Planting for Pickles

Posted by Debbie Kwiatoski Jun 13, 2008

Ok, I admit it. It might seem a bit strange to be talking about pickling small jars of fresh garden produce for winter storage when the soil has finally warmed in the early summer air - and the vegetable plants are just starting to show a bit of promise. But that is exactly the right time to be thinking about such things.

It's sort of like all those bedtime stories we would hear as children...about the wise squirrel (or mouse) who would gather food all summer and fall so as to have enough to eat all winter. This is the time of year to be that "wise squirrel" and to be thinking about what you want to put away in the fall, as you plant your spring garden.

For me, tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, peppers, eggplants and all sorts of squash are right up there on my "must plant" list. These, along with onions, cauliflower and a few other things that don't grow well where I live, are "must haves" now - for as trhe season progresses, they will become the main ingredients of dishes ranging from tabouleh to dolma; homemade pickles to various soups and stews. But, if fail to plant them now - I will be like the "foolish" squirrel, regretting it later - and visiting the Farmers' Market!