Trees Cleared Just in Time for Rain

On Friday I pulled up the okra "forest". The plants had gotten so tall I couldn't get to the tops at all. I was away the first week of October for a dulcimer workshop in Sandbridge, VA. While I was gone, nobody picked the okra. Left to grow, the pods became gigantic, causing the plants to become top-heavy. Several were bent over. A few were broken. I decided I was tired of okra. I also pulled up the shriveled up pole beans and cut down their string support.

The big trees are down and limbed. Yesterday, the crew had a bobcat out here, loading the trunks onto trucks in preparation to haul them to the saw mill where they'll be cut into boards. When they were finished, it started raining. Perfect timing.

I think my garden is growing better already!

More Sunshine on the Way

Our property is very much tucked into the woods. We really do not get enough sun for maximum growth of the summer garden. It's nearly 11 o'clock before the sun shines on my raised beds! In order to get healthier, sturdier plants and larger yields, we've decided to take down several large tulip poplars, opening up space in the canopy and letting the sunshine in. Today's the day!

This photo is a "before" shot. Notice the big trees marked with orange surveyor's tape.

Frost Threatens

The first frosty weather is upon us! I decided I better get the last of my basil processed and in the freezer. Some of the leaves had already been cold-hurt from last night's low temperatures. We're expecting more of the same tonight.

Presto! Change-O! Basil to Pesto!

I cut the sweet basil way back this morning. Although I expect to get a little more growth before frost finishes off the plants, this will probably be the last big batch of pesto for the year. Good bye summertime!