It is not a good growing year. Too much rain and both severe and hot weather have caused some severe problems.
The tomatoes haven't really ripened and yet are starting to rot. I have not found a tomato with any real flavor this year. I should start my oven drying about now. The tomatoes are so watery that it will be a year where I will have to pour the water off the sheets pan during the process.
It was fortunate that I made my decision again this year to start my pickling of cucumbers with the early crops. The last week or so of water and hot weather has ruined the rest of the crop.
The locally grown Italian basil has been severely damaged by a mold/fungus. Luckily I planted three Greek columnar basil plants. These grow like shrubs and work well in cooking. I think the Greek basil is as bit strong for pestos and to use on my favorite summer sandwich (BBTs). I got lazy and didn't get around to planting any Italian basil.
Locally grown dill is in short supply as well. I was forced to purchase "leaf" dill at the store to use in pickling. It is an expensive way to do it. Maybe next year I will have to increase my herb garden. This year I grew sage, French tarragon, Greek basil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary and chive.
The sweet red ripe bell peppers are starting to reach the market. I always buy about a bushel and a half of those to both cut up and stuff before freezing. This year it looks like it will be difficult to find many without blemishes and signs of rot.
My son tells me that his apple crop is about non existent. The heavy rains and high winds during the blossoming stage this spring almost completely destroyed his crop.
Hopefully the hunting season will be better.
