Squashed?

I went out this morning into the back yard and smiled at the cool fresh air and warm sun on my face. I turned the corner of the deck and my smile disappeared. A huge sigh blew out of the depths of me. Life really is not fair. 

We have moved into fall around here. Not so much during the day but for sure at night. The temperature dropped to around 38 degrees last night. That temperature is marvelous for sleeping. I love snuggling under my down comforter with the cool air blowing over me from the open windows. Not all like the cool nights of September. My zucchini did not. 

I container gardened this year. I have some flowers in beds but all of my veggies and herbs are in big pots around the patio.  I rigged up an old hose to my water barrels this summer so watering them with "good" water is now much easier. I simply turn on the spigot and gravity does the rest. Much easier than lugging watering cans all around. The pots have done great this summer, even with the neighbor boy tending them while I was in Chicago during July. 

This morning told me that yes the growing season is winding down. My zucchini and my glorious basil looked pathetic.  I did not even think to cover my babies last night. I have not been paying attention to the weather reports. The edges of my squash and all my basil were crinkled and limp from the cold. The ends of the actual squash look sad as well. A little limp so to speak. Do they make viagra for squash? I went ahead and watered and by the end of the afternoon they were looking a bit better. Battle weary but a bit better. I hope to still get a few squash and I have given up my plan of making homemade pesto. Fortunately the tomatoes and peppers stayed warm right up next to the house. 

Needless to say my babies will be covered tonight. Perhaps it will be a too little too late but - but I do not want all of my dreams of fresh produce totally squashed. Gardening in New Mexico- a constant battle with the earth.   Thanks a lot Adam.