Today (Sunday) is by far the hottest and muggiest day of this summer; too hot to do anything outside except pick, and even that was a struggle. Muggy--what a strange word. Of course, I know that we in New England don't have much to complain about summer weather, compared to much of the U.S.
Since it's so hot, let's get right to the pickings. First up, the new stuff for this week.
I don't know what happened to our bush beans, but they have absolutely exploded, growing more lushly than ever before. They were spilling out of the raised bed and toppling over. We had to rig up fencing to keep them off the ground.
A normal first picking would be a mere handful, but not this year!
That's "Carson" yellow wax on the left, and "Velour" filet on the right.
Next up, "Yellow Fin" golden zucchini. I know these aren't world-beaters in terms of size. I think they did not get properly pollinated, as they bloomed before any male flowers did. So I judged it was best to take them and let the plant get on with its business. Still, I think they are very pretty.
But the dearest to our hearts is this:
That's right, our first artichokes of the year. Just so you know, The Kitchen Goddess and I shared them equally, without fighting. They were outstanding.
That's the new, now for the greatest hits. We picked the rest of the mesclun:
And a head of "Green Ice" that looked like it was going to bolt, plus snow and snap peas, and blueberries:
And just today, what else? Another Green Ice, all the "Rocky Top" lettuce mix (free packet from Baker Creek), and yes more peas. I really really thought the peas would be finishing, but no. For lettuce and peas, we are at the glut stage. Come on down, folks! We're giving 'em away!
And more blueberries, and black and red raspberries:
That's it for this week. Thanks for reading! I look forward to reading the rest of the Harvest Monday posts.
Beautiful harvest. The Velour beans are really attractive. And I'm really impressed with your artichokes and the fact you grew those in New Hampshire. Maybe I will have to try them, once you reveal your secret to growing them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dave. No secrets to the artichokes. Just give them plenty of space, and make sure to vernalize them. The hard part is waiting.
DeleteMy beans have gone crazy too, must have been the right weather I guess (since I have no idea why they are doing well). And those zucchini are downright perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susie. I guess the picture distorted how small the zucchini is. But they should improve as the season progresses.
DeleteYou are in a harvesting frenzy there; very impressive quantity of beans, that's for sure! And congrats on those beautiful artichokes - I'm sure I'll give them a try at some point in the future as I do love them.
ReplyDeleteThanks Margaret. Artichokes are a lot of fun, and you seem to have the space for them.
DeleteOur weather has been really muggy hasn't it. This morning I could see the air it was so bad. Not foggy, but so hazy even at 6am. I decided I had to go for my walk at 6:30 as I'd never survive it after breakfast. It was a good decision, but I missed the morning garden time. It will keep. I'm sure we will get a break in the heat soon enough.
ReplyDeleteAnd artichokes! I've never attempted them. Here where they won't over winter they seem like a lot of work for little reward. I wonder how many you will get to harvest from the plants.
Yes, it's been a "scorcher" as my mother used to say. Looks like we may get 3-4 chokes from each plant--hopefully more, as there's still a lot of time left in the season.
DeleteI read about a local grower here who is, let's make that past tense, was growing an annual artichoke. I was driving by his field occasionally and noted that it looked to be in full production just a few weeks ago and yesterday the field was already cleared and tilled. It blew my mind, the growers around here typically grow perennial artichokes and get a couple of years of year round harvests before they divide the plants and plant a new field.
ReplyDeleteThat yellow zucchini is very pretty. And I am, as ever, envious of those berries.
That's interesting about that grower. I wonder why he/she grows them as annuals when you live near the artichoke capital of the world. The first year I tried to winter over the plants, but they didn't make it, so it's only annual now. They are Imperial Star.
DeleteLooks like you are getting the best of all worlds, lettuce, summer vegetables and artichokes. I've thought about growing them but haven't made the plunge yet.
ReplyDeleteOh, you are making me regret not planting bush beans this year. I am impressed by your harvest. The plants must be happy with the heat and rain we have experienced recently. Your berries look amazing too.
ReplyDeleteLooks like your bush beans are going crazy and you're still getting tons of salad greens and peas. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteMy bush beans are on their third flush and they're covered in blooms, but I'm going to have to pull them up to give the Brussels sprouts room to breathe.
Such a great selection. It's amazing that you still have salad greens growing. Mine bolted at the end of May when we reached 90+
ReplyDeleteWhen my garden grows up.... It wants to be yours!
ReplyDeleteAmazing produce! Well done!