It’s true sometimes you have to bend down and give the plants a little love. Especially this year on the East Coast when every garden article mentions the late harvest tomato blight which is actually occuring fairly early in the season. In some areas the blight affects potatoes, too–they’re calling it reminiscent of the great potato famine! Not good: Two of my favorites, one wipeout!

Tomatoes have not been themselves lately. Many of the expensive heritages have just not made it–they’ve languished and been tasteless. On restaurant menus you see more tomato soup recipes than salad caprese, a favorite mozzarella pairing. Greenhouse tomatoes, or the old faithful in the garden like the Big Boy, are having a better year. Organic farmers who may lose their whole crop are faced with an even larger dilemma: Spray and save and lose their organic certification or chalk this up to a bad year.

With an increase in home gardening, listening to the land has taught some harsh lessons, but getting a jump on seasonal rituals has helped many preserve their crop, however limited. Canning has already become a popular option and some stores which were caught off guard without enough supply last year are noticing an increase in sales. You need the right equipment. Canning can be tricky, but there are several steps that ensure food safety. Follow them and you can share your bounty well into next year.

Nothing beats taking out the fruits of your labor in the off season.