UW-Extension specialist Heather Quackenboss says the COVID-19 pandemic was the perfect time for people to get into gardening and preserving. Even the start of the pandemic in Wisconsin fell on the beginning of garden season — March.
But the wave of new interest in canning surprised jar and lid manufacturers, Quackenboss explained. Home canning was actually on the decline, so companies such as Ball and Kerr have been unable to meet the unexpected demand for supplies over the past year.
That’s right, the canning supply shortage is still going on. And while glass jars can be reused, their metal lids cannot. Quackenboss recommends buying supplies when you see them if you know you’ll be canning this summer. Otherwise freezing or freeze-drying food is an option.
