The end of summer isn’t a time, it’s a process. Plants die off slowly, leaving harvest to stretch out over a period of weeks.
Although I’ve pulled two tomato plants and have a couple more on their last legs, there are still three or four producing. We’ve canned two batches of salsa, some whole tomatoes, and made tomato sauce. Now the shelf space is all used up, and the freezer is getting difficult to navigate.
But I have trouble not putting produce to good use, so yesterday I made a final (?) batch of salsa for freezing, just for me, with plenty of hot peppers. Since the pantry wasn’t an option, I decided to freeze the salsa, first in ice cube trays, then putting the hot salsa cubes into freezer bags. Makes it simple to take out just the amount I need at supper time.
I just hope there’s still room in there for ice cream.
With gardening winding down, it seemed like a good time to take care of another project that’s been on the to-do list; a couple of drying rods in my grow closet.
In the past, our drying produce has hung in the barn, which isn’t ideal. It’s damp in there, and I always feel like I’m luring rodents to a feast.
With a couple of lengths of PVC left over from the chicken tractor build and a couple of pieces of scrap wood, it was done.
It’ll be easy to remove the rods if they get in the way, and there’s plenty of rack space for my needs. The only possible hitch might be the lack of air movement, but we’ll see.
Nice drying rods. I must do the same with my sunflowers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I think the smaller sunflower heads dry best. The big ones just have too much pulp and get moldy. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never did it before but have been inspecting them in the garden contemplating saving the seeds for the first time. That is why you have them hanging, yes?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep. I’m trying to save the whole small heads to put out for the birds in the winter. With the bigger heads, I removed the seeds because the big heads tend to get moldy and don’t dry. I hope you have lots of success!
LikeLiked by 1 person
For the birds…love it!! Tx for a great idea Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, you’re welcome Melissa! I think they’d get more enjoyment out of the seeds than I would 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Salsa ice cubes brilliant! 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just cause I’m lazy 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are kidding right! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
There’s a distinct difference between areas with long seasons and short seasons. Most things just keep on growing here until they can’t. I think a hammer might come down on my garden tonight. Predicted low is 37 which means colder in the lowlands. And there was ice on some grass this morning in at the edge of a garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
37°! What area are you located in? That sounds like a garden ended for sure.
LikeLike
Thanks for reminding me about my sunflowers! I also love the salsa ice cube idea. Should I ever manage a glut of tomatoes I will give it a go.
LikeLiked by 1 person