THE U-Pick GARDEN will be closing August 20th. This will be the last year the garden will be open to the public. Next year I'll be operating as a CSA, supplying about 20 regular customers with weekly boxes. Thank you for your support over the last 8 years, but it's time to try something new.

To get a copy of my book, "How To Grow Vegetables In Sitka, Alaska" just give me a call....The books are $20 plus tax. If you live out of town and want me to mail you a copy, you can mail a check for $25.60 to:

Lori Adams
P O Box 6021
Sitka, Alaska
99835


Down To Earth U-Pick Garden is located at 2103 Sawmill Creek Road in Sitka, Alaska. It is open usually from mid-June through late August. Hours are Monday-Saturday 12:00 to 6:30. On Farmer's Market Saturdays I am not open until 2:00. Children are welcome but may not run through the garden or chase the ducks. If you have any questions you can contact me, Lori Adams, at 907-747-6108 or 907-738-2241. My email address is downtoearthupick@gmail.com

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Striving To Continue To Be Productive

I'm tired, and the garden is tired too.

In fact, I think this entire community is tired. Tired and maybe a little discouraged. It's been a long summer, and we've all worked hard, and what was it all for? Life can be taken from you in a second. I think it's best now to slow down a little and look at how we fill out lives and re-prioritize and figure out what is really important in life.

As I contemplate these things I look around the garden and see a lot of plants that look worn out.


The herbs are trying to go to seed.



And the leaves of the flowers are dying.


But when I look closer I see that most of the plants are still trying to be as productive as they can under the circumstances. The Snap Pea Pods are discolored and too large to be eaten whole....


But once they are opened I find tender, sweet, peas that look perfect.



The large Broccoli heads are gone and the leaves of the plants are in bad shape, but somehow they are still pumping out lots of little sprouts that are absolutely delicious.


Most of the leaves on the Cucumber plants in the sunroom are dead, but look at this beautiful Cucumber.


 And there are still lots of green Tomatoes that will try to ripen.



The Lettuce is bolting like crazy.....


But if you search the bed closely you can still find fresh, new leaves that are still sweet.


The Zucchini is hanging in there too...


The ducks have slowed down on egg production, but we are still blessed to be getting at least a couple a day.


And there's still a few stalks of Rhubarb to be picked.


And all of the Potatoes to harvest.


Even if I don't feel like it, it's time to gear up for another year and try to be as productive as possible.


 What's important to you?

Saturday, August 15, 2015

A Chance To Dry Out A Little Bit

The weather in Sitka has been rainy for quite a while now....you have to be tough and willing to work in the rain if you garden here!


Maybe I'm not tough enough. I do get tired of getting wet. So, I took a little trip down to my folk's place in Oregon to dry out a little bit. 


The Roth family was having a reunion, and it was being hosted by my folks on the home place, so I got the chance to see lots of family that I have not seen in years! And look who joined me.....


Levi! Here he is helping my brother, Brian, with the BBQ'd pig.




 Yummy!!!!


Food, family, and fun..........and no rain!