Harvested
Although summer does not officially begin in another four weeks, our brains have already made the switch to summer holidays. There are only two days of school left, it’s still bright outside at 8 o’clock in the evening, and we have begun churning ice cream at least twice a week – sure sign of summer.
We are headed to Seattle in a few days, then Montreal for my food styling and photography workshop, and a few more travel dates come after that. I get butterflies in my stomach when I travel and I am feeling them already. The good kind of anticipation.
Before it gets truly, scorchingly hot in Florida, we harvest the last bit of strawberries and these juicy cherry tomatoes from the community garden. The watermelon is also rapidly growing under the tree and its vines are taking over the basil and the eggplant in this little patch of garden we share with our neighbors. One of these days I’ll have a plentiful one.
So tell me, what will you be growing and harvesting this year?
Do make me jealous please.
I’m jealous of you with those gorgeous tomatoes. I don’t grow anything, but I am looking forward to more things becoming available at my local farmers’ market; there isn’t much there yet. Asparagus is out, ramps are about done, and strawberries and rhubarb should be around soon. I love this time of year!
Hi Aran,
I can’t wait the workshop in Montreal. It will be a pleasure to meet you.
À bientôt !
Barbara
Really fresh pic! :-)
Loved the photos! Unfortunely I ive in an apartment so I can´t harvest anything!!
Amelie
Hello Aran, thank you for your friends and your recipes, it’s nice. it was interesting to read about the gluten-free diet.
So pretty!
Cheers,
Rosa
My Tomatoplants are only 15 cm, so still have to wait for ages to harvest.
Oh, I’m a rabid gardener – I grow everything that will fit in my yard. Peas, radishes, carrots, blueberries, cukes, leeks, garlic, shallots, eggplant, onions, heirloom tomatoes, peppers (hot and sweet), celery, fingerling potatoes, parsnips, zucchini, cantaloupe, oranges, raspberries and eight or nine different herbs. It’s my happy place. :)
I’m growing tomatoes, sweet peppers, cucumbers, three types of basil, mint and rosemary…we just planted everything and still need to wait a while until we can harvest here in Canada. Looking forward to meeting you in Montreal in a couple of weeks!
Your tomatoes make ME jealous- I still have to wait a few months before I can harvest mine. We’re growing lots of lettuce, carrots, fennel, radishes, kohlrabi, squash and a few strawberries. I hope for melons and cucumbers and keep my eye on the cherry, Asian pear and pear trees- maybe we’ll get lucky this year. Unfortunately we won’t have any apples this year- the tree never bloomed.
This year I’m cultivating cherry tomatoes, libanese cucumbers, Basil, thym, chive and rosemary all in pots on my balcony (I live in a condo). We’ll see how it goes. In the mean time enjoy Montreal (it’s where I grew up). It’s a lovely city (espacialy the old port….looks just like Europe). Bon voyage.
I hope your workshop goes well!
My strawberries are just starting to ripen. If I can get to them before the robins do, I’ll have tons this year. Hooray!
We had a lovely Spring, so everything I planted is growing, growing, growing. I have tons of fennel, beets, heirloom carrots in various colors, herbs (dill, oregano, sage, tarragon, thyme, cilantro, parsley), onions, garlic, leeks, tomatoes, and zucchini. I need to get some seedlings so I can enjoy cucumbers all summer too. :)
Ba guk cherry eta jack tomatiak, letxugak, azenariuak, marrubixak, rukula,eta berakatzak dauzkeu sartuta balkoian.
Tomatientzako apur bat falta da onddion, baina marrubixak laister jateko moduen egongo die! eta ensalada ederrak eiten dittugu ya! ;-)
Ba guk cherry eta jack tomatiak, azenariuak, berakatzak, marrubixak, letxugak eta rukula dauzkeu balkoian.
Tomatientzako apur bat falta da, baina marrubixak laister jango ditugu, eta ensalada ederrak eitten ditugu! ;-)
Wow, it’s hard to imagine already harvesting nightshades and watermelon! We finally got some sunshine here in England, just this week. Even so, the garden is doing well– but I have yet to harvest the many, many peas we have climbing our trellis. Also on the list are green beans, cucumbers, lots of kale, all the herbs I could think of, and baby carrots. We’ll (I use the term “we” loosely) also be growing and harvesting chicken eggs!
Since I live in the Bay Area I can’t grow melons unfortunately.
I am growing green beans, tomatoes, zucchini, lettuce, peas (which I planted late!), blueberries, mountain strawberries, pears, persimmons, and hopefully lots of olives this year. My lemon tree is in bloom so I imagine I will have lots of lemonade in my future.
I am turning my garden in a farm, inch by inch….
I just quit my job so I imagine I will get cooking and baking again. Ice cream is also on the list.
My parents have a huge vegetable garden in Pennsylvania but my favorite section is the blueberry bushes. My daughter spends hours at the bottom of the garden picking the blueberries, her mouth and hands stained blue. I don’t think even half of them make it past her mouth so we really don’t see that many in the bucket. Then we freeze leftovers to enjoy that summery taste all year round. There is such a difference between homegrown blueberries (even frozen) and grocery store frozen blueberries!!
so pretty! growing some spotted trout lettuce, strawberries looking great, all kinds of herbs, three kinds of mint and thyme, lavender, two english rose bushes and P. has started some runner beans for me gathering them tomorrow. Oh and my tiny tim tomato seedlings are bursting forward. All on a new tiny fire escape called the “escape garden”. pictures soon.
Good luck on your upcoming workshop. I hope things go well. I was born with dirt under my fingers and must have something growing all year round. Fortunately, I live in FL where that’s possible. So far this season, I’ve harvested eggplant, several varieties of peppers, lots of herbs, onions and radishes. My tomatoes aren’t ready yet. We had a bumper crop of citrus in the winter. Gardening is good for the soul.
Wow… so impressive the variety that some of you are growing. I want to have a large garden so badly… It is definitely something I aspire too. Thank you for sharing!
Olatz- eta zuek non dekozue zoloa ba?
We have a nice, little garden in San Diego. Our most recent harvest of strawberries, oranges, Favas, onions, and herbs for drying can be seen here:
http://www.comidayolas.com/2012/05/harvest-monday-52112.html
Your blog inspired me to plant red current this year-))) I have two bushes and I can see so many berries, they are still green, I can not wait to cook with them-)
Too many animals who eat everything for me to grow my own- but our farmers markets are just starting to heat up here. So excited! I can’t tell you how much asparagus I have been eating! The fun begins now!
I’m growing beets, carrots, radishes, and cucumbers in large (18″) pots this year. I am also establishing some perennial food sources (asparagus, blueberries, strawberries & rhubarb). I probably won’t get much harvesting from those yet, but lots of hope for many summers to come! My tomato & pepper plants that I’ve been growing indoors from seed will be planted this weekend.
basil! lots and lots and lots and lots of basil. come to portland!
Just love those colourful tomatoes :)
I’m growing sweet potatoes – strictly for the greens. Amaranth and lemon basil. I’ve tried passionfruit (fail) and papaya (fail) and the possums keep eating my parsley (fail) … but I am determined to get a banana plant this year and feed my daughter’s addiction :)
Balkoian!! ;-)
Olatz- balkoian? bua… ze ondo!! zuen etxera etorriko naz udan barazki batzuk batzen :)
yelena- that’s wonderful. I don’t think we can grow red currants in FL. too hot. but I do love them.
Amanda – how interesting. I buy amaranth greens from one of our farmers at the market too, but I’ve never seen sweet poatto greens around here.
I’m impressed with all your choices!
In the past we have had raspberries, tomatoes, squash, kale and many varieties of leafy greens. This year, we moved and had no time for the garden but we did get some fun surprises left over from last year. Namely, we happened upon chives, horseradish and tons of mint. Not too shabby for doing nothing!
We’re just coming into winter here in Aussie, so have just planted broccoli, garlic, silverbeet, kale, rocket, celery, lettuce, cabbage and even a few tomatoes as winter is pretty mild here in Perth!
Emma- that sounds like a perfect winter garden!
Very nice picture!
I like it!
These look great. We just started our Lasagna garden… tomatoes, onions, peppers, oregano and parsley. Can’t wait to go picking. Just have to keep it weeded. It ruined the crop last year.
I’m a maniac when it comes to organic gardening- I grow in raised beds, in containers, anywhere I can find any place in my garden ;) I grow: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, rhubarb. And lots of veggies: peas, radishes, carrots(five kinds- short, purple, white and yellow), spinach(two kinds), kale(four kinds), seven types od lettuce, argula, beets, zucchini, runner beans, borlotti beans, japanese beans, french beans, summer and winter squash and of course tomatoes(four kinds) and peppers. And lots of herbs! I’m sure I forgot something ;) But there’s nothing better than eating your own fruit, especially that we don’t have stuff like pea shoots or zucchini flowers on our farmers markets :( You can see my produce on my blog- I’m so proud of them :))) http://www.martapotoczek.com/blog/category/ogrod-garden/
I’m a maniac when it comes to organic gardening- I grow in raised beds, in containers, anywhere I can find any place in my garden ;) I grow: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, rhubarb. And lots of veggies: peas, radishes, carrots(five kinds- short, purple, white and yellow), spinach(two kinds), kale(four kinds), seven types od lettuce, argula, beets, zucchini, runner beans, borlotti beans, japanese beans, french beans, summer and winter squash and of course tomatoes(four kinds) and peppers. And lots of herbs! I’m sure I forgot something ;) But there’s nothing better than eating your own fruit, especially that we don’t have stuff like pea shoots or zucchini flowers on our farmers markets :( You can see my produce on my blog- I’m so proud of them :))) http://www.martapotoczek.com/blog/category/ogrod-garden/
Our growing season has yet to begin in Western Montana, aside from salad greens, and the radishes are coming up quite nicely, French Breakfast, so pretty. Putting out our tomato plants next week, so excited because I’m growing San Marzano for the first time, my new absolute favorite tomato!
Aran,
I’m in seattle and would love to meet you! When and where is your workshop –even though I’m sure it’s full.
your recipes — and blog — are an inspiration!
bo roth
Bo- I will be speaking at BlogHer Food in Seattle (it’s not a workshop) then I will be teaching a workshop in Montreal, another in Whistler and another in France. All full.
Thank you!
I just posted a picture of a sample of my garden harvest from last week on my facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/ThePrudentHomemaker
Here is the list from the photo:
Top: Green onions. Left to right, top row (including the ends): Toyko Cross turnips, Stella Cherries, Black-Seeded Simpson lettuce, Italian Parsley, Borage, Mammoth Melting Sugar Snap Peas, Oregano, Nasturiums, Leeks. Second row: Arugula, Sage, Mascara Red Leaf Lettuce, Desert Gold Peaches, Rosemary, Rouge d’Hiver Lettuce, Bloomsdale Long-Standing Spinach. Third row: Radishes, Emerald Oak Leaf lettuce, English Thyme, Divina Butterhead lettuce, Onion, Bluecrop bluebrries, Basil. Bottom: Johnny Jump-ups, Blackberry, Chives, Fordhook Giant Swiss chard
We are harvesting blackberries now, as well as herbs. In the next couple of weeks, we will have yellow apples, Mission figs, apricots, and green plums.
Here is my garden: http://www.theprudenthomemaker.com/index.php/kitchen-garden/edible-landscaping
I have a .24 acre suburban lot in the desert. I have 32 fruit trees, and I am harvesting year-round. I don’t know how big your yard is, Aran, but if you maximixe your space, you can grow quite a bit. We have a wall covered with grapes. Our blackberries grow against a wall on the side of the house where the a/c units are; their planter is just a foot wide.
Our meyer lemons and the other citrus are all dwarf trees, and most of the other trees are semi-dwarf (save the pomegranate, but that’s a small tree anyway, and the fig), which gives us a chance to have quite a variety in a small space.
Prudent Homemaker- That is simply amazing. wow….
Cannot believe summer doesn’t officially begin for another 5 weeks — feels like summertime here in NY already! Those tomatoes look so juicy + good…drool.
Hooorayyy for summer & gorgeous tomatoes!!
I really don’t have much of a green thumb, but this year I planted a few herbs, and maybe I’ll plant a pepper plant. Have fun at the workshop!
As I am away from home it is not easy to plant much this year. Still I bought some garden pots and planted some fresh herbs. I am in the Dominican Republic for one year and I was lucky to see new plants we don’t have back in Canada. Just in the back of our building there is a pigeon pea tree. I had never seen one before and it I am in ah. A very big tree with lots of hanging pods. So beautiful. I learned here the local recipe with coconut milk and squash. So good! Have a good time in Montreal. So so sad I won’t be able to meet you there. :(
We’re keeping it simple and growing tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumber and herbs. You can make so many tasty things with a few fresh vegetables from your garden. Yum!
I live in a little agricultural valley just north of Seattle. Let me know if you venture north… there’s so much pristine beauty close by but away from the city.
You’re visiting too early for ripe berries and for cherries, which grow in abundance. But you’ll find salad gardens with tender herbs and greens… you’ll see acres of potatoes just sprouting, too, and we are eating pansies in our salads! So much beauty, so much good taste.
Hope you find time for a hike or two (there are so many great ones between the Sound and the Cascades!) and a paddle around the islands or at least a ferry ride.
The Pacific Northwest is so very different from Florida. Our gardens are worlds apart, and our crops are as well.
Travel safe, and if you can, come an hour north don’t miss the Skagit Valley and San Juan Islands. It is one of the most picturesque places anywhere, heaven for a camera!
I only have a fire escape to work with in Brooklyn, but I’m growing a mix of radishes and lots of arugula right now. Some baby chard is mixed in, and carrots are starting to come up. It’s allowing me to just lean out the kitchen window to make a salad!
Sharyn- I don’t think I will have time to visit during this trip but I will definitely next time I’m in Seattle (which will hopefully be soon again). Sounds dreamy.
Shaun- that is really good for a fire escape!
Your tomatoes look fab – mine are much further behind, however, I am currently harvesting hundreds (maybe even end up as thousands) of mangoes – about 5 different varieties and all super delicious. A few pomegranates, the last of the oranges and cherimoya and a few early guavas. A veritable tropical fruit salad.
As soon as I discovered this web site I went on reddit to share some of the love with them.
Check Out Also For: Daily Healthy Eating Plan and Food Pyramid for Kids
You’re my hero, my inspiration:)
Looks delicious, must try it sometime! Please check out our gluten free blog for product reviews, recipes, and GF dining tips!!! We just established our blog for GF dining on a budget! Thankyouthankyou
http://krisandtgogfree.blogspot.com/
Wow! Those tomatoes look gorgeous! Just like candy!
This year I have two gardens: one at work and one at home. My at home one has lots of herbs (chives, parsley, rosemary, thyme, cilantro, and soon, basil) along with some red leaf lettuce and chard. My at work garden has (a lot of) carrots, radishes, tomatoes, corn and peas. The only thing I’ve harvested so far is radishes and they have been soooo tasty!
Have a great day!
Those tomatoes are beautiful! I can’t wait till I start getting some, but then I won’t know what to do with them all!!
I am growing:
11 tomatoes, 3 cucumbers, 3 eggplants, 6 peppers, ground cherries, lettuce, beets, radishes, okra, tometillos, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, swiss chard, kohlrabi, celery, carrots, beans, peas, herbs…
probably more, there is so much back there I can’t even remember.
http://www.jennyspurpletomato.blogspot.com
wow what amazing tomatoes! lucky you!! thanks for sharing! and gorgeous photography!!