A Walk in the Garden

For several weeks it didn't seem like my garden was not going to bear any fruit this year. All the plants seemed to be growing well but they didn't seem to be interested in producing anything to eat. Finally, the cucumbers started growing making 4 or 5 per day now and the rest of the garden seems to be following along nicely.

The tomato plants had grown to over four feet tall, completely climbing out of the cages I had placed around them earlier in the spring. Although the plants were large and looking healthy, there was little evidence of tomatoes growing. Finally the fruit has started growing and the tomatoes are coming in clusters.

Something new in the garden this year is Tabasco chili peppers. The plant is about 18 inches tall with yellow peppers growing nicely. Although edible now, as the peppers fully mature they will turn a deep red color. Even now the yellow peppers makes this an attractive plant.

Over the last week and a half the peas have exploded with blooms and now the pods are starting to grow. In the south, peas are a staple of many people. Peas come in numerous varieties including black eyed peas (beans). These happen to be pink eyed purple hulled peas, which may not mean much to many of you but those in the south may recognize them.

Hopefully within the next 2 weeks we will be reaping the benefits of the work planting and maintaining the garden. Harvesting is still a lot of work but at least it's work that shows some immediate rewards.