Pickles - the conclusion

A very busy day indeed!

First, let's discuss the outcome of our dill pickles (see yesterday's blog for recipe).  After a somewhat biased taste test, both CH and I both agree that these dill pickles are a huge delicious success.  They are not very pretty looking.  If you are looking for a Clausen, these may not be for you.  But if you are looking for crispy, dilly, garlicky pickles - give these a try.  I cannot stress how easy they are.  If you are not growing pickling cukes, go buy some.  Farmers markets/CSA's are probably giving them away.

Garlic has been harvested, dried in sun and now in basement for a couple more weeks to dry out.  I cannot tell you how amazing they smell.  Again, easy easy easy.  You need space and sun, but otherwise they remain unattended for 10 months (save the scape harvest).

Harvesting the garlic left a wide open space for planting our Kale seeds (first of many fall plants). 

Finally, three more pints of those big, juicy beautiful blueberries.  Truly our miracles.

Some not so good observations - I may have jinxed myself for mentioning cucumber beetles last night.  Today we found a bunch.  They have wiped out my entire squash/cucumber crops in the past.  This is not a good sign.  Also, something browning the leaves on the cauliflower/brussel sprouts/cabbage.  Not good at all.

Leaving for vacation in a few days is not ideal, but we are so looking forward to it.  It's during that time that you have to let go a bit and hope that these beautiful plants survive on their own.  We have good friends who I hope will come reap the benefits.  ALL are welcome!