Awoke to some drizzle, and had a an opportunity to reset the energy button to a slower pace; to actually sit in the garden (as the skies cleared), rather than tend to it. Listening to the breeze, the little birds, the newly-hatched grasshopper, the bees. Watching the cabbage white loopers darting around, and the juba skippers snapping and courting in their little aerial spirals. Smelling the lavender, sages, bee balm, corn, nasturtiums, squash; summer in general. Feeling like a sleeping cat.
I noticed a feeling of early fall precisely on Aug. 1. The days started feeling noticeably shorter at the same time; there is a tinge of color on sporadic trees. All this seems a couple of weeks earlier than “normal”. We’re most definitely on the downside of summer, with very few tomatoes set. I’ve never had this many tomato plants grow over 5-feet tall before setting fruit! But, we’re not alone in this predicament. Our day and night temps are so variable, slow to warm and very quick to cool in late afternoon. More heat needed!
Fortunately, the squash have kicked in, though more sporadic than last year, especially for their mammoth sizes. The spaghetti squash is out of hand, while little acorn and delicata fruit are just getting started. The cucumbers are developing nicely, as are the margarita and charantai melons. Corn ears are nicely elongated, waiting to fill out the kernels.
Tasseling corn
'Early prolific
Lavender and nasturtiums cushion a spaghetti squah
It was time for the lettuce to be harvested completely, or be overrun by squash and melons, besides being a little bit bitter. Kale and chard are still vigorous, and the bush beans are still producing well. Harvested over 5 pounds this last week on the oldest row. Basil has been sheared back for a second round of bushy growth. Lots of pesto being made!
July bounty:
- Beet tops and roots: 11.75 pounds
- Basil: 6.25
- Kale: 3.5
- Lettuce blends: 16.5
- Scallions: 0.75
- Spinach: 2
- Swiss chard: 4.75
- Sugar Snap peas: 0.25
- Summer squash: 8.75
Month’s total: 53 pounds
Thank you all participants and garden devas!
Lushness galore! August 8
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