The Party is Still Going...or should I say Growing?

The summer has flown by and I realize that I have not been disciplined in keeping my blog updated but that's only because I've been so busy in my garden!  Surprisingly, for my first attempt at a garden, it has gone really well and boy have I learned a lot.  Here in Oklahoma we are coming off record high temperatures...folks I'm not just saying like a 100 degrees here...there were days after days of breaking temperature records that had been around for years!  113 here...109 here...another 110 degrees...day after day after day.  

I know what you're thinking...how in the world did you keep your garden going in those temperatures? I would like to say the answer was my skills but we both know that would be a lie.  The truth is two things...God's Mercy, and a soaker hose with a timer.  Regular watering occurred even when I didn't want to go outside in fear that my face might melt off.

Now to the fun stuff...check out these cantaloupes that are growing like crazy.  I can't risk spraying the weeds in this area so I just let the vine grow with the grass.  No big deal.  

I had to check out a few youtube videos from experienced farmers to know when to pick these little suckers.  What I learned was to just wait til they were golden yellow and when I hold them they should just fall off the vine.  If you have to tug on them, then they aren't ready.  Don't risk losing that sweet delicious melon...just be patient my friend.

The tomatoes have done real well this year, I've had a few issues with some grasshoppers but nothing major.  I've picked and picked and picked and they keep coming.  I'm really happy about this because I recently found a salsa recipe online that I really like.

I found these great plastic storage containers by the canning section at Walmart.  The lids screw on so it keeps your food fresh and it makes it easy to store.  One other item I purchased this year was this $45 Ninja food processor.  Great for the money and super easy to use and clean...I highly recommend it.  

I keep coming up with different ways to wash and dry the veggies, but the latest idea has worked out well.  I just purchased two inexpensive dish racks where they can sit and dry after I've washed them.  I try to cut and store them as soon as I can but sometimes they do sit here for a day if I get busy.

 

Okra after being cut and put in ziplock freezer bags

Back at the garden, the bell peppers are still growing.  I have a lot to learn in this area because I can't seem to get my peppers to grow very big.  They get half the size I think they should be then they get these brown spots on the bottom of them.  I'm not sure what it is and not sure what I need to do to get them bigger.  I will keep you posted....

My jalapeños  are doing much better than the bell peppers.  I get a ton of these but again, they haven't grown to the giant size I sometimes see in the store.  Don't get me wrong, they are still hot as ever and tasty too.  My husband enjoys cutting them in half and stuffing them with cream cheese and shredded cheese, then wrapping them up in a piece of bacon. mmmmm good

One thing I can count on to do well no matter how hot it gets is Okra.  These guys have to be picked almost everyday now.  If you don't pick them regularly, they get too big.  When they get big, they get tough and are not very good to eat.  When they are about the size of your finger, it's time to pick!  I use to push my way through the plants and cut the Okra with some scissors.  What they don't tell you is that Okra is covered in these tiny irritating little fibers that get in your skin.  I now where gloves and break them off.  The scissors took more time and really didn't achieve much for me.  If you snap the okra on the good spot by the stem it pops right off.

A few tips for the road.....

I realize that it's a hard thing to do but if you can somehow manage to keep some good bugs around while you kill off the bad bugs, then your garden will be a happier place.  

Lady Bugs= Good

Squash bugs= Bad

My husband decided we needed to put some rubber snakes in garden in deter the birds.  I really am not sure if the snakes were the reason, but I did't have any problems with birds pecking my veggies.  It's also great to scare all your relatives who comes over to check out your garden.

Dogs...I highly recommend them. My rat terriers are great at keeping squirrels and rabbits away.  Plus they don't dig nor do they care to eat my veggies.  Nothing gets past these security guards.

Sevin Dust- I recommend it.  This was about the only thing that saved my squash plants from being carried away by the squash bug infestation.  It was a constant battle, but I think I finally won.

 Flowers are great to attract pollinators.  I planted a few petunia plants here and there and it did the trick.  Next year I plan on setting out marigolds as well.  I have read they have numerous benefits for the garden so I'll try it out and let you know.

My composter is making some fine compost, however, I haven't used much yet.  I just keep adding to it so I should have a full load to start the spring with next year.  We have already discussed expanding our garden next year.  I'm also looking into how to can foods and maybe next year I can have some posts on what I learn about preserving.