Sometimes when it is hot and humid, and it seems the weeds are winning, I question my sanity in expanding my garden. But then, I get to enjoy the fruits of my labor and it makes it all worthwhile.
Like when the heirloom tomato plants start producing. And when I get my first white eggplants.
This week I met a major milestone. Four ounces shy of 100 pounds of tomatoes harvested.
Yellow plums are one of the latest mass producers. But, I have harvested 36 pounds of heirloom tomatoes. All told, if I were buying tomatoes at markets and organic food stores, I would have spent way more than the investment in this garden plot.
Yes, my labor counts for something. But I rationalize it as a substitute for paying for a gym membership. Weeding, watering, weeding, harvesting, weeding (did I mention weeding?), all contribute to feeling like I just came home from a workout. Particularly after crawling around on the ground wrestling with crab grass.
Today I put up another four pints of sauce for the freezer. Tomorrow roasting the 90 yellow plums still on the counter.
Add to that, the work I am doing to get ready for my Conservancy event next Saturday. Things like making herb butters. And, preserving mint.
Ice cube trays. One of my favorite techniques to put away the right sized portions to use in future recipes.
The garden was definitely worth the time and effort. Now, I would just like it to slow down a bit.
AnnieRie Unplugged 