Wednesday in the Garden

 

Bitter melon—a climbing vine
with fascinating fruit used in
many Asian dishes

Even the summer doldrums furnish something interesting in the garden.  Fall butterflies are beginning to appear although more scarce than in previous years.  Sweet potato vines cover the ground and discourage weeds.  Speaking of weeds, now is the time to keep pulling them because they are making seeds and sowing next year’s weed problem.  Knock them back now, and next year will be easier.  

Plants that thrive in the heat and humidity include okra, southern peas and eggplant.  If your peppers are slowing down, don’t despair.  When the weather cools just a bit they will again produce new fruit until frost.  

It’s time to think about ordering seeds for Fall.  The twice yearly seed give away at Leon County libraries begins in a few weeks with a send off at the main library downtown on Saturday, August 13.  Lots of good varieties on the agenda this fall.  If you are planning to start your own seedlings it’s time to select your seeds and get them started.  

Figs are pretty much gone, but grapes are ready to eat, persimmons are just beginning to show a little color, and the Roselle is beginning to bloom.  There’s always something to look forward to when you garden.  

Not just any old eggplant. 

Aji Dulce peppers to
make sofrito 

Peggy and Laurie harvest 
first sweet potatoes this season

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