Death has struck the tomatoes in the form of blight. Nearly overnight the healthy, tall vines thick with beefsteak and romas have begun to show black spots. We already lost the potatoes, the lovely King Harrys which were supposed to be blight-resistant, the Green Mountains. The Irish lad was thrilled to find the King Harrys. I feel the loss of the tomatoes more because I nurtured them from seed and was so looking forward to canning, freezing, dehydrating, making sauces and catsups. As I pruned their leaves and weeded, I breathed in the tomato aroma, thinking of tomato, mayo sandwiches, warm juices running. Nothing says summer more unless it's Block Island or Hampton Beach.
So, this afternoon I spent three hours in the hot sun pulling black leaves and even a few weakened plants in the hopes of allowing what tomatoes are left, more access to sunshine to turn red before the blight further weakens them. It was hot work. I was ruthless. We are not on the coast here and when the sun warms things up, it happens fast and is intense. I am not complaining mind. I will think back to this when it is 20 below or more still, during the inbetween time of October and November when it is cool but not cold enough to start the wood furnace. Then our house is chilly. Hard to imagine just now when it is 82 and 94% humidity!
It is our first garden after being here for five years. The Irish lad cut down two sugar maples to bring warmth and sun into the back yard. I miss the sugar maples that we tapped during sugaring time for my tonic drinks in the morning but I enjoy the garden more. He set up an elaborate system to water the garden and built an amazing pea fence and bean trellis.
The blight has been big news on TV, radio, even at church. Many have lost all their nightshade plants. I wonder how the Peasley farm is faring. They are the largest potato farmers in the area and we enjoy their potatoes throughout the winter.
So, this afternoon I spent three hours in the hot sun pulling black leaves and even a few weakened plants in the hopes of allowing what tomatoes are left, more access to sunshine to turn red before the blight further weakens them. It was hot work. I was ruthless. We are not on the coast here and when the sun warms things up, it happens fast and is intense. I am not complaining mind. I will think back to this when it is 20 below or more still, during the inbetween time of October and November when it is cool but not cold enough to start the wood furnace. Then our house is chilly. Hard to imagine just now when it is 82 and 94% humidity!
It is our first garden after being here for five years. The Irish lad cut down two sugar maples to bring warmth and sun into the back yard. I miss the sugar maples that we tapped during sugaring time for my tonic drinks in the morning but I enjoy the garden more. He set up an elaborate system to water the garden and built an amazing pea fence and bean trellis.
The blight has been big news on TV, radio, even at church. Many have lost all their nightshade plants. I wonder how the Peasley farm is faring. They are the largest potato farmers in the area and we enjoy their potatoes throughout the winter.
So sorry you've been hit by the blight. I would love to see a picture of the fence and trellis. Pak is a smart dog to appreciate the sweet yumminess of sun-warmed berries. Love your Notes and wish I could be there to see it all in person. Keep posting!
ReplyDelete