This week’s thoughts turn to early preparation for fall and winter gardening.

I know, I know, it seems like we just kissed last winter good-bye and good riddance, and we’ve got a good bit of summer left, but to get a jump on fall gardening it takes some advance action.

Later in the post I’ve linked to a pdf to help determine the dates for planting for winter food, but first a little fun.

Don’t tell me, gardeners, that it hasn’t ever crossed your mind that your digging skills might just come in real handy one day–or is it just me?

The sentiment on the sign above is the creation of a small business in Nashville called Sawyer’s Mill that makes these signs using reclaimed wood and a special printing process to deeply soak the images into the surface of the wood for durability.

Their wit hits that sweet spot. You know the one.

There are a whole bunch of their signs I’d love to show you, but there are really too many to go into, so you’re better off just looking around yourself.

Ok, one more. I want this one, too:

It was, really. Okay, maybe two weeks ago, but it truly was. Sort of almost.

They also make personalized signs with your family name on it. You could probably get them to custom order one of those signs like they have outside quaint little cottages in English villages in cozy mysteries: Honeysuckle Cottage, The Laurels, Treetop House.

But then, according to all the British tv mystery shows I watch, that would probably mean someone would end up in a bad way on your croquet court, and all eyes would be on you, with your garden shed full of rat poison and then the spinster sisters who lived next door would have all sorts of gossipy things to say about you to the clever detective who came to investigate the crime.

Next up, back to fall gardening. I love seed collections. I like it when somebody who knows what they’re doing puts together a bunch of stuff in one bundle and says, here, these’ll work.

Organic (which also means nonGMO, naturally) arugula, kale, radish, spinach, and mixed lettuces for your fall and winter eating enjoyment. Free shipping, no minimums.

And don’t forget to order your seeds for cover crops, too:

If you need some help figuring out your fall planting dates, this growing guide from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange comes in handy.

Continuing the winter gardening theme, I have this book, and it’s inspirational and practical. And the photography is beautiful. Just, wow.

I read it for the first time a couple of years ago and I think I’m going to read it again soon. It’s one of those books you keep and re-read. And slobber over the pictures of beautiful rows of lettuce.

And I have to talk about this thing I just bought.

It’s a “real” tunnel from an English company called Haxnicks and it’s quite unlike the non-reusable ones I’ve cobbled together with sticks and stuff that tears easily. I haven’t used it yet, but I’m planning to try to grow kale-without-cabbage-moths this fall under it. I’ve never been able to grow that vegetable before (the caterpillar-free version), and it will be a novel experience. Cabbage moths love my garden.

I like the name Haxnicks. It sounds like the village market where you were buying a tin of Darjeeling while the bad business was going on over at your croquet court, but for some reason the clerk at the counter refuses to corroborate your alibi. What is going on with that clerk?

–Daisy