Summer time and .... Weeds

[Olivia Lewis Chang]

My dear garden fellows,
According to meteorologists summer combines the months of June, July and August so technically we are half way done with summer. If you remember your comments about a month ago, we all doubted that it would get hot and that our tomatoes would flower, ripen and bear fruit. Oh ye of little faith, and in the words of John Steinbeck, " what good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness".

Less philosophically, the rain and heat makes for great weeds and we must get aweeding😩

Question of the month:
My lettuce plants (several varieties) are growing high as I likely have not picked/cared for them as necessary. Are they still edible and any suggestions on which parts I should eat, and which not?
Also, I have never before grown Brussel Sprouts, and I'm not sure if I need to clip leaves, or any other maintenance. Suggestions? SS

When plants bolt, they are preparing for the next generation and for lettuce, cilantro, and even broccoli, we can still eat our produce. Be prepared for the plant to taste a bit bitter and have zest. I like to think that the extra bite is exciting and tastes fine when mixed with other lettuces.
In short, yes, you can eat the younger leaves on the stalk since they are likely to be less bitter. Also, bolted plants can be juiced/ snip off the top flowers and discard. Then mix remainder in with your apples, kale and other greens.
Brussels sprouts are easy and require little maintenance. Harvest from the bottom and as you remove mature fruit about the size of a dollar coin or quarter, more fruit will appear. You can snip off a few leaves to allow wiggle room for the fruit.
3 steps to cook, wash and half, sprinkle olive oil in pan (no water) and on high heat/ grill to brown on both sides, salt and pepper to taste. Drop in a handful of nuts and / or cranberries. (when cooked on low heat, the sprouts release sulphur like taste).

Happy eating,
See you in the garden ‼️
Sent from my iPad