July was hot here, but it’s ending on a cool note. That’s good, because I’m way behind on weeding. The cooler days ahead will give me a chance to get some work done in more pleasant conditions.
The heat and more than adequate rainfall are giving us wonderful production. It’s going to be a good year. Here are a few things going on in the garden beds.
Bolting Lettuce
I’m letting this small patch of lettuce bolt to seed. I frequently grow my own lettuce seed. It’s super easy. When the heat gets to the lettuce, just let it go.
Beets and Carrots
These beets and the carrots behind them were planted in a bed that had been fallow. The weeds nearly choked out the seedlings. I thought all was lost, but I have the weeds under control. We are eating some nice beets, and I expect to have carrots soon.
Brassicas
This bed is all brassicas. We’ve been eating cauliflower and cabbages. The Brussels sprouts will stay here until frost.
Romanesco Cauliflower
This Romanesco Cauliflower is unusual. It’s almost like broccoli.
Watermelon and Rosemary
I’ve got a single watermelon plant. It would take over the world if not trimmed back.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes love the heat.
Onions
Onions are bulbing out.
Trellises
There are six trellises in this bed. From front to back: Large cukes, small cukes, small melons, Butternut Squash, Carnival squash, tomatillos.
Butternut Squash Blossom
Squash blossoms are edible and beautiful.
Carnival Squash
Carnival squash is showing its color.
Herbs
This herb bed has oregano, thyme, basil, sage, and cilantro. The cilantro behind the sage has gone to seed.
Tomatoes
We grew 40 tomato plants in two beds. Some of the vines are already eight feet tall.
Here comes the food. Now we have to deal with all of it. A good problem to have.