Harvestlet

I think my garden has matured to adolescence. It’s kind of hard to take because it feels like it wasn’t that long ago that I was nursing my little seedlings. Sure enough, though, they are growing up. Now it’s as though my green children have staked their independence and don’t need me at all; aside from a little corrective weeding now and then, of course. But, teenagers can be tricky and unpredictable, especially if you have no idea what to expect.  

The first shock was seeing garlic scapes twirling around in the garlic patch. Now I found out last year that these little yummies were common only to hardneck garlic varieties and could be used in salads. The guru has taken it a step further and told me they can also be sautéed or even made into pesto.

Unfortunately, I read today that you are supposed to harvest them before they curl. However, as I was not exactly expecting them, it was their curl that showed me they were there. And I’m not going to lie to you, it was an exciting moment. I felt the need to e-mail the guru while standing in the garden to relay this amazing feat of nature. (I'm allergic to phone calls.) She was, of course, already expecting the announcement. That is why she is the guru. 

This would have been enough for me: my first victory of the season, homegrown food in my kitchen. Couple that with the return of our local weekly farmers’ market this weekend and you have a happy Heather. Oh, but nature is a giver. Before heading out to said market this morning, my family already in the car, I said, “let me just check on my girls.” I’m getting a little choked up just thinking about that moment. I walked over and there they were, my green grandbabies, fresh out of the flower.

Now I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this, but I’m not much of a vegetable eater. As in, I eat almost none. Unless they are in soup or stir fry, I tend to pass. (I’m fat for a reason, people.) Well, I couldn’t stand it. I had to try one. So I did. Here is my first raw snow pea in my daughter’s hand:

It kind of tasted like grass, but in a crisp kind of way. It definitely wasn't awful. From seed to my mouth the peas have been an absolute joy. I will miss them when they’re gone.

While I had the camera out to document this momentous day I figured I’d show a peek of some of my other kids.

Here are the ridiculous potatoes:

Beans: Some of them are turning out to be pole beans so I need more poles.

Popcorn: (When I just say, "corn" my kids always correct me.)

Pumpkin (or watermelon, I forget):

My miracle babies, the tomatoes I was sure were goners:

Up the middle are marigolds I started from seed as well. And I think there is an eggplant that snuck its way in there. As it is the best looking one I have, its staying. At the far end are cucumbers.

Proud mother.