For the first time in over two years my family took a summer vacation. We visited my family in Florida for two weeks. One of the promises I made to myself and my family was that I would not worry about or check on the garden while I was gone. We did have someone house sitting for us whose main task was to pick veggies. I managed to keep my promise with the exception of one phone call I made asking the sitter to water the tomatoes and peppers growing in pots when the temps topped 100 degrees.
We had a really great time with my parents (note to self: take more vacations). I anticipated coming back relaxed and refreshed. I was also really looking forward to getting back to the garden. I definitely missed it. I knew the tomatoes would be rolling in, which is something I really look forward to each year.
Yet somehow, since we got back a few days ago I have felt overwhelmed garden-wise. We returned to a ridiculous amount of produce. We have 150 lbs. that I have to freeze, can, gift, eat. I am not complaining about such a bounty. I am just having a hard time processing it so it does not go to waste.
Our house sitter has a different picking philosophy than I do so we have some very large squash, zucchini and cucumbers. I also find myself averting my eyes from the 4'x'4 table covered in ripening tomatoes. I am dispensing with the last of the 10 eggplants that greeted me upon arrival tonight. Thank goodness the beans, field peas, tomatillos, and peppers were manageable.
I know I have to get a move on before this stuff rots but I am having a hard time bringing myself to just weigh it all! I am hoping this post (confession?) will get me motivated to make a dent in this stuff and use the canner I got for my birthday! Has anyone else ever felt this way?
I would love to be overwhelmed by my produce! I appauld you for not worrying about your garden while you were vacationing. I went for 10 days, and I managed to not worry about mine as well. I have to admit, it was hard and I was glad to get back to it. Glad you enjoyed your vacation. Can't wait to see pictures of your harvest.
ReplyDeleteThe vacation vs. garden conflict dawned on me about a week before we left. I was amazed at how much had changed in just 2 weeks.
DeleteThink about yummy tomato sauce in January! And yes, sometimes the garden gets overwhelming. Sometimes I wish I grew the veggies and someone else did all the cooking and preserving!
ReplyDeleteHaving someone else (who is a seasoned veteran and knows what they are doing) can everything would be a dream come true!
DeleteHaha! I felt that way about cucumbers last year. But I would personally be thrilled with an overabundance of tomatoes--we eat a ton of canned tomatoes around here, so it would be welcome!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it would be wonderful to not have to do the canning myself though. ;)
I have been aiming for abundance in my garden. The first year I hit... nothing. I hardly even got enough harvest for our family to eat fresh. The second year was this year. I am still aiming for abundance. This year I hit enough to eat most weeks. (But only during the season of each plant. No extras. Not even enough to give away.) There's always next year. I am still aiming for abundance.
ReplyDeleteIf it's too overwhelming, it might help to just grab the ripest (bordering on too ripe) ones of each thing and toss them into a bag to give away. Slim things down BEFORE worrying about all the processing. Then call a friend who enjoys your canned and frozen goods and invite them over for lunch and conversation in return for their help peeling and chopping. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe work is always easier with company.
Doh! Also, have the hubby and/or kids clean the kitchen the night before you plan to process. It's always more daunting when you have to clean before you can start working.
ReplyDeleteGet a bottle of wine/6-pack of beer/wine coolers, whatever suits your fancy and enjoy it while you work.
And the last option that I use to handle big jobs is to move the cutting board, bowls and veggies to the living room and turn on a good movie to peel and chop while watching. That's how my daughter and I got 20 lbs. of carrots peeled, chopped, blanched, and frozen one afternoon. It was slower-going, but much more enjoyable than standing in the kitchen peeling for hours.
Good luck!
Okay, I bit the bullet and canned! I have canned 12 pints of salsa and 4 of relish! Today I am going to try to tackle kosher pickles. They seem like they are less work (little chopping).
DeleteWait a minute... you came all the way here... I know you said you did but it just dawned on me. LOL. How far South into Florida did you come!?
ReplyDeleteAll the way down to West Palm!
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