Homes Plus
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1013018
HOME AUGUST 2018 4 Last month we learned what to do, and what to look out for, to help ensure a boun- tiful harvest. OK, now that you have it, what in the world do you do with it all? We just couldn't wait for the first tomato, pepper, etc. of the year, and boy, were they good. Now every table and counter in the house is covered and you're overwhelmed. For every one you eat, you pick six more to take its place. You're starting to lose your mind! Stop, take a deep breath. There are plenty of ways to deal with the harvest. The first thing I start with is preserva- tion. Freezing, canning and dehydrating are all good ways to preserve the harvest for another time. I do as many of these as I can until I get tired of it or simply run out of storage space. There are some really good books out there or go online and find what might work for you. I do more canning than freezing. Call me crazy, but I enjoy it. A lot of people do freezing because it's much easier. I also make my own flavored oils and vinegars. The possibilities are endless. This year I actually smoked San Marzano tomatoes, dried them and packed them in olive oil (storing them in the fridge). The oil can be used for flavor in cooking and the tomatoes can be chopped up and added in so many different dishes. I did the same with differ- ent peppers and made my own smoky spice blends. Don't make it a chore; have fun with it! Share, trade or sell Another way to manage the harvest is to share with your neighbors, friends and fam- ily. I have some neighbors who just can't garden anymore so I make sure they stay well supplied. I share as much as possible with my family and friends as well. I like to barter with them. Because there isn't room to grow everything I'll trade a bunch of peppers for some cucumbers or beans for corn. I also grow a lot of hot peppers and supply a friend of mine who makes fresh salsa. He sells them in grocery stores and farmers markets. In the past, I have actually supplied a few small restaurants with fresh produce. Today, the farm-to-table movement is huge. Don't forget about your local food banks and other charities. Many will take your extras to share with those in need. Check with churches as well. For example, my church has plenty of people who bring in their extra bounty to share with anyone who desires or needs. If your church doesn't have one, start one. I also know of some smaller family-run grocery stores that will buy your produce from you and resell it to their customers. If you have the time, you could even purchase a spot at your local farmers market and sell your own wares. Or put an ad in the paper; you would be surprised by the amount of people looking for fresh produce. This is a good way to make money to purchase your plants and supplies for the next growing season, and maybe even pocket a little profit. So don't look at your overabundance as a burden. There are plenty of options out there to share your bounty. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is a horticulturalist with Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) MICHAEL TIMM Michael Timm When it comes to peppers and other produce, smoke 'em if you got 'em — and a grill. It's just one way to process the abundance flowing in from the garden at this time of year. Michael Timm The first tomato of the summer from the garden is much anticipated, then the explosion happens. They're just too tasty not to share or trade. There are also a variety of ways to preserve them. Turn a bountiful harvest from dreaded chore to sheer joy Start by deciding on freezing, canning or dehydrating Because there isn't room to grow everything I'll trade a bunch of peppers for some cucumbers or beans for corn. ... Don't forget about your local food banks and other charities. Many will take your extras to share with those in need. Check with churches as well.