As the golden light of September bathes the garden, there's a natural inclination to think about tidying up and winding down. The frantic growth of summer is over, and the first hints of autumn are in the air. But in the world of permaculture, this is not an ending; it’s a moment of incredible opportunity. This is the perfect time for propagation, the practice of creating new plants from existing ones, embodying the core permaculture principle of working with nature to create abundance.

With Halloween approaching, it's time to ensure the pumpkins you've tracked in your VegPlotter plan are ready for harvest. A successful harvest depends on timing, technique, and proper storage. This guide provides a straightforward process to get your pumpkins from the patch to the porch, ensuring they last through the season.

As the vibrant energy of summer begins to wane and September ushers in cooler temperatures, many gardeners might be tempted to hang up their trowels for the year. But wait! Don't let the subtle shift in season fool you. Autumn is, in fact, one of the most productive times to plant certain vegetables, setting you up for a delicious and bountiful harvest long after the first frosts arrive. Imagine stepping out into your garden in the dead of winter and plucking fresh, crisp produce – it’s not a dream, it’s entirely achievable!

As September begins, autumn garden cleanup is upon us. This means a lot of organic waste, from fallen leaves to the remnants of this year's vegetable patch. Instead of throwing it all away, you can use it to make nutrient-rich compost for your garden. You don't need to buy an expensive bin; you can build a functional one for free using old pallets, old decking or wooden crates.

As summer winds down, don't just clear your garden – plan for next year's harvest by saving seeds from your best plants. Seed saving is a direct way to grow your favorite varieties again, connecting you to your garden's cycle.