Bell Pepper Royal Purple thrilled growing in a straw bale

If I was to have planned perfect weather for gardening, it would be the 2022 growing season to date. There is just enough rain, just enough heat, plenty of sun, and reasonable humidity. The proof is in the condition of the garden at this particular moment. Of course, things can change, but so far, so good.

The garlic was harvested and is in two big bunches, curing the garage hanging on hooks. We are enjoying lettuce (which will be gone in a few weeks), rhubarb (combining with strawberries, blueberries or blackberries for crisps), cucumbers, summer squash and snap beans. The sugar snap peas were fine, but they are always gone well before the appetite for them is satisfied.

Cherokee Purple - future delicious tomatoes here!

The focus now turns to the mid summer stars of the annual show - peppers, eggplants, and, especially, tomatoes. Most of the pepper plants have tiny peppers, and the eggplants are following suit. ALL of the tomatoes are setting fruit very well. Pests have been few, and disease at a reasonable level. I have one sick plant - an F2 dwarf selection from Cancelmo Family Heirloom X Dwarf Moby’s Cherry. It suddenly developed Fusarium wilt. Once the nice looking, medium sized tomatoes ripen, the plant will be gone.

We harvested (and enjoyed) the very first ripe tomato a few days ago - a future Dwarf Tomato Project release called Dwarf Irma’s Highland Cherry. It is a prolific chocolate colored cherry tomato with a full, delicious flavor that is nicely balanced between fruitiness, tartness and sweetness.

We are not far away from the first Mexico Midgets, and Suzy’s Wild Orange, Suzy’s Wild Red, Orange Fruity, Yellow Fruity, Red Egg Yolk and Egg Yolk will start to show color very soon.