Beating the August Heat: Prepping the Fall & Winter Greenhouse

-


August in Alabama is notoriously hot, but if you want a thriving fall and winter harvest, right now is exactly when you need to start getting your hands dirty. Having a greenhouse is a huge advantage for extending the growing season, so I am rolling up my sleeves this weekend to get the fall crop preparation underway.

Here is a look at what is going into the dirt this weekend, what is on the schedule for later this fall, and the long game for spring.

🌱 What I’m Planting This Weekend

The planting window is perfectly timed right now, so these are the priority seeds going into the setup:

  • Baby Broccoli: I just picked up these seeds, and they are going straight into the dirt! The window for broccoli closes by mid-August, and it is well-suited for direct seeding into the soil rather than using transplants.

  • Spinach: The window also closes by mid-August. Because spinach has shallow roots, these seeds are going straight into the vertical stackable planters.

  • Leaf Lettuce: Perfect for planting anytime in August. These are an excellent fit for the self-watering pots to keep moisture consistent in the lingering heat.

  • Beans: A solid, reliable choice for late summer and early fall planting to get a nice yield before the real cold sets in.

⏳ Holding Off Just a Bit

A few of my selected crops need just a little more time before they go into the soil:

  • Kale: The planting window opens up around August 15th, so I will be holding off on these for another week or two.

  • Radishes: Deep, loose soil is the secret to great root crops. These will go into the raised beds anytime between mid-August and mid-September. They will need to be harvested or heavily mulched before a hard winter freeze hits.

πŸ‚ Fall Garden Chores

  • Strawberry Relocation: As we move deeper into the fall, I need to transition my existing strawberry plants into the raised garden beds to give them a better permanent home.

🌸 Thinking Ahead to Spring

Even while prepping for fall, you always have to keep an eye on spring!

  • Hardneck Garlic: The bulbs I picked up earlier this year are currently chilling in the fridge. They will stay safely stored until it is time to plant them next spring.

  • Asparagus: I am holding off on this for now, but the plan is to purchase 1-year-old crowns to plant right as the ground warms up next year.




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

🚨 Day 17: Red Flags That Could Trigger an IRS Audit

-
🚨 Day 17: Red Flags That Could Trigger an IRS Audit For most taxpayers, the word “audit” evokes dread. But as a CPA, I know that fear often stems from uncertainty—not necessarily wrongdoing. The IRS audits less than 1% of individual returns annually, but certain patterns and mistakes can increase your chances of being flagged. Whether you're self-employed, managing multiple income streams, or just trying to maximize deductions, awareness is your best defense. Here are the most common red flags—and how to avoid them. πŸ“Œ 1. Failing to Report All Income The IRS receives copies of your W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements. If your return doesn’t match what third parties report, their Automated Underreporter system will catch it. Avoid it: Keep a master list of income sources, especially if you freelance, sell products online, or earn interest/dividends. Double-check that all income is reported—even small amounts. πŸ“Œ 2. Excessive Deductions Compared to Income Claiming lar...
Read more

Understanding Dual Contributions: Korean National Pension vs. U.S. FICA

-
Image
Understanding Dual Contributions: Korean National Pension vs. U.S. FICA Navigating social security systems across borders can be confusing—especially for employees working between Korea and the U.S. A recurring question is: Can someone pay into both Korea’s National Pension and U.S. FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes) at the same time—and what happens if they do? This post breaks down how the Korea–U.S. Totalization Agreement works, what “coverage” means, and the consequences of dual contributions. 1. The Totalization Agreement at a Glance πŸ‡°πŸ‡·πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Since 2001, the Korea–U.S. Totalization Agreement has coordinated social security coverage between the two countries. Its primary goal is to: Prevent double taxation of social security contributions on the same income during the same time period Protect future benefit rights for cross-border workers Key principles: At any given time, only one country’s social security system applies to your wages C...
Read more

🏑 How I Built a Backyard Privacy Screen with Amazon Finds (for Under $130!)

-
Image
🏑 How I Built a Backyard Privacy Screen with Amazon Finds (for Under $130!) Let me tell you about one of my favorite little upgrades to our outdoor space—something that made our patio feel instantly more private, cozy, and bug-free. And the best part? I pulled it off with a few Amazon finds and spent less than $130 total. No drilling, no permanent changes, and no stress. We’ve got a covered deck that’s surrounded by trees, which is lovely… until the bugs show up or I want a little more privacy during morning coffee. I didn’t want to install anything permanent, and I definitely didn’t want to spend $700 on a custom screen setup. So I started hunting for modular, renter-friendly solutions—and here’s what I ended up using. 🧰 The Items I Used 1. Freestanding Tension Rods – $40.48 ( Link ) These were the backbone of the whole setup. I used the Goovilla Room Divider rods, which extend from floor to ceiling and lock into place with tension—no screws, no damage. They’re sturdy enough ...
Read more