Our garden is officially done for the year (aside from tilling). We dug our sweet potatoes and sadly they were few and small. They did MUCH better last year. I think we planted them a little too late and had some tough soil. Anyway, I had enough to make puree for Walker so he can enjoy some homegrown goodness!
Banana Peppers and Jalapenos were definitely our best producers this year because of the heat. I had more peppers than I knew what to do with! The okra, green beans and tomatoes also did well.
However, the corn, carrots, potatoes and bell peppers didn’t fair that well. I’m assuming because of the drought and triple digit heat.
This was my first year canning and I’m happy with the results.
Here’s what I ended up with:
11 pints strawberry jam (Mike LOVESSS this stuff)
8 pints tomato puree (homegrown)
5 half pints pickled peppers (homegrown)
3 pints sweet pickles
8 pints dill pickles
8 pints pearsauce (homegrown)
12 1/2 pints apple butter
We also froze 3 dozen ears of corn and 12 cups of peaches.
It won’t be long until I’m planning next year’s garden.
I can taste the homegrown tomatoes already!
I am a bride-to-be and even if it is the first time I write, I have been reading your blog since last year! Thanks for what you share! :)
About potatoes: did you rotate your crops? It is better to do not grow them in the same place where they grown before. And did you added manure before planted them? :)
We did rotate the potatoes, but didn't add manure this year. We usually just throw kitchen scraps in the garden during the non growing months. Thanks for the tips!!
Missy
Regarding kitchen scraps there are different points of view. What I learned (and I believe!) is that kitchen scraps (as well as manure!) are very good, but only when well composted and rotted.
If manure or kitchen waste is spread directly on the soil infact, the decomposition process can sequester precious nutritionals from the soil,and release dangerous nitrates is so hight concentration to become poisonous for the following plants...That is why it should be better to confine them in the compost hip until ready :)
Of course this is a general advice, as the decomposition process is much faster (and therefore less harmful) in warm climates than in colder ones.
Another interesting thing is that plants are not machines and do not always respond to our cares as we wished :D :D :D
My favourite motto is infact 'Despite Gardeners Best Intentions, Nature Will Improvise!' :)and I always add it when compiling a Maintenance Shedule for Clients :) So Missy don't worry to much about it as it is not always something depending from us! :)
I know that sometimes it could be frustrating, but I think there are also two lovely aspects:
- When something goes wrong in our garden, we socialize more tryng to find a solution, sharing tips, seeds and advices...and perhaps making new friends :)
- In this occasions, we can exercise our faith in the Lord and experiment His immense generosity, in alternative and unexpected ways :)
Sorry for the very long post, I hope it will be useful for you or one of your readers :)
Noemi