The Harvest, Part 4

With autumn lurking around the corner and each crop bowing out in turn, our garden is starting to look rather sparse. The beans are finished after a rapid harvest, and sadly the zucchini plants were taken out by powdery mildew likely brought on by high humidity and lack of air flow between the plants. We have learned so many lessons this year that will aid us in cultivating next year's vegetable garden, and I'm already looking forward to the next planting season.

While most of our plants are done growing for the season, the tomatoes and bell peppers have only just begun.   Each day I walk up to the garden and return with a fistful of tomatoes. I forgot how truly delicious and unique a homegrown tomato tastes. It's amazing. We have had tons of rain lately, which has caused many of the tomatoes to crack around the top, and in some cases, split open on the side. Apparently the rain causes rapid growth, and the tomato skins aren't able to keep up. Forgive me, but I can't help but be reminded of stretch marks on a pregnant mama.

Enormous carrot

The carrots have been ready for some time, and we've been picking one or two at a time as needed. Earlier this week I discovered a rotten carrot in the bunch, which was really fascinating but pretty gross as well. The top looked normal, but as I pulled up on the stalks, the carrot top pulled right out with stringy orange goo trailing underneath that used to be a solid root vegetable. Some internet research seems to point to bacterial soft rot as the prime suspect -- yet another problem abetted by heavy rainfall. To prevent spreading, we went ahead and pulled the lot and brought them inside.

It's always exciting to see what the carrots really look like under the soil. Our soil is not ideal for carrots, so we've had quite a few interesting shapes and even some siamese twins and triplets. Luckily, silly-shaped carrots are just as delicious as the regular ones.




But I'm not sure I'll have the heart to eat this loving couple here:

Such a sweet embrace!

Since chilly weather is approaching, it's also time to dust off the old sewing machine and start on some warm and cozy projects, like pajama pants, fleece hats, and cuddly stuffed animals for the holidays. Keep your eyes peeled for more craft posts as the garden goes into hibernation 'til next year.

Be well.