Each year as the weather cools and the plants start to wither, we need to put the earth to bed. The earth needs to rest and repair so that it can give again in the spring.

Tend to the yard one last time, making sure that leaves are raked up and fallen branches are cleared. Return plant matter to the garden, and till it one last time. If you have compost or other soil to mix in, now is the time to add it to the earth. Give thanks for the bounty that was received, and as you turn the last shovel of earth, say:

Now to rest you go, and again
in the spring you will sow.