An unseasonal surprise is the artichoke in my garden. I’ve had a small fall crop in recent years in addition to the spring bounty. The purple artichoke remains somnolent, gathering strength for the spring.

This is day 10 for my arugula which I grow in a container from late spring to early fall. In the cool season garden I grow it in the ground. I should get the first of at least three cuttings in a week or so. Once I start harvesting, I plant a “succession container.”

This year’s fall crop of ‘Dorsett Golden’ apples looks to be just shy of the June harvest which was 35 pounds. This small espaliered tree is very productive. I’m gathering canning jars languishing on the shelves of friends to make the very best applesauce.

Recently, I transplanted my brassica seedlings to 4-inch pots. They’ll move to the garden when sized-up about mid-October. This year I have more time and am growing broccoli, two kinds of cauliflower and romanesco.

And soon to become roasted slices is the first delicata squash.

Yesterday I planted my Golden Sweet edible-podded snow peas. This is an open-pollinated variety that I’ve saved seed and grown for over 25 years in my coastal garden.

Next week, if the weather’s not too warm, I’ll be planting my lettuce and greens bed. Truth be told, the winter garden is my favorite.