July Update

Welcome to July...the heat, the humidity, and the lush plant growth. I complete my garden chores and daily walk early because I don't like the heat. But the plants are doing well.

The New Ace peppers have set fruit (above). The tomatoes are flopping all over the place (my fault), but I'll tie them back (again), so the pepper can grow and ripen.

I have harvested the garlic scapes (above). Yes, you can eat them--pesto, pickled-- but I chop them, place them in a glass jar, pour boiling water over them, and let them sit for two to three days. Then I separate the water and the scapes, putting the water back in the jar and the scapes in compost. I put the jar in the fridge to use this fall as a scent deterrent so critters leave my shrubs alone. 

The beans are beginning to produce. This was my third attempt at planting. I'll plant another crop for fall after the heat wave.

Shasta daisies flank the native geraniums. I planted two Supertunias Vista Paradise on the edge, and they're struggling a bit. They were stressed clearance plants, so it may take them a while to recover.

These Easy Wave Neon Rose petunias are thriving. I wasn't sure if they'd do well because I bought them on sale. I love this color! I planted one plant per pot and lined up the three pots. 

The lavender I grew from seed is thriving in its spot. I think I may expand this next year. Below is an overview of the vegetable garden. And now I'll work on re-hydrating myself.