I whinged a lot during the year about this and that at the allotment – too much wind, too much rain, not enough rain, not enough sun, too many slugs, an invasion of dandelions and buttercups, too little compost, but even so – yes, even so – I have had a magnificent harvest, and it has made us, along with a few friends and relatives, and many of Graham’s workmates very happy.
Excess runner beans have been recycled into a surprisingly delicious piccalilli-type chutney; cherry tomatoes have become tomato chilli jam, or Chillied Out Tom, as Graham named it when making the labels. I’ve made only a few pots of ordinary jam since we do try not to eat much sugar – raspberry, strawberry, damson, and we have a freezer full of field (fava) beans that I’ve discovered convert into the most delicious bean hummus if, after cooking, you relieve them of their skins, and add lemon juice and garlic.
Today, over half way through October, and I am still picking peas, carrots, beetroot and courgettes, and the last of the summer lettuce. Then there are the winter crops coming on: various kales, leeks, caulis, cabbages and Brussels sprouts. This week, too, I’ve been making a new strawberry bed, planting out Elsanta, and Alice varieties, and ordering a few Flamenco which are ever-bearers – fruiting from spring to the first frosts. Then there were overwintering onions to put in, Radar, being a reliable variety, and also garlic beds to make.
I have routed the tomato jungle from the polytunnel apart from a few plants, and it’s a relief to see some space. While I was doing this I came nose to nose with a large toad, which was very pleasing, once we’d got over being scared of each other. Eat more slugs, please toad. I’ve planted out the tunnel’s raised beds with winter salad stuff including purslane, winter lettuce, bunching onions, chard and lamb’s lettuce. I’ve sown a few seeds in there too, just to see what will happen – some herbs, rocket, and various Chinese leaves and mustards. As it gets cooler I will cover those that emerge with fleece.
Otherwise, it’s been all systems go, tidying the plot. This afternoon I was taking down the runner beans and their canes, and digging over the bed, but I was doing it to the heady scent of sweet peas that are lingering on. I also have some jewel coloured nasturtiums growing in the corner of the polytunnel. They smell delicious whenever I open the door, and of course you can eat every part of them – flowers, leaves and seeds, so I’m hoping they’ll keep going into the winter.
There’s just so much to be grateful for in this extraordinary world of ours, though we’d do well to nurture it a bit more so it can continue to nurture us.
Tish Farrell 
Lucky, to still have crops in the garden. We had our first serious frosts already which wiped everything out except the very hardy ones like brussel sprouts, kohlrabi, and broccoli. Enjoy your harvest!
I was thinking of you when I wrote the post, wondering about the state of growing in your domain. We’ve been lucky frost-wise so far. Dank and muggy after an Indian summer. Yesterday the field beans were sprouting out of the ground before my very eyes. They are supposed to over-winter, but we’ll see.
I have planted seeds for lettuces, kales, radishes, spinach, and carrots in my hoop house (unheated greenhouse). Those will keep us nourished with greenness thru the winter…
Just the thought of these makes me feel nourished too, Annette.
Oh MY that looks like a wonderful harvest! I love the rich, warm colors. It makes me feel all thanksgiving-y and full of hymns of praise 🙂
There’s a lot to be said for good old harvest home hymn of gratitude to the universe.
Indeed. 🙂
Stop! You’re making me drool for all those wonderful vegetables and chutneys and jams. You’re also making me insanely jealous!
Oh dear, Melissa. I’d share them with you if I could 🙂
I know. 😀
You obviously have VERY green thumbs Tish, your harvest looks delicious (and I know an allotment is damn hard work).
The work is getting easier, though it’s taken 8 years to see some real improvement in the soil. I do like a good dig though. I have my grandfather’s spade, and it’s wonderfully worn and sharp.
Nice.
Those are good fruits of your labour.
Thank you, dear Noel.
Indeed Tish. 🙂
As a philosophy for living, “there’s just so much to be grateful for in this extraordinary world of ours, though we’d do well to nurture it a bit more so it can continue to nurture us” is pretty hard to beat. Thanks Tish.
I’m beginning to think it is my only philosophy. Love the earth and it will love us back 🙂
I think I could agree with that; both the content and the centrality of that thought.
Gosh you’re productive, I like the sound of the hummus Tish!
It truly is worth the bother of popping beans out of their skins. I used field beans, but their cousins broad beans can be used too.
All your post sounds like a hymn to nature…..
I enjoyed your words and photos being aware of the incredible work from your part…..
Brava, Tish , double chapeau!
Oh I love hats, and two at once 🙂 Thank you, as ever, for your kind words.
Wow, you are a green-fingered girl, Tish!
Thank you, Sue. It might be more to do with sheer greed, and not wanting to eat stuff with chemicals on it 🙂
Extraordinary crop of goodies from some extraordinary amount of hard work.
Loved the colors in these shots… 🙂 how your pictures remind, there are so much of brightness color in our lives, sometimes we cease to ignore..
At a loss for words really. 😀
Oh surely not, Nomzi 😀
You are amazing. 😀
Like the first shot. Nice still life especially with the purple basket.
wow! love those shots and then having your own veggies is so cool 🙂
Stopping by from the Daily Post Challenge page : http://happinessandfood.com/you-decide-ordinary-or-extraordinary/
Thank you, Parul.
Stunning. I am jealous as Hades, let me tell you!
You are blessed with green figures, there, madam, and you should be suitably proud of your achievement.
I have some potatoes coming up and my Chili plants are taking shape – at last! Grown from seed they seem to take an age to do their thing.
Apart from a few beans not much is making an appearance.
I must nag the missus and see if we can’t get a few things planted this weekend.
Yes, get growing. What about mixed lettuce, and rocket. They comes up quickly.
Will give it a shot.
This post is a heart lifter:). So evocative of the harvest/autumn season. Thank you. Janet