosts so I'm sure that helped.

Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 02:39 PM (QsMb/)

32 ITALICANS are all over the main page!

Posted by: m at November 15, 2025 02:41 PM (RuTUS)

33 31 Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 02:39 PM (QsMb/)

Hi CaliGirl

Are you in California? What part - generally speaking?

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:48 PM (QGaXH)

34 The lawn guys are supposed to come out sometime to replace the pansies they installed too early.

Highs in the 80s and no rain in the forecast this week, so we may be waiting a little longer...
Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas, AoSHQ's Plucky Wee One - Eat the Cheesecake, Buy the Yarn. at November 15, 2025 01:34 PM (SRRAx)

You know who else installed pansies?

Posted by: Pete Bootygag at November 15, 2025 02:48 PM (npFr7)

35 I am so happy, I had a plastic file box filled with my seeds and I stuck it in a closet and then I couldn't find it, well I found it.

My friend works for a seed company and he gave me a bunch of little gem seeds and I'm going to try to grow lettuce in the raised beds this winter/spring before it's too hot. they said it should only take a month until harvest but I don't know but I have a lot of seed so I can figure out the best timing if it gets smoked by frost or heat.

I have baby red romaine, red little gem, green little gem, baby red leaf, baby red gem, and baby oak.

I also just bought a bunch of tomato seeds for next year.

I grew buttternut squash this year and they did really well but were small, I was too late with my transplants so I think I need to start the seeds Feb 1 along with the melon and pumpkin seeds.

Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 02:49 PM (QsMb/)

36 Was frosty this morning here, but now above freezing, and zero wind. Took trash and dead tires to dump. Back home, eating grilled cheese sammich, and perusing Princess Auto flyer.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 15, 2025 02:52 PM (npFr7)

37 I keep forgetting to send some Autumn pics. I have quite a few from years past. Some from this year. I will try to remember this coming week to send a few.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at November 15, 2025 02:52 PM (sAmhv)

38
Are you in California? What part - generally speaking?
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:48 PM (QGaXH)

Santa Barbara county. I was surprised they made it to a second year. The jalapenos looked stunted is the only way to describe it but the tomato produced too during the winter, small but still produced. It was an early girl and one other one that I can't remember.
If I was better organized I'd have it written down but I'm not.

Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 02:53 PM (QsMb/)

39 36 Was frosty this morning here, but now above freezing, and zero wind. Took trash and dead tires to dump. Back home, eating grilled cheese sammich, and perusing Princess Auto flyer.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 15, 2025 02:52 PM (npFr7)

Greetings AOP

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:54 PM (QGaXH)

40 Rain last couple days, some heavy, steady.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at November 15, 2025 02:55 PM (q4Yry)

41 Regarding leaves, some of my other friends live in an area with a large number of huge old maple trees and a very large backyard that eventually hits a creek.

November is crazy for them. There are so many trees and leaves, they actually have a machine they use to mulch everything. I'm sure they spend an hour or two a day taking care of things. Beautiful yard though.

Posted by: Stateless - VERY GRATEFUL, LOVED, APPRECIATED AND HAPPY! -- - New Life Creation - 18.4% at November 15, 2025 02:56 PM (Sco7b)

42 Around here there are a number of social media threads about insects and/or birds and how they can predict the type of seasons we're going to have. Lately it's about the "wooly caterpillars" and Ladybugs.

Both are all over the place here in KY. The Ladybugs are especially a PITA as they're always getting inside. That is supposed to be "a tell" about winter.

So are the stripes on the caterpillars. The thickness of the dark and light bands or stripes is also supposed to be an indication of the type of winter we'll have.

The beliefs are sort of split, but there's an edge to the idea we'll have a particularly nasty winter.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 15, 2025 02:57 PM (NwnyJ)

43 42 The beliefs are sort of split, but there's an edge to the idea we'll have a particularly nasty winter.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 15, 2025 02:57 PM (NwnyJ)

What does the Old Farmers Almanac say?

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:59 PM (QGaXH)

44 Only if leaves turned color then turned back to green in the spring.
Chopped up those leaves but left them and cleaned off the roof

Posted by: Skip at November 15, 2025 03:05 PM (+qU29)

45 Was starting to sprinkle a little so git a fire under me to get done outside

Posted by: Skip at November 15, 2025 03:06 PM (+qU29)

46 Well, sammiches eaten, flyer perused. They have non-chlorinated brake cleaner at 3.99 per can, which is a good price these days. I use a lot of it, so will plan on getting a few. Also have various sizes of windshield wiper blades for 3.88 each, which is a screaming deal, if you have bought any of those lately. Nice to be able to stock up on that sort of thing.

Now, Imma go outside and play with cars.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 15, 2025 03:10 PM (npFr7)

47
What does the Old Farmers Almanac say?
Posted by: Anonymous
-----

Better read quick. 2026 is the last edition.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at November 15, 2025 03:11 PM (XeU6L)

48 Better read quick. 2026 is the last edition.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at November 15, 2025 03:11 PM (XeU6L)

Apparently, The Old Farmers Almanac is alive and well, the one without "The" is going tits up.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at November 15, 2025 03:13 PM (npFr7)

49 > What does the Old Farmers Almanac say?
Posted by: Anonymous
-----

Better read quick. 2026 is the last edition.
========
The "Old Farmer's Almanac" is still kicking. The "Farmer's Almanac" is done in 2026.

You may have heard that the Farmer’s Almanac, based out of Lewiston, ME, is ceasing publication after an incredible 200+ year run.

Over the years, there has been some confusion between different almanacs, so to be clear: The OLD Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere. As we have since 1792, during George Washington’s presidency, we will continue to publish our annual edition, while educating and entertaining readers online at Almanac.com.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 15, 2025 03:14 PM (NwnyJ)

50
What does the Old Farmers Almanac say?
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 02:59 PM (QGaXH)

Are you close to me?

Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 03:17 PM (jPh2t)

51 brake cleaner

A mechanic pal called it contact water.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at November 15, 2025 03:18 PM (7PlRe)

52 Beautiful photos.

Posted by: scampydog at November 15, 2025 03:18 PM (dPKvx)

53 What does the Old Farmers Almanac say?
Posted by: Anonymous
-----

For me... dry and cold. I'd probably dispute the "dry" part. According to the bugs.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at November 15, 2025 03:23 PM (NwnyJ)

54 I don't know if it's a printing mistake but my area used to be on the edge of the Atlantic section of weather predictions for the OFA. This latest issue has us more in the Appalachian region which makes more sense. We'll see if the accuracy of the predictions improves.

Posted by: JTB at November 15, 2025 03:24 PM (yTvNw)

55 50 Are you close to me?
Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 03:17 PM (jPh2t)

Coastal OC.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 03:26 PM (QGaXH)

56
Coastal OC.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 03:26 PM (QGaXH)

Is it raining your way too? I have almost 4 inches in my gauge.

Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 03:27 PM (jPh2t)

57 56
Coastal OC.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 03:26 PM (QGaXH)

Is it raining your way too? I have almost 4 inches in my gauge.
Posted by: CaliGirl at November 15, 2025 03:27 PM (jPh2t)

It's raining buckets since last evening. I don't have a gauge.

Are you near the coast or inland? I used to go to Goleta and Lompoc on biz back before I became a shiftless layabout.

Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan (ARiK) at November 15, 2025 03:30 PM (QGaXH)

58 The weather predictions for our area, in the OFA and most other outlets, is calling for a colder winter with more than usual precipitation. Nothing catastrophic but nastier than normal. We are preparing appropriately.

Posted by: JTB at November 15, 2025 03:32 PM (yTvNw)

59

The descriptor for the pic of the aspens in Durango Colorado absolutely has GOT to be "a riotous burst of color". Those trees are totally exceptional.

Posted by: IRONGRAMPA at November 15, 2025 03:36 PM (vFbHf)

60 Gorgeous photos! Thanks, KT.
Thanks also for the Southern Living link about overwintering pepper plants. I have an ornamental pepper that I'm planning to bring inside. I hope it makes it through the winter; it's a beautiful plant.

Posted by: The Pilot at November 15, 2025 03:37 PM (M+4Y9)

61 PETS ARE NOOD

Posted by: Skip at November 15, 2025 03:38 PM (+qU29)

62 I have less maple leaves since I took out two of my four trees this spring. However I have filled both compost heaps to the top, and I will have to start using them to further mulch the garlic bed.
I planted my garlic in the end of July after I dug the last batch, and they are about an inch up now, through the mulch.

I have two compost heaps because one is going to get turned in midwinter and dug into the garden come spring, and the other one is going to sit until late spring to turn over so it has a good time to cook down.

While I was turning over one of them before putting the leaves in, I found a garter snake. Usually I see the yellow-striped - Terrestrial - garter snakes since that is the type my cat always catches and brings to me for rewards for treats. This one was a red-striped - Northwestern - garter snake. It had curled up in the bottom of my compost heap for the winter. Clever girl!

What I wish we had were the red-spotted garter snakes, since they are so pretty. I have seen those down by the river but not here in town

Posted by: Kindltot at November 15, 2025 03:56 PM (rbvCR)

63 Pretty convinced Sakura the night time yard cat is a Norwegian Forest Cat. All the physical traits check out.

In other stray cat news, some teenage punks or possible vagrants ripped a hole open in the side of her abandoned car wash home. I bought some plywood and patched it for her.

There's a very shy cat that hangs out on the neighbors porch when I feed Sakura. It's pretty dark but he looks like a brown tabby with a white nose. Working out what to call him. I tried Piccolo, but Monroe is what comes to mind when I look at him.

Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at November 15, 2025 04:08 PM (vKEG1)

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