November 1st I planted a "trial" fall garden. Started with broccoli, celery, and romaine lettuce. Everything went well until we had our first frost, which came very early for the winter season. Normally, we wouldn't have a frost until January or February! I covered all the plants with 30 gallon Rubbermaid storage containers, and layered furniture mats on top of that. I did that for the next several nights. Finally, warmer weather was coming! I uncovered everything, and noticed as I was taking the mats off that everything was really flat. I thought maybe not enough sun, or water, but apparently my 4 cats had been laying on top of the mats to keep warm, so all of my celery, lettuce and broccoli had been flattened! The next night was much colder than I had anticipated. Down below freezing again! I checked my plants the following morning, and the broccoli was frozen ice! I checked the lettuce, and the celery, and it was the same. Between the cat's and the ice, I thought my fall garden was gone. As the day went by, everything thawed out and was fine! I gave it all a little water, and it perked right up! I've harvested the lettuce, and the broccoli is about ready to pick! The celery has some time left, but it's looking great! Fall and winter is the best time to have a garden from my experience! No bugs to deal with at all! I'm looking forward to my spring garden, but I'm really looking forward to my fall garden next year!
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