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A rogue zucchini the size of a watermelon began a cherished holiday gift-giving tradition. It started many years ago, during a visit from a big city friend who comes by for "farm days" to chat and help me with garden chores on my two acres. In the zucchini patch, I pushed aside a leaf and gasped. There sat a zuke in a watermelon disguise. It must have transformed, becoming "Big Boy" overnight—how could I have missed it when harvesting only two days before?
My friend used it to make a huge batch of Big Boy relish. She wondered how close it was to her grandmother's sweet pickle relish, a family favorite that was slathered onto burgers at annual summer picnics when my friend was a child. To find out, she gave her Aunt Kip, who lived with and cared for Grandma, a jar of the relish. When she tasted it, Aunt Kip said it tasted just like her mother's, one thing she had missed with her mother's passing. The zucchini relish brought back all sorts of memories for her.
Now, I grow a "Big Boy" zuke every year so my friend can make relish and give a jar to everyone in the family, as well as a growing list of friends (including me!), for the holidays. But my friend wonders, "What would Grandma think? It's made with zucchini!"
Order Up! As seed and nursery catalogs arrive in the mail, look for plants to grow next season that can be used for holiday gift-making.
Weed Watch. Weed the winter vegetable garden after several dry days when the soil is less saturated. Once the weeds start to grow, the garden can quickly become overrun.
Chore Time. Now is a good time to do those chores that just don't get done during the busy growing season. These include trimming dead branches from trees and thinning out old stems from big bushes.
Clean That Storage Space. Tidy up the storage area and do maintenance on tools, like cleaning, sharpening, and oiling handles.
For the Birds. Clean bird feeders and baths for the good health of our feathered friends.
Get Fit For Your Garden. Stay active to be in shape for gardening and to ward off extra holiday pounds. Several times a week, stretch and participate in physical activities you enjoy
Start Something New. What will make gardening easier and more fun? Research and start a new project you've always wanted to do.
Learn More About Gardening. Learn more about gardening and stay inspired by reading gardening books. Get ready for next year's harvests by looking for new recipes for favorite garden crops.
