Today I planted some of the first winter rye in the garden. Winter rye is a good cover crop for gardens in the Northeast, as it can be planted late into the season (Aug-Oct) and survives over the winter. In the spring it is tilled into the soil, adding nutrients and helping soil structure.

First I dug up the patch to be planted (basically where the peas, beets and cilantro used to be) to kill the weeds and turn them and old garden plants into the soil - some parts of this area were severely compacted as well. It was drizzling a little today, but not enough to create much mud. I covered the rye seed with a rake and let the drizzle have it.

Next will probably be the ornamental popcorn plot; I wonder how long the tomatoes and peppers will last into the season. Some of the gourds are definitely dead now, but one cauliflower plant and one swiss chard are thriving. The mandarins haven't turned red yet.