Getting ready for winter is a lot of work. I unearth winter clothes, make sure the heating systems are serviced and put good tires on the car, but the garden is where most of my energy is needed. I start with some basic jungle management...

It’s November. Daylight savings has ended (UGH) and I have done as much garden clean-up as I am going to get to. I was helped - or hindered - in this task by my flock of elderly chickens. I have kept chickens as pets for most of my life, and have a great fondness for them. The current collection is an assortment of breeds and personalities, who, with the exception of three adolescents from eggs we allowed one old lady to hatch this summer, are geriatric members of the garden community.

Fall is for a lot of things in Maine. It’s for hunting and fishing, and for hikes on cool, bug-free days. It’s for apple cider, and figuring out what the heck to do with all those tomatoes. It’s back-to-school shopping, and relaxing when the kids are finally out of the house for a few hours a day. It may well be the moment you force yourself to take care of those home repair projects that you couldn’t face on hot midsummer days, but it is also a great time in the garden. Fall is an...