Early morning-entering Booneville, KY in Owsley County.

By: Tanya Begley

OH yes, we love summertime! When all of us can savor new fruits and berries, fresh tomatoes, corn, beans, watermelon and all the wonderful produce that all the farmers, gardeners and markets have on full display. Produce that has been planted with care and patience ready for us to enjoy. The television, websites and social media are bubbling over with delicious plates of canned, grilled, and cooked produce, and mind-blowing recipes. While yes, we are still in pandemic times and being mindful of our surroundings. We surely can have some “good eatin’” while we’re doing it.

I want to say again as I did last year that while we are seeing a much more relaxed summer this year. We are also starting to see numbers rise again as we continue to work through our “new normal”. Thus, reminding us that the Covid-19 pandemic is still not over. I want to use this blog as reminder of caution and safety as you are out enjoying this beautiful time of the year with your friends and family. The great outdoors is the best alternative. Right now, it is summer harvest. What better way to enjoy the outdoors and stay healthy? Than to get out and explore!

Summer Blessings,

Mrs. B♥

GARDENING IN JULY  By: Alan Taylor

July is the month when the preservation of many of the garden crops are preserved. During this month and the early part of August, you can expect to begin preserving green beans, sweet corn, tomatoes, squash and different kinds of jellies and jams. Preservation can be done by canning, freezing, or dehydration. Crops with a neutral pH such as beans, sweet corn, and squash will need to be processed with a pressure canner to prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Higher acid crops such as tomatoes can be preserved by using a boiling water bath for at least 20 minutes of boiling time.

You can find recipes for canning each of the above mentioned crops and so much more at https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/vintage-canning-recipes/. This is a wonderful and very helpful website for all your preserving needs.

  **I would love to spotlight at least one  farm/farmer/gardener ect. each month. If you would like to be featured or know someone in Owsley County who does or if you have a tip, trick, recipe or craft you’d like to share please let me know.