We are now into the last half of June, and where earlier we needed rain, now we seem to be in a weather pattern where rainy and cloudy days dominate the forecasts. In the last couple weeks, we have had very few sunny days and I am almost getting depressed by the seven-day forecasts of more rainy weather. And along with that rain and a few hot humid days, last week brought us the storm season, with numerous tornadoes touching down Thursday evening in Freebom County and causing devastating destruction in their path. Those things you have worked for your entire life can be destroyed in a few minutes.

Our sympathy goes out to those who are faced with the task of cleaning up and rebuilding or repairing the damage. Most of the damage was in the rural area, and although one person was killed, had these tornadoes hit more populated areas, the loss of life could have been much greater. Saturday we drove past some of the farm sites hit, and lots of volunteers were helping clean up debris in the farm yards and farm fields. A disaster like this does bring people closer together, and shows us what a wonderful caring community we live in.

Notes from the garden

Much of the area close to the tornado path did get some very heavy rain and strong winds, and what we now need is some nice sunny weather. Overall, farm crops in general are looking great, and quite a bit ahead of normal. Conditions were favorable to get field crops planted early this year and certainly moisture is not lacking at the present time. June is strawberry month, but this year, we are also picking early raspberries. Generally, the June strawberry season is done or nearly done before the raspberries start ripening.

From all appearances, the raspberry crop this year should be good. They certainly are getting plenty of rain. However, most strawberry growers are having a poorer than normal year. The frost around May 8 probably caught the early strawberry varieties budded out and/or blooming. This can either cause the blossom to abort and not form a berry or to form a smaller misshapen berry.

Where you usually get the largest berries early, this year the berries were smaller, and not as nice. The later blooming varieties were somewhat better, but then we got the continuous rain or wet conditions that caused some berries to rot or mold. This makes picking much slower, and means a smaller than normal overall crop. Be on the lookout for the small white or yellow butterflies that lay the eggs that turn into cabbage worms. If you see these butterflies, you will need to spray your broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. With so much rain and accompanying high humidity, you gardeners will need to be on the look out for fungal diseases and blights. Tomato blights, apple scab, mildews, and other fungal diseases could be more prevalent this year. Cucumber beetles are doing some damage, but I saw more damage on my melons than on the cucumbers. You do need to keep a close watch on all vine crops, as these beetles can do severe damage in a day or two, particularly when the plant is small. They also carry certain diseases to vine crops by going from plant to plant.

Farmers market notes

There should be strawberries at the market for another week or so, and some raspberries now, with more coming on the market in the next few weeks. Produce now available includes asparagus, rhubarb, lettuce, spinach, green onions, peas (shell peas and edible pod), kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, beets, new potatoes, strawberries and raspberries. Green beans, cucumbers, summer squash and carrots will be coming soon. And always available are those farm fresh eggs, locally produced pork and beef, lots of home baked goodies, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, candies, perennial and annual plants, and lots of nifty craft items. Meals are served each Wednesday by local non-profit groups, and the Freeborn County Historical Museum will be serving June 23, with David Courey singing.

The Albert Lea Transit is providing free rides to the market on Wednesday from many of the housing complexes, and will even give you $1 to spend at the market. For more details, call Joann at 379-1111. And be sure to register for the free basket of products each Wednesday at the table next to the Red Barn farmers market shed.

Saturdays the market is open from 9 a.m. to noon, with free coffee and treats available. Come meet your friends at the market and support your local growers. See you all there

Berries take the spotlight

Fresh berries, bursting with flavor, will not only be giving your tastebuds a treat, but will be providing some wonderful benefits for your health too. Berries contain vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium and iron. They are a major source of antioxidants, which help fight off cancer, cardiovascular disease and cataracts, and help fight free radicals from smog, cigarette smoke and other pollutants. Berries are known as neutraceuticals, meaning they are foods which give specific benefits to human health. Although berries are wonderful eaten fresh, just as they are, or maybe with shortcake, or a scoop of ice cream, here are a few recipes using some of those local berries.

Fantastic frozen strawberries

1 package fruit pectin (Sure-Jell)

3 c. sugar

4 quarts strawberries (cleaned, and if desired, sliced)

Add sugar and mix carefully. Mix Sure-Jell and 1 cup water and boil one minute. Pour over strawberries and carefully stir. Let stand 10 minutes and then freeze in containers.

Strawberry soup

1 lb. strawberries, cleaned and stemmed

2 c. milk

1/2 pint heavy whipping cream

1/2 c. sour cream

3 Tbsp. sugar

Mix all above in blender until smooth. Chill 8 hours or overnight. Makes 6 servings. Serve in chilled bowls.

Strawberry pretzel dessert

Crust:

2 c. crushed pretzels

4 Tbsp. sugar

3/4 c. melted butter

Mix ingredients and spread in 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 8 minutes. Cool completely.

In a small bowl cream together 8 oz. cream cheese (softened), 1 c. sugar, and 8 oz. Cool Whip. Spread over pretzel layer. Combine 6 oz. Jell-O (large package) with 1 3/4 c. boiling water and 1/4 c. sugar. Stir until dissolved and cool completely.

Add 1 lb. (about 3/4 quart) fresh sliced strawberries and chill until just starts to jell. Pour over cream cheese layer and refrigerate until firm.

Can top with Cool Whip if desired.

Raspberry shake

1 c. vanilla ice cream

3/4 c. fresh raspberries

1 c. ginger ale

Blend raspberries and ice cream in blender. Add ginger ale and blend briefly until desired consistency.

Verlys Huntley is a master gardener and president of the Albert Lea Farmers Market board of directors.