Basil PEST-o

I processed a big batch of basic basil and garlic pesto to be frozen for future use. These critters managed to sneak into the house on the basil leaves. Yellow and spiny, about 1/2" long... the larval stage of the Mexican Bean Beetle. They prefer bean leaves, but will obviously snack upon other crops as well.

more info here:

https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/veg/bean/mexican_bean_beetle.htm 

Finding Fingerlings

I did the initial "digging" of potatoes this morning. Actually, the way I plant them in a "lazy bed" under deep cover of collected leaves, there's not much digging involved. I remove the spent plants, swipe away the leaves and ... voila! Easily accessible buried treasure.

Once I gathered up the obvious tubers, I sifted through the soil with gloved hands. This morning I came up with 9-1/2 pounds of French Fingerlings. We'll use a turning fork later to get at the ones that have settled deeper into the dirt.

AND we'll go after the German Butterballs another day. By the time I finished collecting the fingerlings, there was too much sun exposure at that end of the bed!

'tis the season ...

Blueberries for Queen Betty's birthday cake. Tomatoes for salads and sandwiches. A couple of figs. Hope you like green beans! And what to do with all those cucumbers?!

Refrigerator pickles are a summertime treat. We keep one big jar each of sweet slices and garlic dill spears.

Tzatziki, made with grated cucumbers and garlic, thick greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, mint.

Cherry Tomatoes