We seem to have entered into the phase of summer where it’s just plain hot & dry. The tomatoes and peppers aren’t complaining though. The tomatoes are starting to tower over our heads and are sending us inside with handfuls of red jems to enjoy. Remember we added in our drainage pipes a few weeks ago and it seems to be paying off, they are all looking very healthy and happy.
Those metal containers? Look how happy things are growing in them. That basil, that tiny little store bought basil is almost tree like now. It’s the biggest basil we’ve ever grown. And the cucumbers are thriving too.
The grapes, our poor little dry farmed grapes (irrigation going in next year, right?) are coming ripe. They are so fun to go visit and pick with the kids.
I worked on this bed over the weekend. Getting out the pesky dead weeds and amending it with gypsum, which helps break up the clay soil. These zucchini got a late start, but seem to be happy and with a little bit of daily watering and some luck new seedlings will be joining them. Kale, chard, spinach, cilantro, carrots and radishes. I also added in a few biannual flower seeds that I’ll transplant out to the flower garden once they get going. Since I was going to be watering everyday, might as well group all the seedlings together! It feels good to have the time to focus on the garden once more and to feel hopeful about it again.
How are things going in your garden? Are you feeling good about the state of things?
I am so jealous. My gardens have done dismally this year. If something does grow it is eaten by rabbits and chipmunks. And I must be the only person on this planet that cannot grow zucchini. Oh well, there is always next year. But your gardens look terrific.
I know just how you feel Lisa. Some years are defeating…but there is always next year! With a small boatload of netting, you might be in zucchini heaven!
I love your gardens! I love seeing your beautiful pictures and learning about your mishaps and accomplishments. We live on about 1/3 acre, but the way our home is set up and how we’re in a residential neighborhood where we have to pay housing dues, our ability to have and maintain a decent garden is out of the question for now.
Buuuuut, I do try to have a patio potted plant garden. It’s okay, although I wish I knew better ways to get my babies to grow! 
Our garden is really depressing. Just like the two years prior. I told John he could do as he pleased but I am not doing a veggie garden any more. Three years of failure is just to depressing. I’ll stick to flowers and plants and find a good farmers market to get my fresh vegetables and fruits. Be greatful for the wonderful soil you have!
Mom, it is very depressing when we work so hard to grow something and it fails. If your garden has failed so miserably for 3 years in a row, I would think it has something to do with your soil, so I have to ask…have you had a soil test done for your vegetable garden? It is inexpensive (at least in my state – $10-16) and Cooperative Extension gives you a report with suggestions on how to improve the soil to help you be a successful vegetable gardener whether you need particular nutrients, need to adjust your pH or need to add organic matter. If you are interested in organic gardening, they even have suggestions for that. Or you can take their advice and look for organic alternatives. Through soil samples, I learned recently that my soil is very high in most nutrients important for vegetable growth and production, but it is too alkaline (vegetables prefer a slightly acidic soil). When the pH isn’t right, it isn’t possible for our plants to use the nutrients in the soil. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend getting a soil sample examined…knowledge is power.
By the way, I am not your daughter, but I only know you by your moniker…Mom. 😉
As usual, your garden is beautiful.
This year has been pretty good so far. Again, my cucs are petering out, and my purple Cherokees have pooped out for now, but the cherries and the romas are going strong…YUM. My okra is producing about 1-2 lbs a week. I planted 4 each hot peppers and sweet peppers and it appears that only 1 of each wants to produce anything…what’s up with that? Cantaloupe has lots of fruit but not ripening quick enough for my liking…I’ll just continue to watch with watering mouth. Bush beans have already been pulled up and getting ready for fall planting of greens. Pole beans are just starting to come in. I’m sure I’ll be picking every other day soon enough. This summer is much improved over last summer which was cold and wet here on the east coast. So, I have to say that I’m very happy with my garden this year.
How are you dealing with the cucumber beetles this summer?