GARDEN MUSINGS

Sun, 6 Jul 2008 15:47:07 -0700

We've all had problems this year because of the weather. Growing our own little garden certainly gives us a hint of the problems and challenges faced by farmers. Plus they have to deal with getting their equipment into the muddy fields to plant. And, of course, their livelihood depends on how things grow.

So, what's growing well, and what's suffering from the strange weather? The greens are doing great, except the early planted lettuces, which are bolting quickly because of the long days. It doesn't matter what the temperature, they will bolt at solstice. But I think my Tuscan kale is the best it's ever been. Someone likes the cold rainy spring

One variety of my garlic seems to be ready for harvest. The other two still don't seem to be quite complete. Because I grow a moderate patch of garlic, I have a lot of garlic scapes, the round stem that comes out of the middle and will make a flower, if you let it. They are great chopped up and added to any vegetable saute, but what should I do with a whole bunch of them at once? A friend told me that they had heard of people making a pesto out of them. That sounds good. I wonder if I could make a broth? That could be a nice flavor. I guess I'll find out. Any suggestions or comments?

The warm weather, earlier in the spring, suckered me into planting my beans and basil right before the long, cold, wet spell we had in June. I planted new basil starts when it got warmer. I was afraid that the beans would all rot in the ground, but quite a few seem to be coming up. They do not look robust. My favorites are beans I saved from last year, when I planted a gift from Betty at Skagit River Ranch. They are wonderful big shell beans, and, of course, not available in the store. I hope they got strong enough during the warm weather to enjoy the cool rain.

I planted cabbages and cauliflower in a new bed, and they're growing huge leaves. I hope it's okay to remove some of these big leaves. They're in the way of other plants. Do they contribute or detract from the production of the cabbage or cauliflower?

Another surprise from the weather is that my pea pods and my sweet onions are ready to eat at the same time. This is the first time in a decade that has happened. I remember it from the past, because they are so good sauteed together in olive oil with a little salt.

So, the warm crops are getting a slow start. But, since we won't loose our shirts if the potatoes are late, like the farmers, it will all probably be okay. What's happening in your garden?

Have you been talking about food growing with your neighbors? I have at least 2 friends who are growing some food this year, and blaming me. I think that's grand. How about your neighborhood?

Let's start a conversation. Keep growing food!
Carol Havens

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