It is that time of year again when the mornings are crisper, the leaves have started turning, fall decor has gone up, mums are showing off their bright blooms and for those of us that garden, the season begins wrapping up.
Our orchard took quite a hit this year with the drought we experienced in Western, Pa. Unfortunately, we had a fraction of the apples and pears that we have in the past few years, but we were fortunate that our peach trees began producing again. The plum, cheery trees and grapes were not as badly affected, but there was certainly a difference in the yield from last season.
The kids were a big help with picking the grapes this year. I am convinced that they eat just as many as they pick while they work their way down the fence line – but I guess that is a good way to keep them eager to help!
I have gotten in some rounds of canning the fruit, but with all of the busyness of the fall sports schedule, I have decided to freeze a lot more of the produce to start processing jellies, jams and butters once things calm down a bit, just so I do not let too much sit too long and risk it going bad.
We have made two rounds of plum bread so far and it continues to be the family favorite in our house. I will be sharing that recipe here soon because it is a great holiday addition to any meal with its purple and maroon hues!
Grape pies will be on the agenda again as well this Fall, although it will be a one-day event as I learned last year it is too tedious of a filling to do over and over again. Peeling grapes takes a little more patience than I find I am wired for!
Our peppers and lettuces are still going strong, and the recent rains and cooler temperatures have finally gotten our celery in upward motion and the eggplants to start to fatten up. Hopefully we will keep them going strong until heavier frosts set in.
I added more cut flowers from seed to our garden this year and I am so happy that I did. Not only have they made the garden a little prettier with pops of color but they are great to cut and put on the table for a free bouquet. I will be adding more next year for sure!
We hope you are enjoying the harvest season, the cooler weather and change of pace. If you live here locally and want to peel grapes, plums or slice apples for apple butter- I have a seat at the table for you 😉 I promise it is worth the purple stained hands!
Happy Fall, Friends!
