Out Early

It's going to be hot again and I head out early with my hoe to plant another tier with corn and to sow another short row of Blue Lake bush beans. With any luck, that'll extend the fresh vegetable season a bit.

Meanwhile my husband, who has just laid drip hoses along the two rows of tomatoes, mulches them heavily with old hay. A beautiful sight! -- it'll hold in moisture, keep weeds in check, and slow down the onset of blight by keeping the blight spores in the soil from splashing up on the plant. But wait, there's more! Over the winter, the hay will rot, adding to the richness and tilth of the soil.

By nine-thirty it's already too hot so I pick asparagus (Eddie supervising) and head for the house and chores that will keep me inside. -- making hummus . . . and maybe some curried asparagus soup to chill for later. Sounds like a plan.