Hello from the garden. These past few months have been busy and productive. We had a bountiful harvest from the strawberry patch and the mulberry trees around the property. Jack had a great time eating the "nyummies" almost as fast as they could be picked. Raspberries are being picked now with blackberries in the wings; it's a berry good time to be here.
The vegetables are doing fine also. We have four separate plots growing; one large and three small. Peas have been producing for a while now and string beans are just beginning to be harvested. Some potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic have been harvested as needed and will soon be fully taken out to be stored. Beets are pretty much gone; not enough were planted for my tastes. Lettuce is still being harvested; spinach was pretty short lived possibly due to some early season heat. The brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, and kohlrabi) are doing well despite the efforts of the loopers to eat them before us. Tomatoes are fruiting up (none ripe yet) and cucumbers and zucchini are flowering with some small fruits appearing. The melons and winter squash are growing for late season harvest. Tomatillos have fruited up (fast growing) and peppers, okra, eggplant, and sweet potatoes are doing well. Haven't had much luck with chard and some "less liked" plants (turnips, rutabagas, and collards) are waiting for takers.
The pests have not been too much of a problem yet. There are the afore mentioned loopers as well as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, slugs, and our namesakes the rabbits (who do occasionally dance). Need to keep a watch for tomato hornworms and squash bugs.
The herb garden has really taken off. Might be a chore to keep it from spreading into other areas. The smells and flavors of fresh picked herbs are amazing.
Next on the agenda is to plant late harvesting plants into the vacated beds. Pole beans and a second crop of potatoes are a couple we'll do.
Harvesting is a big item now; fresh food is so much better tasting. Unfortunately for me I'll be leaving here before some of the main crops ripen. It has been a great experience and much fun. Happy harvesting!
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