Great Bowl of Tomatoes, huh?!
I wish I could say these beauties were from my attempt at gardening this year. Unfortunately, I can't...they're from dad's. So far, I have reaped 3 cherry tomatoes! I have been inspired for years to grow my own produce, and finally began with raised beds this Spring. I tried my hand at...cherry tomatoes, eggplant, basil, and bell peppers. And later in the summer, planted...carrots, beets, winter squash, butternut squash, and broccoli seeds. And finally, bought plants ready to plant a few weeks ago...kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, and sugar snap peas.
So, here's the lowdown:
Green pepper plant got decapitated by kids, and re-grew to about 1 foot. Several flowers, little buds, no peppers.
Cherry Tomatoes were "re-transplanted" from hard dirt to raised beds and were in shock for most of the summer. Then, finally, got over it, and started flowering and producing! 3 have been picked and another 20 or so green ones are still on the vines. Will they mature and ripen before the rains hit? It almost made it to the top of the tomato cage. I know, nothing like dad's tomato plants which are taller than me.
Eggplant was also in shock after "re-tranplanting" escapade. But, alas, ONE eggplant is growing NOW...1 inch long...how long will it get before time to harvest? You'll see pictures of it and dad's humongous eggplant Dave found in his garden yesterday.
Basil was a great producer for all of the summer and continues to grow. I must remember to cut it early next year to create a big bush rather than a scraggly little Charlie Brown Basic plant.
Carrots look like miniatures. Actually, pretty sweet and dainty tops protruding, though its been 3 months. I don't think there's anything underground!
Beets are the WINNERS! At least the beet tops are! Cut about 20 of them a couple weeks ago to use for a TASTE of vegies stirfried. They were quite good. I don't think the beets are growing, but, the greens look AWESOME!
Winter squash and butternut squash looked like they were going to be winners. Vines started growing and lots of pretty orange flowers. But, as soon as the flowers emerged, they would dry up and shrivel off. The cycle continues...I think 1) I need to start them when it's HOT; and 2) I need to make sure not to water the flowers so they scorch in the sun. That's my theory...
Broccoli never sprouted. Actually, they may have sprouted and been mistaken for weeds. EEKS! Apparently, broccoli has never been a producer in the Ito family.
Kale looked great, but just noticed a few nights ago that some creature came and MUNCHED up 3 of them. I was trying to go organic and not use pesticides, but, it looks like I might give in...for the sake of having some vegies...
Brussel sprout and broccoli plants look good. Though the box by the fence looks like it's doing better because it receives more sun exposure. I wonder if the big box by the house will ever get enough sun to truly produce good crops? Where can I move it to if I need to? And, how much trouble will I get into with Vince if I do?
Sugar Snap peas are going to make me a CHAMPION! They are growing and actually started to climb up the hog-wire fence all by themselves! This is where the competition begins with dad! He started with seeds, I started with plants. His have not sprouted yet...heehee, I'm giddy with excitement over this!
