He's a Pepper, She's a Pepper, I'm a Pepper Too! A Garden Update.

So, I thought I would post an update on the garden. I have to admit that the heat has kept me from playing in the dirt too much lately. Today it is 105 degrees! Ugh.

The zucchini harvest was very disappointing. I planted them too close together and the very few fruit they produced were ruined by the overlapping spiny leaves rubbing in the wind. I didn't get to eat a single zucchini out of the garden. I guess I have learned my lesson. I yanked those over sized, water sucking zucchini plants out of the garden today and planted some heat friendly pepper plants.

I planted 3 Jalapeno, 2 Sweet Red Bell Pepper, and 1 Anaheim Chili. My husband has been making homemade salsa lately and I thought this would be a nice way to contribute to the recipe. I have visions of cheese crisps with strips of roasted chilis, chips and salsa with home grown jalapenos, rice stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese. Mmmmmm.

As you can see from the jungle photo above, the tomatoes are absolutely WILD. I have no idea where one plant starts and the others begin. I guess there is something to be said for pruning. Hahaha! But it seems as though this hasn't hindered the harvest.

We have a constant supply of small cherry-like Juliet Tomatoes, Roma and San Marzano. My favorite is the large Champion variety which tastes like it is already salted, but it is also the squirrel's favorite, so I haven't had a chance to eat many of them. I have placed shiny pin wheels in the garden to deter animals. My grandmother suggested it. We will see if it works.

I have 5 strawberry plants out there. We haven't eaten a single strawberry yet because they mysteriously disappear.

The Basil is lovely. Our plant has grown into a great little bush with tender leaves.

And finally, our cucumber that we planted (stupidly) under the tomatoes is stunted and gets no sunlight. We bought transplants from my favorite nursery and stuck them in a sunny part of the garden. They are doing very, very well and I expect to have some cukes in the next couple weeks.