Pepper Success

2011 was a disappointing year for peppers here. Oh sure we enjoyed the 4 peppers we got but with over 20 plants, you can see the year wasn't a pepper success. 2012 has been spectacular. We are growing 2 varieties. We are freezing some and I get to eat peppers daily. Yum!

The Padron Peppers are a wonderful treat sauteed and topped with a hint of coarse sea salt. They are thin skinned and full flavored. Every now and then one will surprise you with a punch of heat but they are generally fairly mild. They grow abundantly so I am looking forward to a long season of savoring Padron Peppers.

Take some, we've got plenty

Because of my work schedule this year, I mainly planted things and then came in months later and harvested. Dear hubby did most of the work in between. It has been a bit of a rough year in the garden because of cool temperatures in the spring followed by way too much rain. Our sandy soil usually dries out easily but it was fairly wet through the spring this year.

The raspberries did quite well (and are delicious). We also have a good supply of potatoes, zucchini, ground cherries and currants. Fortunately, the asparagus always does well. However, the tomatoes, peppers and winter squash have been disappointing. My one surprise for the year is watermelon. I have at least 10 in the garden. Normally I have been able to grow exactly one melon each year so this has been fun.

Well, if I keep blogging at my current pace, I will probably be back in October to write about my 1-2 winter squash. However, for now it is back out to the garden for my raspberry breakfast. Happy gardening!

A bouquet of asparagus?

The weather is cool, gray and not too spring-like but the garden is still coming along nicely. We are enjoying meals of our garden favorite- asparagus. This looks to me like a gift even nicer than a bouquet of flowers!

Happy Spring

The rhubarb is ready to become a co-star in a batch of Strawberry Rhubarb wine, the asparagus has been delicious and there is the scent of freshly picked lilacs in the house. Just three of many reasons to love spring. Now back to the garden. Hope it is a happy spring in your neck of the woods as well!

Hummer Cam

One thing I really miss is watching the hummingbirds. They won't be here for a month but here is a great link. If you liike to watch hummers, this is a great site to see (during the day!). Live Hummingbird Cam

A taste of summer

I love to snuggle in on a cold, snowy night in front of a fire and dream of spring. Usually a few gardening catalogs help me get into the spirit. However, this taste of summer helps too. Pictured are corn, hot peppers and potatoes from last summers garden. The corn and peppers (as you can tell) have been hanging out in the freezer. The potatoes are from the root cellar (also known as our barely heated basement). They will make a tasty warm treat. I boil the seeded peppers with chicken stock (enough to cover) until the peppers are soft. Blend and add corn (off the cob) and diced cooked potatoes. I add a bit of cream, sour cream or yogurt. It is fun to have a "garden fresh" soup in February. I love it "as is" but add a little potato starch to thicken it for my husband.

Now turning to dreams of spring planting. I want at least two pepper varieties this year. It's a tough decision and Pepper Joe's catalog is not helping. I want them all!

I know I will grow a "black" tomato variety. I love their rich, tangy flavor. I have my eyes on black krim (from Penny's Tomatoes) but there are so many I would love to try.
Any pepper, tomato or potato variety suggestions appreciated. What are your favorites?