Planting SeedsMum’s the Word
Every fall, my mom bought mums to place by our front door. I always loved the autumn colors and small blossoms, whose petals remind me of tiny fireworks.
Unfortunately, the mums at our front door never lived for long. They looked pretty for about a month, then browned and died.
I only recently learned the reason why: mums are meant to be planted in the spring, giving their roots time to grow and establish in the soil before the winter. Mums are actually quite delicate, and they usually don’t survive a fall planting or small containers. Hardy mums may outlast the season’s first frost, but they are often short-lived. They are also very hard to pronounce, the official name for "mum" flowers is Chrysanthemum.
The fragility of mums and the colorful leaves remind us change is beautiful, and it’s one reason why I love fall. Pumpkins, apples, the harvest, mums: the things I love the most about fall are all related to agriculture!
Fall is also one of the busiest times of the year for farmers. Farmers not only harvest their crops, such as corn and soybeans, but they also prepare for winter. They plant cover crops, including rye, clover, and radishes, to protect soil over the cold months. Hoop houses, or plastic or fabric covers arched over pipes, wires, or frames, allow farmers to grow year-round and extend their growing season. Farmers rush to harvest and prepare before the onset of frost and snow.
Fall is a great time of the year to celebrate. It’s a time to decorate your home with pumpkins and leaves, express gratitude for food, and relax after months of labor. Celebrating fall is a way to embrace change and look forward to new beginnings – and a chance to sip a pumpkin spice latte before winter!
Teachers, if you are interested in learning more about connecting winter holidays, including spices, candles, and Christmas tree farms, to your curriculum, attend our upcoming free virtual PDCH workshop from 4 to 6 p.m. on November 5. Email me at [email protected] to register.
I hope you have a festive and fun fall, whether you love being outdoors or cozying up inside. Find time to celebrate the season’s traditions – and enjoy the mums’ bright colors while they last!