Year at Pleasant Hill Farm: May - Spring Harvest

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, 

And vegetation for the labor of man,

So that he may bring forth food from the earth,

And wine which makes man's heart glad,

So that he may make his face glisten with oil, 

And food which sustains man's heart.  

Psalm 104:14, 15

More produce has started coming from the garden during May. We've had lettuce like crazy, broccoli, pea-pods, and onions.

And then there are the berries! Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all coming along nicely, which is especially appreciated after last year's poor berry harvest.

 
 
 
However, along with harvesting, we've been doing some critter control. We've put our nets on the blueberry bushes, though they only slow the birds down and occasionally ensnare them . But guess who was the biggest problem in the strawberry patch? Our oversized black lab! (Aptly named Blackberry. Yes, she loves those, too, along with blueberries and raspberries.)

So Tim and the boys had to build a strawberry fence to keep the dog out of the berries.

Speaking of critter problems, guess what Tim and Paul found when they rebuilt the back steps? A copperhead was happily coiled up under there. Who knows how long this guy had been residing under our stairs, checking us out every time we ran out to hang up some laundry or pick a bit of parsley! (But no more. Mwhahaha!)

The guys also put up some tomato teepees. There is nothing I am more eager for than a real tomato straight from the garden. It makes my mouth water just thinking about those first grape tomatoes that right now are no more than blossoms!