Holiday Cooking: Keeping It Local

Photo of Winter Squash

Leaving behind October’s orange glow and heading into November’s shadowy chill is a challenging time of year for many of us. Winter’s cold embrace seems to close in around us, making summer’s sunny, easy days a dim memory. The glory days of having so many fresh, green vegetables that we didn’t think we could eat another salad, or so many tomatoes that we feared our skin might turn red—those days are behind us.

The freezer is full; the garden has been put to bed and our cooking thoughts have turned toward winter.

Will those of us who’ve come to prefer fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables find good nearby options for holiday cooking? Continue reading

Powdery Mildew Strikes in the Squash Patch

Powdery mildew is a mystery affliction to me. I just don’t understand it. It appears out of the blue, just when my garden is hitting its stride and looking healthy. This time, it got its start while I was on vacation, but I’m trying not to layer guilt onto the stress of this dilemma.

Right now, it’s hitting my prized giant squashes and several perennials.

Photo of Downy Mildew on Pink Banana Squash Plant

Faced with a choice of what to do next, I’m confused, but committed to saving the pink banana squash that made it through the plague of squash vine borers that took me by surprise earlier in the summer.

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