It seems we went from a cool spring directly into the intense heat of summer. The past week has been in the 90s and still no rain in sight. I’ve had to water my seedlings daily to keep them from dying, which has been mostly successful. However, I have lost a few melons and chard. (I’ll be replanting the melons – got to have my melons!) A couple cucumbers as well as a few of my pepper plants are looking poorly, as well. I was concerned that this early heat would wreak havoc on my new transplants and seedlings. Overall, though, I think the garden is holding up well, considering.
ALMOST HARVEST:
My purple potatoes are starting to die back. I’m sure the red potatoes and fingerlings will begin the process soon. Within two weeks of the plants looking “dead,” I’ll be able to harvest!
Purple potatoes starting to die back
GROWING:
My favorite wild flower is growing in patches all over my yard.
Blue-eyed grass flower patch
My summer greens are looking pretty good. I’ve never tasted these before, so I’m looking forward to them being ready for leaf-picking.
Magenta orach
Green purslane
Golden purslane
My Glass Gem corn is growing quickly.
Corn growing
My squash and melon vines are starting to creep out of the bed. The smaller watermelon plants in front were direct sown; the rest were my transplants. (Down the center are beer radishes.)
Squash & melons growing
FRUITING:
Squash are starting to fruit.
Black Futsu squash
White Acorn squash
Butternut squash
I have the first tomatoes on my Rutgers, Mortgage Lifter, and Cherokee Purple plants. The heat is good for something!
Mortgage Lifter tomatoes
Cherokee Purple tomatoes
What’s growing in your garden?
Sanctuary Gardener 