For the first time in my decades of gardening experience, I'm growing cucumbers in containers, and boy, are they thriving! Of course it could be the tropical conditions we've been having lately, rain daily followed by 95-degree heat with an equal amount of humidity. I have three Bush Slicer plants in this 18" container and have spotted, thus far, 22 cucumbers and equally as many flowers. I think this should be the year I learn to make pickles.
To avoid getting dry and tough cucumbers, these must be harvested when they reach 6 to 8 inches in length. This one is just short of seven, so is ready for harvest. While pickles are definitely in my future, I'm excited at the prospect of being able to make chilled cucumber soup with my own home grown vegetables and herbs.
So refreshing on a hot day, this easy-to-make recipe from La Bonne Bouchee Restaurant is featured in one of my favorite cookbooks, Special Requests, a publication of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
A wonderful summer cooler, it pairs well with both salads and sandwiches. It's also perfect for picnics as it can be taken chilled in a cooler, and then poured into chilled cups for a cooling, healthy and delicious treat on a hot day.
If you have an interest in container gardening, I cannot recommend enough the following books.
(Click on image for more details.)
This post is linked to:
Seasonal Sunday, Metamorphosis Monday, Mosaic Monday, Made by You Monday, On the Menu Monday, Tuesday Garden Party, This Week in My Garden and Outdoor Wednesdays
This post is linked to:
Seasonal Sunday, Metamorphosis Monday, Mosaic Monday, Made by You Monday, On the Menu Monday, Tuesday Garden Party, This Week in My Garden and Outdoor Wednesdays
