In my most recent post there was a pic of our make-shift frost cover. Sylvia and I had fashioned it with a garden tripod and a blue tarp. On seeing the image our son, Scott, thought of the line from Shakespeare’s play, Richard the Third. He quoted it this way, “Now is the winter of our discount tent.” He’s a clever one.
We had hoped to keep that jalapeño plant alive beyond that first frost. The next day, I removed the tarp to inspect for potential damage.
Sylvia went out and harvested the last 43 peppers from that plant. We estimate about 200 jalapeños from that single plant. It was the most prolific of the four plants we grew this year.
We missed our goal of November 20 by one week. Still, we were happy for the extended season. (First frost here is usually October 20.)
Ode to Fall’s Finish
The fall has fallen
The leaves now litter the ground
Prepared for winter
While Earth is ready for winter, I have a few more tasks to complete. I should be ready on time.
It’s always sad to see the end of a good pepper plant. My neighbor plants all different kinds. There’s always plenty for everybody until it gets cold.
It is indeed sad. Cheers for your neighbor. :tiphat: We gave away a lot of garden produce this year, thanks to an unusually heavy harvest.
Rest well, RIP…..
:tiphat:
But they will be back.
Yes, they will. I shall patiently wait for their return.
Your son is clever, lol. Glad to hear you got an extra month of growing in!! That’s a lot of peppers you got too! Here’s to a not-so-harsh winter for ya (crossing fingers and toes).
Thanks, Rosey. Weather-wise, we’ll take what we get and it will be fine.
A couple of things will help the situation in the future. One is to put Christmas tree lights around the plant and the other is to use a blanket or two to cover it. Although that looks like a freeze, not just a heavy frost.
I have used some old large bulb Christmas lights and then put old blankets over my pineapple plants to prevent frost damage here in Florida. We had 10 pineapples this year from our 45-50 plants. I am going to try to pay more attention this coming year with more water and fertilizer.
I enjoy reading your postings. Bob
It was at least four degrees F below freezing. We considered using a light bulb [or bulbs], but had no compelling need to do that.
I wish you well with you pineapples this next year.
I appreciate your comments, Bob.
Really enjoyed the saga of the jalapena plant!!!! Thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed that story. It was fun to tell it and even more fun to live it.
The kid’s still got it– and his parents have, too.
Yup!
“Now is the winter of our discount tent
made fun of by this son of mine.”
I am still giggling at your son’s comment. 🙂
RIP jalapeno plant. You did well. Now….rest.
Rest well jalapeño and in hope, for you will be composted and recycled.