We took our jams, jellies and other produce to the farmer's market on the square in Monticello Saturday. Truth be told, we were a little nervous not knowing what to expect but everything was super organized and laid back at the same time.
Customers were scarce early but as the day moved on more and more customers stopped by to taste and purchase what we have grown in our Backyard Garden.
Best sellers were of course, strawberry fig jam, tomato jam, pineapple jalapeno and zucchini peach jelly. We hope to become regulars at this market and are searching for other markets in the area. Big thanks to Tom who helped out early, Katie Cannon, and Mandy Tanner. Loved meeting new friends from Monticello.
The garden is 95% complete with just a few tomatoes left to be planted.
Tomatoes, peppers, squash, corn, zucchini, beans and cucumbers are all growing strong in this warm weather.
Pictured below are the corn patch, an early tomato and of course the mint.
Something new for us this year, because of the overwhelming support, we will be selling at several farmers markets in the area during the summer.
This Saturday we will be selling our jams, jellies and seasoned finishing salt at the Market on the Square in Monticello. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and see what we have to offer.
Be sure to check back often for updates.
I'm 9 weeks out from bypass surgery and I'm so happy to finally be in that 8-12 week window of how long the healing actually takes. I did not like hearing those numbers while still in the 4-6 week window. I wanted it to go faster but learned it does take time to heal and patience is a virtue.
It is gardening time though.
Despite my precautionary limitations of not being able to lift very much, we have created two new raised beds in the garden. (75 cinder blocks).
We have also prepared two beds for corn, shovel turned all beds, tilled, amended the soil, and smoothed and raked for planting. Planting will begin on Saturday, the 30th.
We also discovered figs already on the trees.....can't wait for some more strawberry fig jam.
First of all, I'd like to thank all of you who have sent me encouraging notes and kept me in their thoughts and prayers. It's humbling to know so many people are there for me. My recovery is going well but slower than I anticipated. I should have known when you are dealing with bypass surgery and bones mending, it does take awhile for the healing to occur. I am being patient and following the doctor's instructions.
Walking is something I now look forward to with newfound enthusiasm. On today's walk we stopped by the Backyard Garden and look what we picked-regular and purple carrots. These were planted last fall and have been "on their own" the entire winter. This find really boosted my spirits. Can't wait to get back to this type of activity every day.
It's the coldest day of the year, dropping to the mid 20's with wind, and we are still picking peppers for a crock pot roast dinner tonight.
These lunchbox peppers were grown in a bucket during the summer and produced several big crops. Back in November, we moved the bucket inside away from the frost and we are enjoying the continued harvest. Of course on sunny days, we move the them outside.
Another example of extending our harvest for fresh vegetables.
We finally had some time to make our first batch of Kiwi jam and it was very tasty.
Sweet but with a little tartness like lime but it's kiwi. We picked close to 400 kiwi in the dark with a flashlight to beat the oncoming freezing weather!
I'll be bringing a sample to taste this week.
Check out the process, from the table to the jars!!
Check out what we picked Thursday and Monday. Over 400 kiwis and turnips. Collards and mustard greens are ready too.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
