August usually finds students counting down the days until school starts. Back to school shopping, vacation essays and fall sport work-outs tend to rush the end of a season that started out long, lazy and lush. But in truth, Autumn is still quite a ways away and the growing season is just starting to heat up!
While many gardens are starting to show their age by this time of year - the Harvest Fairs are just beginning. It's time to consider which veggies will be ready for picking and proving their farmer's skill (or luck). Still, ribbons and bragging rights shouldn't be the only things capturing our attention. It's also a good time to plant that second round of cole crops - temperatures start to cool and the weather repeats the conditions of Spring - revisiting those familiar quick crops that brought early season success and teased us out of our lounge chairs and slippers is much easier than settling back and letting Winter come sooner than we'd like. Apple picking season may pull us out into the fields - but those cinnamon crusted apples taste better than cobbler when drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette and served on a bed of mixed mesclun, spinach, and blue cheese. Ah nuts - did I forget to mention the roasted walnuts?!
The last couple of weeks before school starts offer opportunities for families to slow down and take a vacation from their vacations. Why not take a stab at replanting that kitchen garden? I'm sure you still have tomatoes to spare and those cucumbers don't all need to be pickled. Throw in some radishes, lettuce and cabbage - why not? While you're at it - try your hand at growing some carrots - you'll be glad you did when you're still picking and eating in February! Go ahead - dig in!
