The asparagus has started coming up. But this is actually bad news. I planted the bed two years ago. The first year 9 out of 22 plants died. So last year I replanted the dead plants. This spring only 3 plants have come up. Asparagus doesn't like this bed. So I'm going to have to switch around where it is planted. But I'll pick the measly little spears from the three remaining plants.
The rhubarb on the other hand is growing very well. My challenge is to keep it picked enough to slow the two plants down. If I don't they will block the air conditioner. Last year the most vigorous one wanted to be four feet tall. But razing it to the ground a couple times later in the year really helped keep it under control. As you can see I haven't picked much yet. All I wanted to make was a strawberry (frozen) rhubarb crisp. I have a small dish that can cook up about two servings. Without kids in the house a whole pie plate of it would be way too much to eat.
I picked salad greens and bunching onions two different times for salads.
When my husband was gone on a business trip I spoiled myself and bought some scallops. I had a nice scallop and asparagus salad for dinner. Yummy.
Harvest Monday is a day to show off your harvests, how you are saving your harvest, or how you are using your harvest. If you have a harvest you want to show off, add your name and link to Mr Linky below.
How wonderfully decadent to have scallops. I should do that too when the rest of the family is out or away (clearly they would be wasted on them). Shame about your asparagus.
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ReplyDeleteI just realized I had a million "right now's" in that last comment! What I was saying it that I am jealous of any harvests because my garden is in pieces and I am only getting some herbs. Why do you think your asparagus didn't like that bed? I am thinking that since I have more room I may like to do some asparagus.
DeleteI'm guessing some kind of virus. Occasionally some spear will come up weirdly stunted. But who knows?
DeleteThat salad looks so good. Sorry about your asparagus. Btw, what are the purplish serrated leaves in your salad?
ReplyDeleteThat is Ruby Streaks which is a purple mizuna. I was expecting a more reddish leaf, but it really is dark purple.
DeleteI should get some rhubarb from our planting this year. Though it's not growing as vigorously as yours. The scallop and asparagus salad looks yummy! I hope you can find a place to get the asparagus to grow.
ReplyDeleteIt is never too late to replant. Hope the asparagus like the new bed. I am also learning the soil at our new place and found some plant does best/ or hated some of the spot . Lots of trial and error at the moment here in our place.
ReplyDeleteI still love those asparagus you harvested. Yum scallop!
Yes, Asparagus is a bit temperamental. I originally planted 10 crowns. One never really "took" at all, but the remaining 9 are very variable. Three or four of them produce loads of lovely thick spears every year, but a couple of them are very unenthusiastic. I haven't picked any yet this year, but SOON I will.
ReplyDeleteThat looks absolutely delicious!
ReplyDeleteAsparagus and rhubarb?! We're a bit behind you so I'll just have to drool over yours for now :-) Sorry to hear about your asparagus bed...we're a little worried about our, too.
ReplyDeleteMy rhubarb is still waking up and low to the ground. It reminds me of how things grow in New England. They don't have much time to grow before the first frost so they accelerate to garden warp speed--especially the weeds.
ReplyDeleteOh how I remember (and love) the fresh scallops available in Massachusetts.
Your blog is a weekly reminder of my life and garden in New England. Thanks! Susan
We're also behind, and thoroughly enjoy seeing your first harvest of asparagus and rhubarb! We've been working on soil fertility, however, only one of the asparagus crowns is sprouting so far...
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your asparagus. I just planted my first asparagus, and I am not sure all of them are gonna pop up. A bit disappointing! I hope you find a good spot for them!
ReplyDeleteThat salad does look yummy, even though I don't like scallops. I keep meaning to try a purple leaf mizuna, it is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI've been told not to pick any asparagus the first two years after planing to make sure that they really spread roots and grow properly, and that first year they will be stunted and maybe very thin. Good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteI have never had scallops but your salad looks yummy. Enjoy your asparagus and better luck for next year. A few of mine are up so hoping they all make it but not all while I am on vacation. Nancy
ReplyDeleteI don't have asparagus or rhubarb in the garden, but if I had to pick just one it would definitely be rhubarb. There's nothing quite like hot rhubarb crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
ReplyDeleteYour salad looks so delicious! I'm still adding the beet leaves of the beetroot I left in last winter and the chard that's having a new lease of life to mine. A little behind you obviously.
ReplyDeleteYou dinners look great.They are waking up fast, right along with your garden. :-D
ReplyDeleteThis salad looks very delicious!
ReplyDeleteI love asparagus and rhubarb!
ReplyDeleteYour scallop salad is making me drool. It's okay, my keyboard has grown accustomed to it on Harvest Mondays!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great harvest. I wouldn't be sorry to see asparagus even if it means moving them later.
ReplyDeleteYay for salads!
ReplyDeleteOh I wonder why your asparagus died, to much water? I don't think they like wet feet. Your scollop dish sounds delish!!
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