Rain fell this week, so much so I didn’t have to water the garden. Pepper plants survived the stress of transplant and have begun to grow. From here on, the main garden tasks are related to pests, weeds, and harvesting produce at peak ripeness.

This week began with donating five crates of kale, along with a bag of garlic scapes, to my two main food pantries. I weeded the garlic patch and the crop looks to be good. The plants remain mostly green, yet there should be a July harvest as usual. Cabbage looks good. The first three heads are ready to be converted into something, beginning with coleslaw. I picked a leek, yet am not sure what I will make with it. The garden is in transition from the work of planting to determining what I will make of the produce.

Processing is well underway. The vegetable broth rack is full for the year. Bins in the freezer are full of collards and kale. Now it is a matter of waiting for vegetables to mature: cucumbers, squash, celery, tomatillos, peppers and tomatoes. Any apples and pears will be used fresh this year. Not sure what I will do with huckleberries, but they are coming along.

I had emptied the greenhouse and was ready to take it down for the season when a thunderstorm blew through and overturned it. The plastic exterior remains usable, yet a number of joints and a few rods were ruined. I saved what was good for spare parts. It is on the shelf in the garage until I am ready to address it next spring. This is the third similar greenhouse to be ruined by wind.

Three significant dishes from the garden this week: coleslaw made with a couple of small, grated turnips in addition to cabbage and carrots, and a pan of roasted vegetables with fresh thyme and parsley. The photo is what I called Tuscan kale and beans, but any greens would be good in this combination: cannellini beans, kale, garlic, thyme, rosemary and a splash of apple cider vinegar. They say the simmering aroma of rosemary reminds us of Tuscany. It did penetrate most of the house.

Summer is the best time to have a garden. The hard work is planting. From here forward it is maintenance and figuring out what’s for dinner.

Spent Sunday morning cleaning the garage after getting the garden in.