Happy Labor Day!  This time last year, I wrote a bit about Labor Day. I dug it up, copied and pasted because I think it's a good reminder about why many enjoy a 3-day weekend...

"Like most folks, I've always associated Labor Day with going back to school, first as a child, then as a mom getting my kids ready for that inevitable, last day of summer vacation.  I've been aware of the holiday my whole life, but what about my parents, and their parents.  I realized I didn't know just how long we've been using the holiday to mark the seasons.

According to the US Dept of Labor, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, a holiday, championed by labor unions, to celebrate a "workingmen's holiday".

The farm is closed on Labor Day, but my guess is one or two farmers will be there to make sure all is well with the crops.  Farming is an every day labor."

I joke that last year we had 3 grapes in Horsham's EC.  The arbor was fully entwined, but the birds seemed to beat us to the fruit.  What a difference a year makes!  Yes, the arbor is once again fully engulfed by grapevines and tentacles, but upon close inspection, grapes - and lots of them hang from the vines!  Folks have been strolling through snagging a few tasty slip-skins as they check out what's new the EC.  

Many of you have noticed that the Asian Pears are ready.  As you enter the Horsham EC through the main gate, the Asian Pear tree on your left has maturing fruit. We started testing them about a week ago - the flesh is firm, sweet and crisp and we've yet to be disappointed.  Next time you pass by, stop in and try one.  More than one person has noted that they don't taste at all like the Asian Pears bought at market.  I like to think fresh off the tree beats bought in the store every time.

On the animal front, slugs are still the star of the EC!  We continue to measure (4.5 inches is our longest so far) and learn about these not-so-little garden pests.  I'm not sure why kids are so intrigued by these slimy beasts, but in addition to visual inspection, we've been talking about easy ways to reduce slugs in the garden.  Picking them off and dropping them into water works every time, but it's disgusting at best.  I like the alternatives included in this Organic Gardening link.  With fall lettuces in the ground, some of you may be once again battling the lowly slug so, take a quick minute and check out a few more slug-stoppers.

  This week's Plant of the Week is the Tomatillo!  If it's tomato season, it's also time for tomatillos.  Also called husk tomatoes, tomatillos, along with eggplants, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes, are members of the nightshade or Solanaceous family. Some folks call tomatillos, ground cherries; however, there are slight differences, the least of which is the size and growth habit of the 2 plants.  Tomatillos tend to be larger in both plant and fruit and require staking for best results.  Not sure if you like tomatillos?  If you like salsa verde or other traditional Mexican sauces, chances are high that you like tomatillos.  A word of caution about eating tomatillos out of hand, as you would tomatoes or peppers, don't do it unless you love biting into something tart!  Tomatillos are like a green tomato, generally better eaten sauted or processed.  Check out this link for a few tomatillo recipes.  If you have a few minutes, please click here  for a nice primer on tomatillos, it's a quick and easy read with a nice photo (and I love a good photo!).  

Hope you had a good weekend and here's to a great September!