I am so happy to share this amazing little photo with everyone. This is our lemon/grapefruit/ buddha hand harvest of the season. I can hardly believe we planted these trees just a few months ago!
Amazing!
Just us...
Crafts time!
Hot Glue/Me
Sometimes, when no one else is around, I get into a flurry of crafting and other assorted activities. Justin loves to sneak up on people when they're not paying attention and he caught me in the act! This is me recycling some branches from the tree Bryan cut down last week. I thought I'd craft a couple of wreaths for holiday decorating. Better not tell the parents... they'll all want one! ;)
Back to work gardening:
We are finally back to normal with the rainy weather melting the last of the snow and bringing much needed water to our winter crops and native plants. I'm looking forward to wildflower season already! Today's tomato plant removal was only slightly chilly in the drizzle and cloud cover (thank you carhart vest and work boots) and, other than that, most of the activities took place indoors. Speaking of which, the ants have really been stepping up their invasions as per usual when things get cold and wet outside. Likewise, we have been stepping up our winterization of the garden by doing lots of mulching, cleaning up, replanting, and getting the row-covers in gear asap! We've learned that it is never too soon to get started when it comes to farming.
The noblest of all fruits:
Mandarin season is in full swing and our friend Leo brought us a whole bag full of them! I doubt I can think of too many things more delicious than sweet sweet holiday mandarins. I can eat an entire bag full of them without even trying. These ones were reported to have come from one of the first orchards in Nevada City from a tree close to 50 years old! They are beauties!
Holiday Cheer
Green Goodness:
Another experiment is underway here at our Urban Farm. Like I said earlier, our tomato vines had come to a point where they didn't want to cooperate with the weather and we were left with about 25lbs of green tomatoes and a ton of ideas! This is a green tomato relish in progress. The recipe was given to me by my Aunt Judith who was given the recipe by her mother in law. I am now the recipient of a great family tradition and I am crossing my fingers that all goes well! Tomorrow I'll can it up and get everyone's opinion.
In fact every time someone hands me down a family recipe I feel like I've been entrusted with a wonderful secret. I've been meaning to compile a family cook book and maybe someday I will get around to it. So many projects!
Home-grown green tomato relish!
::all photos by Justin Chiaratti::
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