Kristin Faye Photography
Canning has become a favorite activity of many homesteaders and it’ s so gratifying to open a can of tomato sauce in the middle of winter. This simple act will remind you of summer’ s bounty and flavors.
If you prefer dehydrating, it’ s a great way to preserve herbs, fruits and vegetables. Whether you use a dehydrator or simply air-dry, it’ s a convenient method to save that delicious flavor for later. Oregano and thyme are easy to air dry, while garlic, tomatoes, peppers and fruit leather can be effectively dried using a dehydrator.
Beyond those methods, there are other ways to preserve your harvest. Fermenting is also a time-honored method of preservation with pickled vegetables and tangy sauerkraut providing a yummy accompaniment to meals while promoting gut health. You can also make delicious herb-infused oils and vinegars.
Other Ways to Extend Your Harvest
Saving seeds is an easy way to make the most of your harvest. These can be from your favorite organic varieties and help you continue having biodiversity in your garden. You can easily save sunflower, pepper and flower seeds like cosmos and zinnias.
As you harvest and preserve, make sure nothing goes to waste. Compost leftover scraps and trimmings to create
a sustainable solution that reduces waste and enriches your soil.
If you don’ t compost, think of using scraps like peels and ends of vegetables to make vegetable broth.
Use sturdy sunflower stalks as natural stakes for supporting climbing plants like beans, peas or tomatoes. Tie sunflower heads together or attach them to a frame to create a natural bird feeder. If you have excess leaves and grass clippings, use them as mulch around plants, which will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Extending the life of your summer harvest is not only practical but also deeply satisfying. It’ s a way to celebrate the abundance of the season while honoring sustainability and stewardship of the land. By following some of these principles, you can ensure the fruits of your labor will continue long after the warm rays of summer have passed.
About the Author:
Annette Thurmon is an author and founder of Azure Farm. Her most recent book, Simple Country Living inspires you to live a simpler, happier life, no matter where you live. You can follow her social media channels @ azurefarm and blog www. azurefarm. com. You can find her book, Simple Country Living at: https:// geni. us / SimpleCountryLiving.
Reader Service No. 178