Monday, May 20, 2013

Hum and Hiss and Pop

    It's that time of year already. Time for long days in the garden and long nights at the canner. Today found us harvesting the last of our cole crops..the broccoli, cabbage and lettuce are all done. Carrots were unearthed with the final row of onions. We say goodbye to the spring things and welcome the coming of summer foods..green beans and squash are in the kitchen tonight with our first eggplant and three tiny tomatoes.
    Along with plenty of harvest, there is always maintenance to do. This week we are laying drip lines and scattering mulch in preparation for long summer days. Tomato plants were pruned a bit letting in much needed sunlight. Extra care is being taken to remove early pests..katydids and squash bugs are sneaking in along with a few cabbage loopers and army worms..even tiny pest eggs are scraped into a coffee can and taken off for the chickens to enjoy.
     Tonight I sit sipping iced tea listening to the hum of a kettle, the hiss of a pressure valve, and the pop of canning lids. Green beans have been snapped, packed and processed while carrots get scrubbed and ready. Squash and cabbage sit in bins ready for our attention as the chili peppers bubble and brew in a salt/vinegar solution. Yes, it's that time again..time to sit and savor the sounds of a warm and plentiful harvest kitchen.

6 comments:

Aunt Sue said...

We planted our garden, today. Looking forward to lettuce and radishes and then the later produce!

Dicky Bird said...

One of the best sounds. :)

HIBISCUS HOUSE said...

I am enjoying vegetable gardening through you this year. Great post.














Michelle said...

Our plants are just coming up. But it won't be long before I will be spending all my time in the kitchen canning.

Unknown said...

I look forward to all of your gardens as the season progresses!

Jennifer said...

I love gardening and canning and freezing and the like. Some of my favorite child hood memories revolve around being in the garden, stringing and breaking beans, picking up potatoes and the endless canning and freezing.