Cucumbers

I removed both of my cucumber plants from the garden this week. The dried stems and the last crinkly skinned fruit finally convinced me they were past help. They caught some sickness from the beetles that were feasting on them. I've planted some new seeds and am hoping they grow in time for us to enjoy cucumbers before winter. Two of my pepper plants are showing signs of weakness and I'm still at a loss as to what's causing it.

Here's a picture of this week's harvest; greens and herbs have proven reliable and the tomatoes are the newest addition to our dinner table.

Clockwise top left: Calendula Flowers, Basil, Swiss Chard, Collards, Jalapenos, Honey Yellow Tomatoes, Roma Tomatoes, Brandywine Tomatoe, Anaheim Chile Peppers

Tomatoes are finally planted

Yesterday and today I planted tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and cucumbers. Efrain and I enjoyed our first radish yesterday.

I planted Bell Peppers next to the Collard Greens. The pepper seedlings were outgrowing their plastic egg containers. I had planted their seeds March 11. I had two extra for the seedling exchange tomorrow.

Cucumber (planted seed April 7 & late April) and bell peppers planted near the cucumber teepee

Honey Yellow tomatoes, Brandywine tomatoes with Anaheim and Jalapeno pepper. To the planting hole for tomatoes and cucumbers I added about a tbsp of Gypsum which adds Calcium but should not alter PH. My measurements for PH are everywhere at this point. Originally I measured a neutral 7. Now, I get some 6.5 then I get a 5.5 and once a 5. I must be hitting chunks of things when I take the test. At this point I'm leaving it alone and let the worms work it out.

Eggplants planted after application of an Espoma Soil Acidifier.The PH readings here range between 5.8 and 7 after the application. I hope the PH will resolve itself in time for when the sweet potatoes arrive.

I decided to give up some of my swiss chard and collard green space to plant more chile and bell peppers.

PH READINGS - ROW1(Eggplants & Sweet Potatoes): 5.8 thru 7 ROW2(Tomatoes & Cucumbers): 5 thru 7 ROW3 (Zuchini & Roma): 6.5 thru 7 ROW4(Collard Greens & Herbs): 6.5 thru 7

Trellises & Hot Peppers

Yesterday and today were pretty warm days between 65 and 75F. I planted hot peppers in the garden and put up two trellises. One for the honey and brandywine tomatoes and the other for my cucumbers. I took pictures of the various veggies growing in my garden.
Link to newest plant:
Barkers New Mexican Chile (Bonnie Plants/Lowes)

Here is the newest member of my collection. A New Mexican hot chile. Bonnie Plants promises a spicy pepper.

Trellises at center of photo with my new Barnes and Noble bag.

Tomato trellis (left) & Cucumber trellis (right). The tomatoe trellis uses some untreated stakes from Lowe's vertically and the two horizontal pieces are 1" thick hollow bamboo. The one on right is assembled with branches that have fallen off the trees from our rental home and some untreated short stakes from Lowe's.

This is the Jalapeno plant Danielle gave to me. He is tied to the tomato trellis with Jute rope for the moment.

We think it's a strawberry plant. I chopped it's flowers off today so it can focus on growing roots and hopefully fruit later in the year.

Spinach

Baby Butterhead Lettuce

Baby Butterhead Lettuce

We think it's Salad Bowl Lettuce

Broccoli Raab

Collard Greens (they are tiny; the picture is deceiving)

Kohlrabi is growing pretty well.

Mostly Radishes with some Carrots sprinkled here and there

I fed my plants fish emulsion (Espoma) yesterday.

Hot Peppers & Tomatoe Seedlings (First True Leaves)

I planted Hot Peppers finally: Tiburon Poblanos, Jalafuego Jalapenos & Highlander Anaheims

First true leaves are showing up on the tomatoes. This Brandywine has two.

Roma Tomato with a true leaf showing.

Chamomile still looking the same.