It's strange how suddenly the weather can change around here. Last week was really the first week where our nighttime lows reached down into the 40's. This week, we're expected to get at least a couple of nights in the mid to high 30's. I have a feeling that our first fall frost is just around the corner. Thankfully, all of our fall veggies can tolerate a bit of frost. Last night, I placed some fabric row cover over our citrus trees and will bring them inside for the winter in the next week or two depending on the weather forecast.
Even though we're trying to clear out what's left in the fridge, I did harvest a few things this week. We still have plenty of leeks in the garden. I'll cover them with some fabric in November and then plastic in December. As long as the soil isn't frozen solid during the day, we should be able to get to them.
Our broccoli is producing lots of side shoots, which will slow down as fall progresses. And this may very well be the last of our fall cauliflower. My remaining two plants don't seem to be heading up.
Finally, we just finished off the frozen spinach from last spring so I decided to start picking some of our fall Red Russian kale. We'll use some of it fresh and the rest we'll freeze. Admittedly, we're not huge fans of kale, especially when it's cooked by itself. But we do enjoy it in a vegetable soup or cooked with other veggies. At the beginning of this year, I debated whether or not to grow kale or Swiss chard (both low of our list of favorite veggies). However, they are such good producers that I ended up talking myself into at least a couple of plants. Next year, chard will definitely get the axe.
kale is one of the most nutrient dense vegetables out there. i would keep it for that purpose alone
ReplyDeleteKale with butter Lovely
ReplyDeleteYour cauliflower is beautiful! It's such a fussy vegetable to grow, you did a fantastic job. Too bad you don't like kale, it's certainly one of the easiest vegetables to grow, but really, why grow something you don't like just because it's easy. Save the garden space for something you love. I quit growing radishes because I don't really like them.
ReplyDeleteKale by itself isn't great, but if you own a rice cooker put some red quinoa in the bottom, fill the rest with washed, ripped up kale, sprinkle with salt and olive oil then add 1/4 more water than it technically calls for. When it's done it's delicious!!
ReplyDeleteGreat root systems on those leeks!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful harvest! Your veggies always look so fantastic!
ReplyDeleteTo jump in on the kale talk...I like to add kale to omelettes, quiche, stews and lasagna. I'll saute a little up with some spinach or braising greens or make kale chips. It's so good for you and if you can disguise the flavor a bit, you're set. If you really decide to quit growing it, I'll be curious to see what replaces it :-)
Also, why don't you like chard? This is my first year attempting to grow it...
It has taken me a while but I have managed to acquire a taste for kale and chard. But there are plenty of other greens out there!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely cauliflower. Mine is just now thinking about heading up, so I have my fingers crossed.
I guess I'm lucky. Kale and Swiss chard are both favorites of mine and they grow so well here.
ReplyDeleteKale and Chard..well I had to learn to love them that is for sure. After spending about two hours today processing the rest of the lot from the garden I did dwell on.."do I want to plant it next year?". So the thing is..I'd really miss the full earthy flavor in soups and would also miss chard in a cheese sauce...well the cheese does a great job of making the chard awesome ;-) . But it has to come down to what one wants to eat.
ReplyDeleteIf I could grow cauliflower like you, or Brussels sprouts like you...both chard and kale would get the axe. yup. Well maybe except for ornamental kale which is looking darn awesome right now or dinosaur. Oh I don't know, maybe I can't live without kale.
It's a good thing we like kale around here; we harvested a lot. Your cauliflower looks amazing. You'll never see those tiny spikes on the heads in a grocery store. Some of our plants have just begun to head up. Others are still a couple weeks behind. How do you fight of the cabbage worms?
ReplyDeleteDo a little search for kale smoothie recipes. This is a whole new world of delicious, nutritious, lip-smacking treats.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cauliflower! I'm jealous kale is so easy for you to grow- I planted a 4' row and got one little seeding! Maybe it was too hot here. Swiss chard germinated much better.
ReplyDeletewonderful harvest!
ReplyDeleteThose are fabulous cauliflowers! I do like your paving stones - nice photographic backdrop.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes have such a problem figuring out where to click to add comments but I found it. Just reading your profile. I too am from Essex County but in NY. Much different weather zone 4. I do envy those that can have a fall crop. Love the cauliflower. Mine didn't get real big heads this year but they sure were good. I don't grow greens as my brother who I am the caregiver for doesn't eat them so need to use the space for things we both eat.
ReplyDeleteOur winter garden absent kale or swiss chard would be a sparse indeed. They are a staple of fresh fare when other crops just don't hold up. During the summer season we turn our nose up to them and go for the other more attractive options - but come winter when the frozen, canned, and storage items are losing their appeal - fresh kale sauteed with lots of garlic and onions in olive oil and then topped with goat cheese and toasted walnuts .... simply heavenly!
ReplyDeleteYour cauliflower is truly a thing of beauty. I don't even bother growing it anymore because it is a fussy grower and we truly like broccoli taste better - but if I could grow them as nicely as you do, I would put them back into the garden in a heart beat. The leeks are particularly nice too!
love the leeks pic
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