What's Going on around the Garden

The garden is progressing quite well, despite this extreme heat wave we are having. Much to my surprise, the tomatoes seem to be continuing to set fruit. There are many small cantaloupe and muskmelons on the vines. I have yet to see any female zucchini blooms though.

There are a couple of baby Spaghetti Squash growing on the side fence.

It looks like we are going to have 3 heads of Savoy Cabbage.

The plants had bolted in the spring due to a previous heat wave. Therfore, I had to pull 4 of the plants.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I found a bud on one of the Artichoke plants this morning! The outer leaves have been turning yellow due to heat....I guess.

All of the pepper plants are producing like crazy.

This plant has a couple of large peppers that have yet to change color.

Tomato Beds

The photo on the left is the front tomato bed and the photo on the right is the two back beds. The back beds were planted three weeks earlier then the front bed. Most of the plants in the back beds are nearly 6' tall or taller. While the plants in the front bed ranges from 3' to 5'. I tested the soil a couple of days ago and the nitrogen is lower then I would like it to be in all 3 beds.

The cucumbers are really taking off. The vines are just loaded with baby cukes.

These two photos are of an unknown tomato variety. The seeds were given to me by my in-laws 4 years ago. They got the seeds when they were in Italy.

I am very concerned about this plant. The leaves and stems have been turning a very bright yellow. I remove them and then more turn yellow. I have had problems with this variety in the past. Two years ago it developed blossom end rot. Then last year, it was the first to get the blight. I have been thinking about removing the plant. There is another plant of this variety in the front bed.....which is doing well.

The "Early Pack 7" variety from the Italy seeds this year.

This is the sturdiest plant for it's size that I grown this year. (This plant was germinated very late in the season).  It looks like I will have to take it out of the pot and put it in the ground somewhere.

In-Laws Balcony Garden Update #3

Sunday, the 4th of July, we went to my in-laws for a family picnic. As usual, the first thing I did is go up to the balcony to check on his veggies. Everything is growing quite well. All four of the tomato plants have set fruit. The cherry tomato has even provided some fruit for their salads. There are  peppers in the swc that very large and almost ready to harvest. Although the plants in the containers are growing well. There is a definite difference in the size and color of the plants in the swc.....they are huge and a much deeper green. As the season moves forward we will see which method is more productive.

                      

As you can see from the last photo. Their backyard garden space is almost completely shaded all day.

Harvest Monday & Happy 4th of July

We hope that everyone had a Happy, Healthy & Safe 4th of July. We had a small picnic at my in-laws in the afternoon. The heat was so oppressive that we had to eat inside!!  Then we came home and watched the fireworks from the comfort of our back porch. My "Little Helper" really enjoyed them. I was amazed that he wasn't afraid....he wanted more!

It looks like we are at a turning point in the garden right now. The harvest this week was light.... it did put me over 50 though! I pulled the carrots and will be planting some more as soon as the heat wave is over. Also harvested: the balance of "Little Marvel" peas, some scallions, a lone potato, the last head of cauliflower and two more TOMATOES....one small CP and a large Tiffen Mennonite, weighing 10 oz.

These are the nicest carrots I have grown to date.

We ate a few of them with the peas and a nice steak on Thursday.

Tiffen Mennonite

This tomato is a beautiful rose color. The picture makes it  look a little more red then it actually is.

Harvest Total: 3.25 Lbs.

Carrots - 15 oz.

Cauliflower - 12 oz.

English Peas - 6 oz.

Potatoes - 2 oz.

Scallions - 3 oz.

Tomatoes - 14 oz.

Stop by Daphne's Dandelions, the host of Harvest Monday to see more harvests

The Good, The Bad & The MISSING!!

This post was supposed to be about how well the beans are doing. After watering this morning. I went out to take an updated photo of my "Little Helper's" beans. They have been growing so fast. To my surprise, over half of his beans were gone! Somebody had a nice 4th of July dinner! I can only blame myself. I did not put chicken wire around this bed and have not sprayed it after watering.

"The Good"

The pole beans are towering at 7'. They are just getting ready to bloom!

"The Bad"

Some of my "Little Helper's" Jacob's Cattle beans have been eaten.

"The Missing"

All of my "Little Helper's" Great Northern beans are gone!

Well, at least there is enough time left in the season to plant more.

Blossoms & Blushing Brides

There are a lot of blossoms and blushing brides in the garden!

The eggplants are finally blossoming

It looks like the zucchini boys are the only ones coming out to play so far.

There are a lot of blushing brides in the tomato department.

These are Tiffen Mennonite tomatoes.

Is it a blossom or a blushing bride?

I think we have a baby!!