Next Gardening Season Plans

Butternuts Stored!

As I take stock of our pantry for the winter, I see big holes in areas of my prepping. There are many items that need to be stocked up more. My goal is to strive for at least two years worth of food and supplies. Once you have that stocked, your monthly budget would be for just replacing what you have used that month. Or putting that money aside to save for bulk buying in six months or so. But do not use that money for anything else no matter what!

Green Hubbard Squash

I took a look at my garden and saw the space I wasted on too many winter squash type plants. They don't really produce a lot for each plant. It is easier for me to purchase them from local market gardens. Our garden is small and when one plant takes up a lot of space and produces only one or two squash, then it is time to evaluate that plant. I am not talking about all winter squash. The butternuts I grow always produce plenty.

Boothbys Blonde Cucumber

The cucumbers, yellow summer squash and zucchini take up extra space as they spread out. They produce a lot of food, so I don't mind how much space they want. I was very happy with my Boothbys Blonde cucumber and will be planting more of them next year. The squash, I can't say enough good things about that. I managed to can 73 quarts and it will be giving us something to eat in the winter.

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2011  Kathleen G. Lupole

Boothbys Blonde Cucumber Is A Nice Heirloom Plant!

Boothbys Blonde Cucumber

When I purchased our seeds this year, I bought two different varieties of heirloom cucumbers. One of them being the Boothbys Blonde cucumber, which comes from the Boothby family in Livermore, Maine. The last few years for some reason, I have had a hard time getting cucumbers, which used to be a very easy crop for me. I started these seeds in the house, and then planted them in a couple of my stone raised beds. They are doing very well!

 

Boothbys Blonde Cucumber Plant

Since I planted a few in the raised rock bed in the backyard, it has made it convenient when fixing supper to go out there and pick a few for our salad. They give you large yields of sweet and crunchy cukes. Creamy yellow fruits with black spines about 3-5 inches. I love the way they look, as well as taste!

Cucumber On The Vine

These cucumbers would make some awesome pickles, I am sure. I do not plan on making any this year. But maybe next year, I will have my root cellar done and have more room for storage. For now though, we are eating these daily. I call it our "snack food!"

Copyright © 2011 Kathleen G. Lupole
All Photographs Copyright © 2011  Kathleen G. Lupole