I freely admit to letting the garden go. I've been harvesting a bit here and there, pruning a few things here and there, tearing out a few things like cantaloupe and watermelon plants but otherwise, I've just ignored the garden. It's all good-there's always next year.
I started pulling out the dead plants today. We've had 2 frosts so far, not total killing frosts, but enough to destroy my tomatoes, peppers and beans. A little earlier than typical for frost here, but it is what it is. The garden is looking a little sad:
Going strong are brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and surprisingly, my parsley and rosemary. I think they were protected a bit by all the cruciferous veggies. If you look closely you will see a science experiment a lost & lonely cucumber hanging on the back fence. It's orange, proving that cucumbers are related to pumpkins. My kids (all 3 of them) were really surprised that cukes turn orange if you leave them hanging out there long enough. Or ignore them completely, which is what I did.
My harvest to date is 252 pounds 10 ounces and while I fell short of my lofty goal of 350 pounds, I'm still pretty happy to grow more than last year. The year's not over yet as I'm going to put the cold frame up and grow some carrots, too.
Check out what has been keeping me busy in blog land this month--a month long series on minimizing our possessions:
Want to check it out?
Hi Dorothy, Thanks for the info on the Praying Mantis. I got out my bug book and you are right! I didn't think they got that large and had not seen very many of them in my life! At first I felt bad that we had gotten rid of it but when I read besides eating bad bugs they eat butterflies and other good insects I didn't feel so bad. Our little dog, Coco discovered it and we were afraid that she would eat it! Where is Hockeytown, Michigan? I grew up on a farm in between Standish, Twining, Turner and AuGres in MI and then lived in Pt. Huron MI for a little over 30 years before moving to IN. Michigan is a beautiful state! Hope you will visit me again! Nancy
ReplyDeleteI know exactly where you're from! We drive through Standish/Au Gres en route to Oscoda up 23. =) Hockeytown is just another name for the metro-Detroit region. Now that I know you're a transplanted Michigander, I'll definitely come visit you again!!
DeleteIsn't it nice to run into fellow Michiganders? ;)
ReplyDeleteI found a giant orange cucumber hiding this summer. I was surprised.
Shawn Ann--I didn't even realize you were a Michigander!!!!!
DeleteMinimalism. Now that is a path. :) With the endeavor over here to have an acre and build a tiny house upon it... I wouldn't say I am a minimalist. I do not enjoy clutter, however, my tastes are expensive. You can say I will be that weird guy with the quality built tiny house with the Audi (converted to electric) parked in front. :)
ReplyDeleteNow, does your minimalism also include the lack of a NHL season this year???
I think you can be minimalist AND have a well built home AND an Audi. It's all about deliberate purchasing (or lack thereof). I hate clutter, yet I live with 4 people who don't seem to mind it so much but I still consider myself a minimalist.
DeleteChuckled at the NHL comment. The Tigers have filled that void, even if only temporary.
Dorothy-
ReplyDeleteWell you may have fallen a bit short of yur harvest gaol but you sure can be proud of what you accomplished! Great job! We haven't gotten a frost hear yet so things are slowly still producing.
You're right--I still harvested A LOT of food =) Thanks for stopping by :)
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