b'The November GardenBy Bridgette CrosbyF all is almost hereMy tomatoes and jalapeos are doing well, butnot producing as well as they usually do this timeHang in there, Arizona!of year - again due to the high temperatures. Fruit As of this writing, thewill not set on the blossoms if it stays over 100 temperature for this weekdegrees. So, I am patiently waiting and biding my is still over 100 degrees. Fortime. All of my fall plantings are also delayed; usually, those who are tuned into the microclimates in theirI am setting cabbage, carrots, radish, beets, broccoli, gardens, this unusually hot summer and fall has noand cauliflower.doubt made impacts on your little plot of land. What have you noticed is different this year? I would love toDespite the setback in the garden, I am really looking hear your feedback and compare notes.forward to Thanksgiving this year. Thanksgiving is a time to connect with family, friends, and food. For me, November is usually a very busy month inTraditionally, Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of the garden and it is even busier this year. However,the harvest and other blessings from the past year. due to recent events and extended travel, I am behindHistorically, we are taught that the first Thanksgiving on my garden chores. I have finally moved the velvetoccurred in the fall of 1621 and involved Pilgrims mesquites out of my garden and into my yard, they areand the Wampanoag people on the East Coast. But struggling due to the continued heat, but I am hopingreally, people from every walk of life, in every culture they pull through. I planted these from seed last yeararound the world, for thousands of years, have and they are young, so I am hoping they bounce back.gathered together to celebrate the fall harvest and The added shade will be welcome next year. The twoenjoy a feast together before the cold of winter sets in. Ironwood trees that I also planted from seed are still in the garden; they are now about two feet high, but stillHowever you celebrate the harvest, I hope it is filled too young to move since it is still so hot. They are slow- with those things that really matter to you and growing trees that can live up to 1000 years or more. hopefully some chilly weather to boot! Photos by Bridgette Crosby38 November 2023'