Harvest first weekend of October

You'd think now that it's cold outside and we're officially in "fall" mode that the farm would really slow down, but I think my plants are on strike and refuse to accept colder temperature. Or maybe it's just my perception and it just seems like veggies are everywhere and on every surface of my home. Car is loaded once again, and all counters are full of canning supplies and finished jars are waiting for their labels - I usually wait 3-4 weeks before labeling and storing everything just to make sure that none of them blow their caps. And fresh kale has been sitting in jars waiting to be crisped or juiced.
But in reality, the veggies are slowing down. At least not as much tomatoes as we used to have and the crate that I picked has a lot of green tomatoes because someone in my area asked if I had any - their restaurant has "fried green tomato" on the menu so they'll use some of my beefsteaks that have little chance of ripening up. There are few remaining sauce tomatoes that I'll use for salsa this week.
Squash is finally slowed down, and I've picked couple of more winter Blue Banana and left to cure on the floor in the addition - there are a LOT of veggies on that floor that must be cleared out this week.  They will be chopped and frozen for winter.  The new batch of peppers in the crate will be dropped off tomorrow at the harvest house.
Of course my nemesis Mr Groundhog is having grand time at the field destroying veggies at a fast clip and not showing any signs of slowing down. Both winter squash and peppers have a lot of damage to them. Oh well, have to share with nature.
On the home front I'm still planting more things around new patio - this was one of the batches bought for the left side of the patio wall. I just hope it's not too late in season and that they'll actually grow and make it through winter. They are all perennial of course.
Also this is the season for fruit, so I've obtained some PawPaw fruit and have been enjoying it during the evening hours as my sweet treat. Not many people know about it, even if it does grow in many areas of east coast and inland.

So what are you doing in your garden this week? Come and share your stories.

10 comments:

  1. Sure doesn't look like a "slowdown" to me! I can tell you about slowdowns! Neat that you have a source of pawpaw...I don't think it's hardy enough for my area, though I think I see it in catalogs from time to time claiming to have a hardy variety. Well, I don't even know what it tastes like...I'm sure it's good.

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    1. PawPaw definitely grows in your area - it's hardy to Zone 5. As far as the taste goes, it's very sweet, very creamy and very soft. I personally prefer it to be a little under-ripe when it's not overwhelmingly sweet. It does have a very strong smell so not for sensitive noses. And it has a little bit of acidic aftertaste.

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  2. We planted several pawpaw trees but they haven't started bearing yet. I've never tasted it, but everyone says it is yummy. Looks like you will be busy planting those perennials!

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    1. Hope your pawpaw will start producing soon as they are wonderful for deserts and fresh. We planted 4 trees last year but it will take another 4 yrs before we get anything. Thought the original target was to plant pawpaw so the deer and bear will eat them instead of my apples :)

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  3. I have never had a paw paw. Wouldn't know where to look for them either.

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    1. They can be found in farmer markets, but they are also in the wild on sunny patches and along rivers.

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  4. Never heard of paw paw ... googled it and still not sure what it is. :) But nice that you have it! You always have SO much going on. Too bad about Mr. groundhog ... I saw one here in the spring but it didn't seem to reappear thankfully,

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    1. I'm glad your groundhog didn't reappear and do any damage :) pawpaw is a native fruit and very tasty. Animals like deer, bear and racoon especially love it.

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  5. It is that time of year, isn't it, when things start slowing down. In a way it's good as I really enjoy the break that winter provides - it recharges my batteries so that I am raring to go come spring.

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    1. Oh i'm looking forward to a break and having one full weekend without any work outside for a change! Just sit in front of the fireplace and crochet an afgan and cuddle with my hubby and furbabies.

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