The Harvests Are Lighter

As we go through the month of August we realize that the growing season is slowing down and some of our crops have stop producing.  The harvests are a lot lighter because of this.  We still have plenty to harvest especially as some of the winter produce begin to mature but we do know that we are coming to the end of the cucumbers and green beans.  We still are picking but the quality and quantity are not like they were in June and July.  The tomatoes are beginning to die down a bit but the okra, eggplants and green peppers are still going strong.  The watermelon is going great and we continue to keep growing big ones.  Same with the cantaloupe.  We will be picking a bunch of grapes again tomorrow which means more grape jelly in our future.  We still have corn and George is fighting the battle of the raccoon very valiantly; he has trapped and released 23 raccoons so far.  The butternut squash is still thriving although I don't know how and we are hoping the potatoes, a couple of different kinds, are growing.  We will be checking those soon.  So even though the crops that have kept us busy canning are starting to die down there is still so much more the orchard still has to offer. Speaking of canning, the pickle queens were busy again yesterday making 6 more quarts of bread & butter pickles.  We are making more b&b pickles than dill for two reasons, 1. we really like them and 2. so does everyone.  By the way, while making the pickles Lisa and I have gotten so good at it we don't even have to think anymore; we just do it!