October 2023 Complete Guide: What You Need to Know This Month

Have you noticed how the latter half of the year seems to rush by? It’s a trick of the seasons: autumn always feels faster than it did a few months ago. Maybe that’s because we’re enjoying the days more, or perhaps we need to remember to slow down and savor them. This newsletter is my gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and take stock of the season before the holidays arrive.

This fall felt especially pleasant. Here in Iowa we enjoyed milder, sunny days that extended the growing season longer than usual. My ferns stayed outside nearly until the end of October and added green texture alongside pumpkins and seasonal decor. Instead of moving everything inside at once, I appreciated the botanical interest and kept the plants well-watered.

Fall is my favorite time of year—until the next season takes over—so I’m glad we can catch up now. I’m holding a hot cup of coffee and hoping you have something cozy in hand as well. Let’s chat.

Let’s talk about the garden.

My pumpkins lasted longer than I expected. Most were placed outside in early September, and a few went out in late August. Unlike 2019, when an early October snow and many nights below freezing quickly softened pumpkins, this year didn’t see a hard freeze until October 29. That extra warmth kept Swiss chard, leeks, and several herbs producing well into autumn.

Before the freeze I brought the ferns I wanted to save into the plant room. The room is very full, and until a few days ago it stayed warm enough from sun alone. With daytime highs dipping into the 30s recently, I switched on the heat to keep the room near 70°F so the plants stay comfortable.

I left the carrots in the ground until after the hard freeze. My mom and grandmother always waited for a freeze before harvesting certain root vegetables because the cold converts starch to sugar, making carrots taste sweeter. I don’t always notice a dramatic difference, but it’s a reliable way to improve their flavor.

Soon I’ll mulch fallen leaves and use them as insulation for garlic and shallots over the winter. Even though the garden season is winding down, there’s a quiet relief that comes after a busy summer of planting and harvesting.

Let’s talk about food.

Someone recently asked if I eat anything besides winter squash in the fall. I laughed and realized how much squash features in my cooking—partly because I grow a lot of it and use it through fall and winter. If you love squash or are looking for ways to enjoy seasonal produce, here are some of my favorites:

• Squash kale lasagna — built on a flavorful squash soup base. I make that soup often; even if you skip the lasagna, try the soup.
• Stuffed acorn squash casserole — a great way to use up squash and a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving.
• Fig, walnut, and squash kale salad — very seasonal. When figs aren’t available I like to substitute pears or apples.

Here are other recipes I reach for in autumn:

• Slow cooker chili — comforting and easy, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Roasted sweet potato salad — I created this in September and expect it to be a long-time favorite; swap sweet potato for butternut squash if you like.
• Roasted tomato soup — born from an abundance of late-season tomatoes; it’s rich and pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese croutons.

New recipes I shared this month include:

• Browned butter squash pasta
• Spiced carrot muffins
• Cheesy butternut squash pasta (a cozy take on mac & cheese)
• Pumpkin bars
• Sheet pan sausage with roasted vegetables

Let’s talk about Kip.

Kip has been doing well lately, which feels like a blessing. After his pancreatitis and IBD episode in July, he’s thrived on a strict low-fat diet and has been remarkably patient about limited treats. Because he’s stable, we’re able to continue his monthly chemo treatments close to home; those help manage his ongoing meningomyelitis. During our daily cuddles I tell him how lucky I am to have him.

Let’s talk about my upstairs remodel.

The second-floor remodel is on track to finish in the first few days of November, and I’m already partially moved in and very pleased with the result. The past nine months had challenging moments when the disorder made it hard to feel creative, but seeing the finish line eases that tension.

Remodels test patience: budgets shift and timelines slide. As things come together, though, the stress fades and excitement grows. I’m taking a slow approach to settling in. With a busy season ahead for content and holiday prep, I want to live in the space for a bit before hanging every picture or finishing every detail. A measured move-in helps me make thoughtful choices, and the few items I’ve placed so far already make the rooms feel like home and get me in the mood for the holidays.

That’s the update for October. I hope your month felt just right—either full of activity or gently slow, whatever you needed. By next month we’ll have passed Thanksgiving and will be deep into the holiday season. Until then, stay warm, savor each day, and take care.