Today was the first garden mentoring session I’ve given this season on a truly wet, cool fall day. It isn’t terribly cold out yet, but it was soaking wet. This reminds me to share a few inclement weather gardening thoughts with you.

1. Dress for the weather!
   1. You won’t last out in the garden when its cold and wet if you aren’t bundled up. I like to wear layers in case the weather changes on me, but I’m sure that the outermost layer is something waterproof. I prefer to wear lightweight waterproof gear so it doesn’t weigh me down/get in the way. I also prefer outerwear with zipper vents so it breathes and can let in cool air if I get too warm.
   2. And nothing beats a waterproof hat — or at least a wool one that will repel water for at least a while. I have a baseball style one that helps block glare, has a fleece lining, and for times when I don’t need to hear, it even has protective ear flaps.
   3. Wear gloves. Okay, so this could be part of #1, but I think its worth calling out. Put your gloves on before your hands get wet or you’ll have numb, rubbery, wet fingers to try to cram into gloves. Wear gloves that are at least partially waterproof. Some like insulated gloves to stay warm. I prefer more movement & only go for insulation in the coldest weather. Sometimes I wear tight summer-weight weeding gloves with fingerless rag-wool over top for warmth and flexibility.
   4. Keep your feet warm & dry. Nothing will bring on a horrible cold like having wet feet. Check your boots now & update the weatherproofing on them. Wear warm, thick socks to keep your feet cozy.
2. Check your soil before tramping through beds. Once soil begins to absorb water, it can become soggy. Pore space fills with water and can displace air space. If your beds are soggy, its best to stay off them until the rainwater drains deeper into the soil profile, allowing air to refill some of those pockets. If you step in soggy beds, you may destroy the structure of the soil by compacting it. And your plants won’t appreciate your well-intended efforts!
3. Don’t be discouraged by the rain & cold. This is a great time of year to clean up your garden. As leaves fall away, plant form reveals itself. Pruning, clearing and mulching becomes much easier.

Enjoy the Season!