I've come to the conclusion that I'm always going to be busy and tired, so I might as well try to squeeze in a post.
We had a light frost last night - not the Jack Frost's Revenge kind of killer frost, but a good strong nip. Luckily, the weather service had predicted it (and they were right for a change) so Madman had bustled out after work yesterday and hauled in everything he could grab out of the garden. We've spent the day (except for the morning, where I got called in to work to cover for a sick co-worker. Damn my Team Spirit - it causes more trouble) packing stuff into the freezer.
First the greens (chard and beet), and then the beans (green and yellow). Peppers are next, and then a big kettle of tomatoes is going on the stove for sauce as soon as we can free up a burner. The onions are spread out to finish drying down. Cucumbers are everywhere there's a spot open to set down a cucumber. (Look first before sitting down on the couch, just in case...)
The brussels sprouts are still out in the garden - a couple of frosts will actually benefit them rather than harm them. And the carrots (what few germinated) are safely underground, hiding from the cold.
Garden '11 is winding down. We're already planning Garden '12.
So jealous of your tomatoes simmering on the stove (but not the heat that so benefits them!). My tomato plants are loaded, but alas will probably not ripen. We'll do a good harvest of cherry tomatoes for a family salad tomorrow - the rest I may just pick for green tomato relish.
ReplyDeleteThis year I learned that I need to figure out succession planting. I can usually depend on an uber long growing season (don't shoot me!) but my tomatoes were done in the Heat Burn of July (we get enough to eat and I put up quarts - but not enough to last till Turkey Day.)
ReplyDeleteHowever, I am ready for garlic planting. Bring on first frost. Please. Bring it on.
Color me green with jealousy.
ReplyDeleteSmokey bought a big box of tomatoes at a farmers' market this morning. He said that there had been a frost this week so everyone had harvested their tomatoes; many were not completely ripe but will, with luck, ripen gradually on the counter.
You are always busy because you are NOT a boring person. Nothing better than having a freezer full of good and healthy food.
ReplyDeleteAnd here I am, waiting for my lettuce and spring onions to get big enough to eat. We have such a huge range of seasons on this continent of ours.
ReplyDeleteawwww, our tomaotes are just about done.....but my flowers continue in good stead: marigolds blooming, zinnia's undaunted by a the chill, roses budding and mums just starting to pop.
ReplyDeleteTIme to pick apples soon
Please feel free to take care of my cucumbers when you've located and dealt with all of yours....
ReplyDelete