Fall Harvest Time

I am so excited I love fall veggies. I harvested Collards,Kale, and Swiss Chard and made a big pot of greens.



Today with a little help from my friends, I harvested my first crop ever of sweet potatoes.






The sweet potatoes have to cure. I will put them in a warm spot with some humidity for about three weeks. Then they are ready!!!!

Here is what I did with the greens|:

Fry about 6 slices good bacon until done but not crisp
Add some onion sliced and some red pepper flakes
Then add the cleaned and stems off, and chopped greens to the pot
Salt and pepper
Then homemade chicken broth to cover.

Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for at least 2 hours. YUMMMY

I love growing my own veggies!!!!!

Monarch verses Viceroy

Our Monarchs are in trouble. More and more of the plants they need to survive are being taken away. Both my brothers have been very involved with trying to set up way stations for the Monarchs on their long journey to Mexico. I am so excited as I have seen at least 6 Monarchs mainly on my asters. I really believe they are Monarchs and not Viceroy.  The Viceroys are great imitators. They look so much like the Monarchs but have an additional stripe across the bottom section of the wing. It is interesting to note that Monarchs are poisonous and so the Viceroy gets a pass since butterfly predators think they are Monarchs.



Here a couple thinks you can do to help our Monarch:

#1 Provide milkweed for the caterpillars, it is the only thing they eat.
An additional plant that is good are orange butterfly weed.
#2 Plant a variety of nectar sources, such as zinnias, lantanas, and fall blooming asters. Let's give the butterflies a buffet!!!
#3 Stop using herbicides and insecticides in your flower gardens. Become happy with maybe a not perfect garden. 
#4 Take time to sit and watch and enjoy.... I love the butterflies and wildlife all around! I was so focused on the butterfly I failed to noticed the Hummingbird .  Too much fun!!