Friday, August 21, 2009

Too Much Basil?

Did I plant enough? I knew I wanted lots. Two plants last year just didn't make enough. Back in May each plant was so small. Twelve plants, two different kinds. That should be enough to dry some and make pesto, I thought. Maybe I should have gotten one more six pack of plants. Ha!This year the plants are sooooo much bigger. They are growing and growing. Maybe it is do to the chicken contribution. I've cut bunches to dry. Yesterday I harvested more. I made 18 batches of pesto to add to what I made earlier. The basil plants are still healthy and growing. I'm sure I will have much more in the end. Did I mention, there have been basil give aways too. There will be more. Anyone live close by??
Then there are the cucumbers. I haven't made pickles in years. I unearthed my old recipes and "put up" a few jars.
The green beans are still going strong. 32 pints. I made a few pints of dilly beans too. The peaches are yummy! Quarts and quarts of peaches are waiting in the pantry for the time in the winter when we want to bring back the taste of summer. Then I've made peach jam and syrup. Maybe I'm doing more this year because most of the kids are gone. Wow, they took up a lot of energy! There will be food in the pantry when they come visiting.

I've been enjoying "putting food up". Each day I've wanted to do something has been a cooler day, in between our heat waves. So it has been enjoyable. There is still lot to do in the garden. It's satisfying.

8 comments:

tincanlily said...

I planted two six packs this year. Our weather was crazy, they did OK. I love fresh basil in sauces and pizzas! Just becoming a fan of pesto. Your canned vegetables look great! I love homemade pickles!
denise

Vickie said...

You have been busy! I don't know why but I have never had luck with herbs. I have to be doing something wrong but what? One thing I have them in pots on the deck maybe that't it.

What is your pesto recipe? I would love to know. Take Care :)

A Bit of Colour said...

I love basil; don't think you can ever have too much of that. You will really enjoy harvest in the winter time!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

My basil is going wild. I've got to do something with them soon. We love pesto so that's my plan. Sounds like you've been busy!

Manuela

Paula said...

Hello, Debbie!!
Looks like your garden was really productive this year- I enjoy putting up food, too- it's wonderful on a cold winters' day to make a stew filled with your own spices and veggies from summer!

*Ulrike* said...

It seems like everyones basil is growing wild which is a good thing! Really it's about the only thing that did extremely well here. I wish I could have been busy canning, but it was not to be. I guess I'll be going to the Farmer's Market for a few things.

Kasha said...

I can't wait to plant my garden. You should be so proud of yourself! Thanks for inspiring me!
Kasha
http://grubandstuff.blogspot.com

tincanlily said...

Just stopping by to say hi!
denise