And..... this is the season for harvesting and processing.
Where did the time go??
Just moments ago, it seems, I was planting seeds and seedlings. Back then, the garden space looked loomingly large with all that SPACE. Now, I can barely walk through without stepping on something thriving.
We have had a dry summer.... after a very wet spring. Last week, the temps were in the 90's and everything is now going to fruit! Each day I harvest beans, zucchini, chard, basil, parsley, beets, spinach, lettuce (bye bye for now, all gone to seed). Tomatoes aren't far behind. Tomatoes, potatoes, and corn. Oh yes, and cantaloupes and honeydew melons. YUM.
My husband is away this week, so I was left in charge of it ALL.
Oh my.
Here's what I have accomplished so far.
Awake at 6.
Put out all the recycling cans along with the garbage for collection.
Move the two chicken coops with the tractor. (Be sure to lower the bush hog. Be sure to turn the key to OFF. Be sure not to smash into the coops by mistake. Be sure. Be sure. Be SURE!)
Feed and water the chickens. (Be sure to close the coops doors---- oh yes, one day I forgot to do that, if you can believe it! They don't call them dumb clucks for nothing. Not one went out, and thankfully, no one went in.)
Harvest zucchini and beans (how do they grow so fast? I just did this yesterday!)
Stop for coffee.
Set water to boiling for blanching the veggies and get all the cooling and packing materials ready for action.
Process (blanch, cool, remove excess water, and pack in plastic bags for freezing) 6 pounds of zucchini, 7 pounds of green beans, and 4 pounds of swiss chard. Clean up.
Dispatch the racoon that was caught sneaking around the yard. ( Don't ask, don't tell. )
Get ready for my day job and leave by 10:15.
YIKES.
Just call me Farmer Mama!
What did you do this morning?
