This is the second time around with the radishes and agretti. The early spring plantings of both failed to thrive, and were replanted with enough success to be included in this week’s harvest.
To get beyond the low germination rate, we seeded the agretti thickly enough that they actually needed to be thinned out.
One morning, we found part of the garden fencing down and footprints scattered throughout the raised beds.
On closer inspection, we found that the beans, carrots and, of all things, the bitter-flavored Italian chicory lightly nibbled. We’re still not sure what came through, though were grateful the damage wasn’t any worse than it was.
To create some ease in the garden, we’ve cut down on what we’re growing this year, and make up for it with weekly visits to local farmers’ markets. From the Portsmouth and York Farmers’ Markets: Red onions, fennel and carrots from Black Kettle Farm; agretti and stem lettuce from Wake Robin Farm; sweet onions, green peppers, jalapeños, summer squash, and cucumbers from Meadow’s Mirth; broccoli and cauliflower from River Lily Farm; and radicchio from Connolly’s Organics.
Some of the bounty went into a summery Panzanella salad, while leafy tops and stems went into a thrifty vegetable stock.
Carrots, onions and greens were mixed with pea pods and fennel — there’s something satisfying about capturing another use for these vegetables before they head to the compost heap.
This week’s harvest: Peas, kale, chard, salad greens, agretti, and radishes.
Putting-up: Frozen peas, canned pea pod broth, and canned pea and fennel broth.
Diary of a Tomato 
Farmer’s markets are the greatest! Great idea to make the vegetable stock too. What is agretti? I’ve never heard of it before. Sorry about the critter that damaged your garden!
Hi Patsy! I added a link to the seed source for agretti, an Italian edible succulent mostly found in Rome.
Never heard of agretti until your previous post about germination problems. I guess you are fortunate to have any, it is apparently quite a treat. Scary about the garden fence and footprints. Maybe deer (or moose?!).
We thought deer, maybe moose (would have to be baby-sized), but the prints don’t seem deep enough…
My neighbor’s two horses got loose once and took a stroll through my garden. They nibbled on the apple trees a little but otherwise left only footprints.
We hadn’t thought of horses, something to consider… ;)
Your garden is so pretty. Those critter invasions are vexing. I’ve not had too many problems this year, mostly birds, but I keep seeing a bunny near the house and I’m hoping that one of the local raptors or coyotes finds it before it finds my vegetables.
I rely pretty heavily on the farmer’s market also, especially for fruit, it’s so nice to have that option.
Fruit’s a hard one, especially with critter competition, though you do grow an amazing array of delicious things! We did wonder if it was a coyote rather than a deer that visited…
I hadn’t heard of Agretti, either. I wonder if the invader was a deer? Or maybe there would have been more damage if it was a deer? I agree that your garden is pretty–and so well organized. I’m jealous of all the sunny space you have. What a yummy harvest!
We’re thinking the same thing, that the garden would have been completely mauled if it had been a deer. Our latest thinking is that it might have been a raccoon, and that it could have climbed the fence post, and tore the fencing trying to get out.
looks delicious! All those colours too we are in the middle of winter so not much variety coming out the patch!
We’re very much enjoying what’s in available now, knowing full well the season is short! And congratulations! ;)
My guess with the downed fence and footprints would be deer. Something may have spooked it reason for not much damage. Looked up agretti, sounds like an interesting plant, will check out the garden center for seeds.
We do have a problem with deer here but think it might be something smaller that got in. I also added a link for agretti seed, it’s from http://www.growitalian.com.
Thanks for the link.
I’m voting for deer being your invaders. Your lucky you got off so easy!! Your garden and harvest looks fantastic!!
I know, the damage could’ve been much worse! I’m still scratching my head over the choice of Italian chicory, the most bitter plant in the garden.