Summer Returns

The unseasonably late snows of early May and the following unending rain storms have finally subsided here in Hickery Holler. Summer like temperatures have returned. Again the soil is worked and again young corn stalks reach for the warmth of the bright June sun. 

Again potato blossoms burst forth above a heavy straw mulch.

Lines of green bean sprouts burst forth from the rich Missouri soil. 

The hay fields are lush and green from the heavy rainfalls of April and May. 

We continue to plant the summer crops. Beans, tomatoes, melons and squash. Once planted they are watered in to help the seeds swell and germinate.

The wheat straw stands in the corner of the garden. Once the seedlings are up it will be used to mulch the rows to help keep the weeds down. 

Our gardening routine has returned as well. Up at daylight and out in the garden to weed, hoe  and water. Inside in the heat of the day  to clean and cook and then back out in the cool evening hours to finish up the outside chores and garden some more. 

We've waited a long time it seems for this break in the weather and it seems we will have to work doubly hard to catch up on all the time lost.  It is nice to again be able to get into the garden without wading boots. Unfortunately most of the early spring crops were a bust. They either rotted prior to coming up or after they did come up. We will simply double up our summer efforts and hope for a good fall crop to compensate.   

Blessings from The Holler

The Canned Quilter