I'm in New Jersey, and with the nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s and 60s, I'm wondering when it's best to start clearing out my garden. I have tomatoes that are still trying to ripen and cucumbers that seem to be slowing down. The leaves are starting to look a bit scraggly too. Should I wait until the first frost to see what I can harvest, or is it better to start pulling plants earlier? For context, my plants are in raised cedar planters and pots, not in the ground.
3 Answers
I keep a garden journal, so last year I pulled my last eggplants and cucumbers on November 2 and tomatoes around November 10. Keeping track really helps with planning for the next season!
When my plants start looking sad and I need the space for fall crops, I pull them. I just pulled my bush beans to make room for spinach! It's all about maximizing space for what’s growing well.
I hear you! I do the same—the fall planting needs its space.
I've decided to let my plants die off naturally and then mix them into the soil. I'm planning some big changes in my garden for next year, so I’ll be rearranging everything anyway. It's all part of the fun!
That's a good idea! I need to start jotting down my notes too. It'll help so much next year.