October in the Garden: Clearing, Planting, and Beginning Again

October may bring gray skies and shorter days, but in the garden this season is far from an ending. It’s a turning point—a chance to reset, clear space, and begin again. The summer beds that worked so hard are winding down, and in their place, new life is ready to take root.

Clearing the Old

Start by letting go. Retire tired tomato vines, cucumbers, and squash, and add them to the compost. This simple act makes way for what’s ahead, and it feels surprisingly restorative—like letting your own shoulders finally drop.

Feeding the Soil

Once space is cleared, give back to the earth. A layer of compost or mulch will nourish the soil, strengthen its structure, and prepare it for the season ahead. Healthy soil is the foundation of abundance, and tending to it now sets you up for stronger growth later.

Planting With Hope

October is the season for cool-weather crops: kale, spinach, arugula, carrots, beets, radishes, and garlic. These plants thrive in chillier air, and planting them now feels like a quiet investment in the months to come. It’s a reminder that even in a season of fading light, new beginnings are always possible.

Gathering What Remains

Don’t overlook what’s still thriving. Eggplants, peppers, and the last of the cucumbers can be brought inside and stored with care. A little extra attention—and the breathability of Ambrosia’s flax linen bags—helps extend their life, turning today’s harvest into next week’s meals.

Renewal Beyond the Garden

Even if you don’t have garden beds to tend, this reset is for you too. A pot of parsley on the windowsill, a crisper drawer tidy-up, or simply cooking a meal with what you already have on hand can bring that same sense of renewal.

The Beauty of Fall

Autumn reminds us that endings always carry the seed of beginnings. With every weed pulled or seed planted, you create space for brighter days ahead. This season, may your kitchen feel cozy, your meals abundant, and your home filled with small joys that carry you into winter.

With gratitude,
Jan & Jordan