Last week was a lazy week in the garden. It probably
should have been a busy week, given the quantity of weeds that need to
be pulled and crops that needed a second thinning. But alas, I spent
most of my time in the kitchen cooking up radishes from last week's
harvest (braised radishes are totally amazing!), making stock with
kitchen scraps, and turning the last of my 2011 frozen zucchini into
bread.
I don't have the funds at the moment for a drip
irrigation system in the garden, so I've been relying on the hose. I
know, I know. Leaves don't like to get wet, especially in the evening,
which is the only time I'm not at work. So a couple of weeks ago, my
husband decided to set up the sprinkler in the garden to save me some
time and at least get the watering schedule moved to the mornings. And
it has really works wonders! I know turn the sprinkler on a few days a
week at 5AM as I am getting ready for work, and then turn it off before
scooting out the door. It's a real time saver, and my plants seem to be
doing great. But it's also caused me to become a little bit of a lazy
gardener, as I haven't had to rush outside every night to make sure the
plants aren't wilting.
Anyway, on to Harvest Monday!
My first picking of Swiss Chard yielded approx. 60 leaves! I sauteed the stems in a little butter and honey and served those as a side with dinner. I blanched all of the leaves and had enough for 3 freezer bags. I love Swiss Chard in Italian Soups, so I'm looking
forward to stocking the freezer for winter use!
And then, of course, I picked several more small heads
of the Merveille lettuce (and my second-to-last Tennis Ball). My cuttings haven't even made a dent in the
patch, so I think I definitely planted too much!
My marjoram and thyme needed a good trim, so I cut them down and am drying out quite a few leaves for winter use.
I also decided to pull some dill while its leaves are still fresh and tender to dry for later use. This is about 15 stalks, and there is at least three times as much left in the garden waiting to go to seed.
And finally, I pulled a few green onions (not pictured).
For more great harvests, check out Daphne's Dandelions.
I didn't realise you could dry dill. What do you use it for dried?
ReplyDeleteI mostly use the dried dill seed for pickles and such, but I do save a little of the actual leaves for fish or dill bread. It is not as flavorful dried as fresh, but still very tasty!
DeleteWe found a kit at Lowe's for drip irrigation. With that and a pressure regulator, I think we only ended up spending around $60 or $70 to do the majority of our garden. It is definitely money well spent. I hope you can get a setup soon!
ReplyDeleteYou harvest looks great. Looking at your dill, I cannot wait to make some pickles!
I need to learn how to dry herbs. I haven't tried it yet, but I'd love to use my own instead of those that I've bought. On the other hand, what should I do with all the jars I bought? LOL!
ReplyDeleteNice harvests. It looks like you spice cabinet will be full this year!
ReplyDeleteWe've been drying herbs here too. I got enough oregano to last for several years! I do love thyme, but stripping those little leaves off is work.
ReplyDeleteVery nice harvest. I have really got to try growing Swiss chard again. Everyone seems to have good crops from it.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great time to dry herbs; hot dry weather and the herbs are sprouting and flowering like gangbusters. Love your pretty red lettuce!
ReplyDelete