In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

This was the first major harvest of ‘Catalina’ spinach, a long-time favorite with smooth, tender leaves. Transplanted in November, it languished during the darker months. Robust growth commenced with the longer days and I harvested a generous amount for dinner. Small leaves go for salads and these in an entree. Spinach is another vegetable I rarely purchase, preferring fresh from the garden.

Snow pea production continues with. vernal enthusiasm..The vines now top the trellis at six feet. I’ll let them run another one to two weeks then focus on seed production. I share my organic seeds with San Diego Seed Company.

We visited my son’s family—two adorable boys aged 3 and 6 months—a big draw for justifying the long drive to Seattle. We were away for nine days and the broccoli rebounded from the opossum and hail damage. Some of the side shoots were surprisingly substantial as seen on this oversized dinner plate. I’m hopeful the side shoots will continue another few weeks and the hover flies and other beneficial soldiers win the aphid wars.

I harvest just enough celery for snacks kept in the fridge or for cooking. The stalks are crisp and flavorful but require almost daily water as the weather warms.

As I walked past the navel orange tree in the afternoon light, I was taken by the beauty of the fruit and the healthy leaves. We squeeze fresh orange juice most mornings and there are still about a hundred oranges on the tree.

Johnny-jump-ups are my favorite winter garden edging plant. Besides cheering me as I pass by, I toss them in salads, float in cold beverages or freeze in ice cubes.

And from Seattle, on the edge of spring.

You may enjoy seeing what other garden bloggers around the world harvested last week at Harvest Monday hosted by Dave at Happy Acres blog.

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