Excess crop?

Hi,
I was wanting to find out what do people do when they have a bumper crop and end up with too much for themselves, does it go to waste?

I have an online survey. If you wouldnâ??t mind taking it I would very much appreciate it. The link; http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=cF2e6vb1sIaX12vlHxbHWQ_3d_3d
You can of course respond the more traditional way below, or if you just want to add extra comments. Its all welcomed and valued.

Thanks very much
Ali

 

Hi, welcome to GC. Why don't you start by telling us what you grow? I'm just curious by the way.

 

We 'waste' very little. Any surplus that isn't required for immediate consumption we preserve by dehydrating, pickling, or fresh storage. we also give away quite a bit during the summer months.

 

To everyone who filled in the survey and the guys who posted but anyone else who could fill in the survey please do. The more responses the better quality of my results.

As for my growing experience, you could say is very limited. I'm a final year student and I have tried to grow a variety of herbs, garlic and chilies. Limited success on the herb front with limited space with good sunlight.

Oh, cress an awful lot of cress, that stuff will grow on anything.

 

There are some really good herbs that make very few demands. Rosemary is my personal favourite. I grow it outdoors now but in the past I have had it doing well in a pot on the windowsill of a west facing window.

Coriander is also very easy, as long as you keep the aphids at bay.

Most people seem to choose Par sely as a potted herb, but I can't see the logic in that as it produces a tap root, is very slow to start and really needs good deep soil.

What herbs did you try to grow?

 

If I have an abundace of anything I make jams and chutney,Plums freeze well stoned ,also tomatos cut in half,spread out keep separated till solid ,then bag up. Little bunches of herbs wrapped in clingfilm and stored in small marg cartons in freezer wonderful in Winter, Big red peppers deseeded and quartered freeze well.After you have done all that give the rest away. Joyce

 

Hi again
Its been a while, having big problems with the Internet. In the past I have tried growing basil and coriander but they were ratified failures. At the moment thyme that seems to be going well. Think I am just too impatient and end up killing them with kindness.

Thanks for the replies and the survey entries, most appreciated. I hope to post my findings soon.