Harvest Monday- 17 July 2023

Here's another Harvest Monday update from Eight Gate Farm. The weather has been so incredibly humid, and for so long, that we feel we are living in the Deep South. We are no strangers to some summer humidity, but never in my memory for as long as this. It isn't pleasant, for sure.

I really didn't think I'd have much to report this week, but on Sunday (yesterday) we dashed out to the garden early in the morning just as it began to rain. This netted us some "first harvests," which I always like to feature, plus some continuing ones.

The first first is our favorite, an artichoke. Only one, but we share nicely! This was a purchased plant, since I accidentally cooked the seedlings I raised back a few months ago, by leaving them in an unvented greenhouse during an unexpected heat wave.

Imperial Star artichoke

The second first is zucchini. We picked them small in the hopes it would encourage the plants to really ramp up production. Since the plants struggled during the beginning of summer due to cold, I'm glad they are finally putting on a show.

Pantheon (F1) zucchini

We also took the last iceberg lettuce. This one had some damage on the side, so we only got half, but we're still happy.

Last iceberg lettuce

And a huge quantity of loose leaf lettuce. We are planning to give a lot of this away.

Loose leaf lettuce

I cut another fennel. This was the smallest, but the plant wasn't looking so good.

Orazio (F1) fennel

The Kitchen Goddess also cut a lot of herbs. From left is Thai basil, Italian Flat-leaf parsley, and Genovese basil. This too is destined to be given away, since we have a lot already. The kitchen smells heavenly!

Herbs

Earlier in the week I took the last of the mangetout and pulled out the plants. It was not a great year for peas.

Snow and snap peas

I also cut quite a few "Green Magic" broccoli, some shown here. I have not made up my mind about this new variety. It does not make very big heads, and they seem off-color. Maybe it's just the weather. They taste fine, of course, but looks are important!

Green Magic (F1) broccoli

Finally, in Wildlife Notes, a remarkable thing happened while we were having our morning coffee. A huge turkey vulture soared in and landed on a bird house, where it rested for awhile, warming its wings. They are common here, but you don't usually see them perched.

Turkey Vulture, you are too big for the birdhouse!

That's all for this week. Thanks for reading, and thanks once again to Dave at HappyAcres.blog for hosting Harvest Monday.