Apples!

Last year I opted not to cover my apples for two reasons. 1) To see if my apples would actually get codling moth or apple maggot and 2) shear laziness. Apples trees have an alternate bearing cycle where every other year is a low yield. Since last year was the "off year" for my trees, I thought it was a good time to try out my experiment. Sure enough, I ended up with a lot of wormy apples.

I finally got around to covering my apples last week...after seeing this sign from City Fruit about covering your apples. I'm hoping for better late than not doing it at all. I make my own barriers out of cheap nylon stockings I found at the dollar store.

I cut 2-3" long sections and tie a knot at one end. Then I wrap it around the apple and tie a double knot at the stem end.

Before



After


 

I noticed some apples did have a mealy frass-like substance at the bottom or blossom end. I gleaned those and tossed them into the yard waste. I also gleaned any fruit that was small or if the clusters seemed crowded. I wanted to give the others that are further along enough space to grow to their full size.

I think next time I'll start even sooner. It looks like City Fruit gives away free fruit barriers. I'll be sure to contact them next year!
                                                                            


                              

Community

I'll be frank...the use of the word "community" can be overused. But this last week, I've regained faith in it during two separate events that happened as I prepared to attend my grandpa's funeral.

The first was on my way to the light rail station headed to the airport. I realized I was strolling through the farmers' market set-up. My favorite farmers, Jim and Carmella from Little Wing Farm, were at least two weeks early given the unseasonably warm weather. Jim gave me a hug and I explained my suitcase, sorry that I was missing their first appearance of the season. They insisted I take a handful of cherries and apricots which I promised to pay when I see them again. Sweet, warm cherries most likely picked that morning. Such a small gesture yet was such welcome comfort food as I waited for the train to arrive.

A handful of cherries from Little Wing Farm

 



The second event was who I will call My Rescue Hero Watering Friends! It hasn't just been a little warm. It's been as my friend says "stupid hot." We've been at least 10-15 degrees warmer that usual for at least a month (sorry...I'm not fact checking this right now!). I couldn't just abandon my tomatoes, eggplant, corn, fava beans, beets, cucumbers, squash, melons, Shishito peppers, and a few others I'm sure I'm forgetting; all planted in my garden. When I asked for the favor to water while I was away, there was no hesitation. So thank you, thank you, thank you friends...for keeping my veggies alive during some of the hottest days on record.

I am forever grateful to have this community. It kept me going and lifted my spirits during this time.