For the last three days in a row friends have stopped by and we’ve given away tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, chives and basil.
We’ve even been putting out boxes of free tomatoes on the buoy cart too.
Yesterday I loaded up the back of my bucket bike and rode around the neighborhood giving vegetables away.
I introduced myself to some neighbors I had never met and had some nice conversations with others I already knew.
It was awesome and so much fun and at one point I was out of containers so people were just putting tomatoes in their shirt pockets. It was hilarious.
The garden has been overflowing with tomatoes and green beans the past few days and we can barely keep up with the harvesting. It seems like as soon as we pick a couple of pans of tomatoes, the next day there are even more.
It’s crazy. But kind of cool too.
I told the HH that I should be canning salsa and homemade ketchup and green beans right now but it’s been so much fun sharing our produce with friends and neighbors that I keep putting my canning duties off.
Maybe September will be my month to can salsa? It will have to be if I want jars of homemade goodness on the shelves to enjoy this winter.
Ahh summer. I am going to miss you and all your glorious fresh vegetables when you’re gone.
~Mavis
JulieP says
Wow this is so lovely enjoy moments like this when you can, the salsa will wait 🙂
Dawn says
What a lovely way to meet the neighbors you don’t already know!
Mallory L. says
What a great way to meet the neighbors and spread some community cheer!
If you don’t feel up to canning, you can always toss them in oil, roast, and then freeze. We did this with our extra small tomatoes (and some chunks of large). The oil meant they kept extra well in the freezer. Perfect for mixing into rice, pasta, chilis, soups, etc during the winter!
Mary G says
What fun! Glad you’re having such a great gardening year. I absolutely love your bike!
Nan says
That’s very nice of you to share with the neighbors!!! I have lots of cherry tomatoes but my big ones are taking a long time many are still green?? Any advice?
And my green beans are dwindling down I hate thinking about having to buy them again downsizing the garden has pros and cons
Janet says
I find that if I fertilize (I use Miracle Grow) I get extra weeks or a month or two with the green beans. I’m in Washington State.
Kate says
Agree…I usually get a 2nd smaller harvest here in western PA
linda says
Sounds like fun. You’re a great neighbor.
Barbara says
Thank you for what you cook, the way you cook and pickety bits. It has changed the way I cook and helped with food waste. I used to feel that if I wanted to try cooking a particular dish, I would have to cook a whole meal with all of the components so I often didn’t cook it. Now, I cook it and we eat it right away or we eat it with other leftovers (pickety bits) Sometimes I will add some blanched vegetables so that they don’t go to waste and add to the fruits and vegetables we should eat everyday.
Thank you again.
Ashley B says
Mavis, I remember your blog about ten years ago or so when you were a couponing queen, using up most morsels of food. Now you grow so much you give it away! It’s been a cool evolution to see you change. Would you ever consider doing a recap post about where you were and how you’ve evolved with frugality, generosity, and more?
Truly, a fan and reader, Ashley
Sue S. says
This sounds like a good idea! I second it.
Jill Hamilton says
I thought the first pic of the veggies were of HH with his arms around the produce but his head tucked underneath so we couldn’t see his face!
Annette says
I wish we were neighbors!
Melissa says
I’ve been putting my Sunchocola cherry tomatoes and okra in a salt brine with garlic and dill and letting the jars ferment for 4-5 days. Sharing with neighbors is so fun. I get paid back in tamales at Christmas.
Judi Y. says
I love your bike and how much fun you are having!!!
Wendy Steele says
Hey Mavis-what brand are those beautiful pans you’re using?
Mavis Butterfield says
Falcon enamelware.