July Heralds Harvest

This is my first year with growing a garden in the mid-west state of Missouri and I've never had such a harvest so early. Growing in the Northwest for so many years has lent me to believe that you don't really get much of a harvest until August or September. With the Cooler climate there, you don't plant until late May or early June, and depending on how your summer fares will depict your harvest.

I knew that the Mid-West would give me a far superior harvest, but I didn't expect it so soon. I've already canned up my Beets, most of my pickles and will be canning up Green Beans tomorrow. Of course, I've been eating Lettuce, Radish's, Greens and squashes since early June.

What has surprised me is how fast the Corn is coming on. And I'm now growing Watermelon and Cantaloupe of the which I have never grown on the coast of Oregon. However; all has not been exactly perfect.

Beginning in June I began harvesting in direct competition with the Japanese Beetle
( a new adversary ), but for the most part I am winning with the help of my bug detracting recipe. But I must admit...even my famous bug detractor doesn't discourage these ferocious eaters much.

Another pest that I am not used to fighting is the Tobacco Horn Worm. Over-night they almost destroyed 5 of my Tomato plants. I have found that wood ash helps to detour them tremendously.

Overall though...I am excited about the Watermelons, Cantaloupe and Corn on which I will soon feast. More to follow!