My garden is done for the year. Tucked in the last of the tulip bulbs last week. I have some manure I wanted to work in the ground before winter but it's too chilly this weekend. Still picking veggies? That's great. Mine were done long ago. I hibernate in winter but this year may take another crack at winter-sowing, What exactly is sweet hibiscus?

"Sweet Hibiscus", abelmoschus manihot, is in the okra family. The photos in the link below don't do the flower justice, but it does contain some interesting information - I never knew the leaves were edible, and don't think the pods are. I've been overwintering my in my little greenhouse, but may have lost it to the frost this year. Plenty of seeds to replant, and it's a fast grower. The light yellow blooms appear in mid-summer, early in the day, so a delightful greeting in the morning ... especially when they're eye-level!

Why not just put the manure on top if it's too cold to work it in; the earthworms and weather should work it in for you.

Winter-sowing is a winter sanity-saver! I usually have lettuce seedlings up by first weekend in March, even when there's snow on the ground.

This morning I pulled out the tomato plants, basil, peppers, zucchini, pole beans and what's left of the lettuces. Even the "Cold? Psshh ... bring it on!" chard isn't looking so bold today. Tomorrow will finish clean-up, amend the soil, and plant those shallots, garlic and onion sets.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sweet Hibiscus - abelmoschus manihot