Busy days on the wee homestead as we try to maximize our production with the swelter season clock ticking. The scheduled weather is HOT and DRY for us for the foreseeable future and just staying on top of the watering is a big task.
Hubby’s pond water pumping system is a life saver for the plants, but it still requires an entire morning per section in the garden, around the house, in the orchard, which means he’s walking back and forth, moving hoses, rearranging sprinklers, and sweating. It’s not easy, or free, but comparatively it’s our best option and I’m very grateful for it!
And, while I’m on the gratitude train, let’s give a big cheer and thank MAN for the air condition! We’ll be spending much more time indoors for a while, me especially.
Welcome new additions to the garden this year, Poppy and Nigella. Very happy for these, I’ve tried many times for poppies with no luck, and the nigella was gifted from a friend and the blue and white flowers are so darling and the seeds so delicious!
We continue to experiment with different preserving techniques and flavor combinations and it’s SO much more enjoyable for me to have his company and help in this endeavor, now that he’s home all month long!
Last year’s experiments of watermelon rind pickles and melon butter were a fine success we hope to repeat again this summer. Lately he’s also been making cream of mushroom soup from our foraged chanterelles that is SO delicious, as well as blackberry preserves. He’s also canned a bunch of potatoes and made a huge batch of ratatouille for the freezer. That’s a first for both of those, so we’re looking forward to the taste test.
The cucumbers are coming in well, the melons still looking very promising, but the heat is definitely taking its toll on the tomatoes already. That is disappointing because we do love tomatoes and needed to re-stock our marinara this year. Hopefully we’ll find some neighbors with a bumper crop who are willing to trade for some of our prolific squash!
Lots more to share, on another day! 😁
Thanks for stopping by!
Kensho Homestead 
I work up a sweat just sitting on my riding lawn mower in this extreme heat so I can’t imagine doing labor. I once read that working up a heavy sweat clears the body of toxins which is the purpose of saunas. Supposed to be very healthy. At least he doesn’t have to drive to a gym to pay for it. Think of it as a free sauna. Fat chance on that one, just be careful of heat stroke in these horrid heat waves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It probably is quite healthy, especially considering Hubby is looking pretty sexy for an old dude! 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep. Garden maintenance is hard and time consuming. A billion years ago, there were “hunters” and “Gatherers”. Then eventually farming, where the REAL work began.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The toughest job you’ll love?! It is for me, most frustrating and satisfying work I’ve ever done. 😁😩
LikeLiked by 1 person
keeps me active as I get older.
LikeLiked by 1 person