The "Cool" Crops

Cauliflower and peas.  I'm not a huge fan of cauliflower ,but I do like it roasted. Put it in a Ziploc bag with a healthy oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and coat the florets.  Put on a tray and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and roast at 425.  It's also really good roasted with smoked paprika.

So I'm close to finishing my harvesting of the cool season crops.   OK so the last few mornings I've had to wear a jacket and thoroughly enjoyed the break from the heat but the heat will be back.With the warm weather, these are the perfect crops to attract aphids. The warm weather also signals these crops to bolt or go to seed.  This produces chemicals which make these crops unpleasant and bitter tasting so don't hang on to any cool season crops past their prime.  Harvest and get them out of the garden.  My chickens, goats and rabbits love these treats.  I still have some cabbage heading up, peas, kale, chard, spinach, lettuce,  broccoli rabi, and broccoli.  Keeping a close eye for aphids and smashing  them or if its a bad infestation just sacrificing the whole plant. Although it's sad to pull out crops, it makes room for other summer crops.  Melons, winter squash and second planting of beans will take their place.  I will also be starting from seed more cool season favorites to be put out in the fall garden. I will probably begin that in July.  I also have some OP peas that will be left to go to seed.

Cauliflower heading up.  I inter planted with dill this year and it seems to do a great job of keeping cabbage moths and aphids away. In the fall I plant alot more cauliflower including the green and purple varieties.  My husband likes pickled cauliflower.  It looks like canned brains.  Not one of my favorites.  It is a beautiful plant especially the cheddar and graffiti varieties.

Nothing is better than fresh steamed peas. 

Chinese cabbage.

Broccoli