June In The Garden

This month in the garden should be a time of fast growth of garden plants.  The cool weather crops should be done and the summer crops should be taking off. May is typically a rainy month and this year rain it was in Texas.  The temperatures begin to heat up which allows for fast growth of plants, blooms appearing, and hopefully bees buzzing.  . With heat comes the need to water whether it is from rain or your method of watering. Vegetable gardens need one inch of water each week.  Soaker hoses do the best job as they water the base of the plants and keeps the foliage dry.  This is a good time to add extra mulch to prevent the soil from drying out as quickly.  As things heat up, you must keep a check on the soil moisture. Watering is critical as seedlings will quickly succumb to dry soil so check conditions frequently. Newly germinated plants require delicate watering so consider your watering method. Mulch also will help with weeds. Staying ahead of weeds is always a challenge however, just expect weeds are part of a garden. It is good to pull the weed out while it is small before they produce more seeds.  I typically walk my garden daily and pull weeds when I see them.  Keep a close eye on fruits and vegetables plants watching for some common garden pests.  You should see a break in the action and you can pull up a lawn chair and enjoy watching your garden grow. 

There will always be weekly chores in the garden however, the hard part is over.

In Season

• Strawberries
• Blackberries
• Onions
• Garlic
• Radishes
• Squash
• Zucchini
• Cucumbers

It’s Hot Outside – Drink Water

Tips to increase your water intake!

• Keep a pitcher of water in your refrigerator, so it’s handy, well chilled.
• It you are at the office, keep a big mug at your desk.
• Drink water with each meal.  It’s good for your digestion and may help you feel full so you may eat less.
• Perk up your water by squeezing a wedge of lemon or lime into it.   You can drink other liquids such as fat-free milk, unsweetened fruit juices, or flavored sparkling water.
• Eat food high in water content, which included most fruits and vegetables.  A slice of watermelon has over 90% water.
• Drink water through a straw. Some people claim it’s easier to down.

Recipes

Blackberry Spritzer

Thread fresh blackberries on a 6-inch wooden skewer. Freeze 1 hour. Dip the rim of a glass in corn syrup, and roll in grated lime rind (about 1 lime). Place frozen blackberry skewer in a prepared glass. Pour chilled sparkling water over the skewer, and garnish with a mint sprig.

Cucumber Sandwiches

• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise1 small shallot, minced
• ¼ tsp seasoned salt
• 1 (16 oz.) loaf sandwich bread
• Garnish: cucumber slices

Drain cucumber well, pressing between layers of paper towels. Stir together cucumber and next 4 ingredients. Spread mixture evenly over half of bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices.  Trim crusts from sandwiches, and cut in half diagonally. Garnish, if desired.  Store sandwiches in an airtight container.

Green Chili Squash

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 5 cups sliced zucchini
• 1 package (16 oz.) frozen corn
• 1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies
• ¼ cup water
• Salt to taste

In a large skillet, saute onion in oil. When onions are soft, add zucchini, corn green chillies, water and salt. Cover and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender.