Autumn has caught us in our summer wear.
–Philip Larkin, British poet (1922–86)

One word to describe September? Hot! And dry. 

So, that’s three words.

But it was hot and dry this month. I’m not complaining, though, because all the tomatoes finally started growing like crazy and I’ve been harvesting lots of them.

Not just the cherry tomatoes, which have done well all season, but also the Roma, Ace 55, and other large tomatoes. They took their time but it was worth it…BLTs have been amazing and I’ve also made a few batches of freezer-friendly roasted tomato sauce because it was just too darn hot to can in my small kitchen. I’ve also been making refrigerator pickled green tomatoes because they’re super easy and super tasty!

In other garden news, we’re now growing butterfly weed, tropical milkweed, common milkweed, swamp milkweed, and whorled milkweed in the garden (including the rental house we own next door). I’m thankful that my husband appreciates my dedication (i.e., obsession) when it comes to the monarchs and all pollinators and has helped me create a garden to support them.

Imagine my surprise, awe, and delight when I spotted a Monarch chrysalis in the garden recently. Made my day and month, and maybe even my year. As much as I appreciate everything I get to see and experience in the garden, spotting this chrysalis continues to amaze me.

I was weeding in the September heat, and may have been grumbling about it but I was determined to finish up. I looked up and there it was. It took my breath away and was honestly a sacred moment in my life. Just so unexpected and perfect.

What I’m…

Harvesting: Tomatoes, lima beans, pole beans, cowpeas, tomatillos, hot peppers, and basil.

Making: Tomatillo salsa. Bombdiggity!

Reading: This article about half a million honey bees dying in Brazil. My immediate, admittedly immature response is no shit, Sherlock. I mean, seriously, what would they expect?

Wanting: A Mortier Pilon glass fermentation crock. Certainly don’t need it but would look so cool on the kitchen counter!

Looking Forward to: Seeing a monarch emerge from the chrysalis…if I’m lucky enough to be there. If I’m not, I’ll at least know that it happened.

The energy in the garden seems to change by the end of August. While the days are getting noticeably shorter, it also feels like the vegetable garden gets one final burst of energy.

For example? The summer squash plants finally started growing. Honestly, I had been going back and forth with pulling out the plants but decided to leave them. I’m happy I did because I’m a big fan of homegrown zucchini. Not to mention needing zucchini so I can make this relish, which I put on everything from eggs to burgers.

The bigger tomatoes continue to disappoint this year. The cherry tomatoes weren’t exactly superstars, either. I’m chalking it up to the wet summer but, as a self-professed tomato snob, the lack of abundance has been a bummer. I haven’t even made tomato jam yet this year but I’m planning on hitting up a farmer’s market next weekend. Having to buy tomatoes hurts!

What I’m…

Harvesting: Zucchini—finally! Along with edamame, lima beans, pole beans, tomatillos, tomatoes, beets, peppers (hot and not), and some herbs.

Making: Pickled green tomatoes. Can’t get enough.

Reading: Comic: Why You Should Turn Your Yard Into a Mini-Farm. Infographic that clearly explains why mini-farms are the way to go! I think we’re getting there…slowly.

Wanting: A Mortier Pilon glass fermentation crock. Certainly don’t need it but would look so cool on the kitchen counter!

Looking Forward to: A break. Honestly, I love the vegetables I harvest in the fall but part of me is already looking forward to some time off in the garden. Although I still have a couple months.