Summer has made its entrance in the most dramatic fashion this year — with flood-like rains one day and unbearably scorching temperatures the next. We’ve been under heat and air quality advisories the past few days, and I’ve been trying not to worry about how wilted the garden looks by noon, despite my diligent watering morning and night.
Fortunately, it always bounces back (knock on wood!)
Having planted earlier than usual this year, we’ve already enjoyed more fresh veggies before the Fourth of July than we have in years past.
We’ve gotten to harvest several bell and jalapeño peppers, nearly all of the broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs.
I should be able to stock up on my first rounds of zucchini, eggplant, and onion in the next week or so.
Brussels sprouts are the new addition to our garden this year and I’ve had so much fun watching how they grow. They’re starting to take off now and grow along the stalk.
I’m so glad I planted zinnias for cutting all summer long. They started blooming one after another this past week and help to break up some of the green in the garden.
As always, I’m excited to see what July brings in the garden. The weeks after the Fourth of July holiday tend to be the point at which everything really starts getting out of control.
Wish me luck on the massive amounts of pruning and weeding that are in store!
How are your summer gardens doing this year? I’d love to hear what you’ve got growing, what you’re learning, and if you’ve got any tips or tricks worth sharing!
xo, Aly