Ready for frost

For gardeners in central Alabama, the first frost of the season is a major event.  I've spent the last several weeks making plans and preparations for that date when most of the green, growing things will say "good-bye" for the winter.

Tonight is the big night with temperatures forecast to drop into the upper 20s for the first time this fall. It was hard to imagine this fact yesterday afternoon while it was in the mid-70s, warm enough for shirt sleeves and for our tortoise to play in the backyard while I worked.

However, we are ready.  The fruit is all harvested, the remaining veggies are all picked, and the tropical plants are relocated to their indoor winter windows.  My two-year old grandson, James, was quite delighted to be told that he could pick the peppers and toss them in the bucket.  He proudly counted them as he dropped them in.

We are ready for frost and the beginning of winter.  (Of course, we live in Alabama so winter for us will be frost today and 65 degrees for Thanksgiving!)