Nice of you Diana to keep this going. I frequently read, but seldom post. Still something is happening this year. Something new to our garden.
Growth of our garden in most respects have been double the average harvest. We are now just finishing up the canning, but drying and storage continues.
So many tomatoes that the wife started drying them. They are wonderful dried and added to salads. crunchy indeed.
I can’t help but feel that all of these harvests may be very much needed sooner rather than later. Otherwise why would God grant such a thing?
I am wondering, since we definitely have more than bumper crops this year;
How others are fairing this season since harvest is nearly complete. And what locations may be nominal or failing as well. They may help us in preparing for next year.
Will be watching.
[learn how to dry potatoes and tomatoes]
DAndrew / harpolemond
“How others are fairing this season since harvest is nearly complete...”
Late Breakfast Break!
I, for one, cut back a little on tomatoes (24 plants this year, vs. 36 last year) because I nearly killed myself canning last year, LOL! Last night my right arm hurt so much it woke me up. And, no wonder - days of chopping and turning the Food Mill will do that to ya. And I’m no Spring Chicken anymore!
Green Bean crop was fantastic, with more out there to pick.
Tomatoes produced well, but I did have some blight issues which effected production a little, but not enough to be worrisome. Roma-types outdid themselves compared to other varieties this season.
LOTS of salad greens and spinach in our cool, wet Spring season, so that was nice. Planting more for one more harvest, plus more in the greenhouse which will usually produce for me through November, temperatures and sunshine levels, depending. I also just planted more Sugar Ann and Sugar Magnolia peas for one more crop.
Peppers did OK. I’ve had better years, but I only use them for Salsa and V-8 juice. Shishito Peppers were a new thing for us this year. Loving them. Jalapenos did great, and I’ve made the Best. Poppers. Ever. this season.
I have two HUGE red cabbages (there’s just two of us) that I’m deciding what to do with, and Brussels Sprouts on, but they’ll be a while, yet.
Kale (Prism and Lacinato) always does well and that will last in the garden even after a freeze or two, so I harvest it as I need it out there.
Potted Herbs did great, hanging baskets did really well, especially my $40 baskets that I got for $10 each at Walmart and rejuvenated with TLC And lots of fertilizing. Late-season Zinnia are giving me nice bouquets still and my Dahlia (Walmart cheapies that I started early in the greenhouse) were really something this season!
Fruit trees were the best ever so far. Peaches, Pears, and now Apples. Had a great Grape crop, too. Those have been juiced and are awaiting canning. Apples still need a little time on the tree, though I have used some already.
And now, back to canning...after I rub some Ben Gay on my arm, LOL!
The same thought has crossed my mind.
I have never seen my garden do so well, but we have had VERY consistent, warm temperatures. It maybe broke 90 once or twice, and the lows have only been below 50-55 a couple times.
It was a bit dry initially, but then we got enough rain to keep things going.
Are you in southern Arizona? We are having an extraordinary season this year also. Above average rainfall and creeks that have been dry for years are full of water again. I am yielding much more food than I thought possible and my pomegranates had two crops this year!