The first two weeks of June kept us busy harvesting plums daily along with other produce such as beans, squash, and cucumbers. By the middle of June, we finally said goodbye to the plums (a truly outstanding year) and hello to summer temperatures. Gone were the frequent rainstorms and mild weather. They were quickly replaced with our typical “hit you in the face” Texas heat. Some of the spring crops that were growing along happily just a couple weeks ago now started protesting. The green beans totally shut down in defiance and were consequently removed. Compost was added to those beds, and they were replanted with okra and tomatoes. The squash and regular cucumbers slowed down significantly and will soon be removed. If all works out as planned, a few squash, beans, and cucumbers will once again be planted in August for a fall harvest. Fall vegetables actually do quite well in Texas. They get started during the heat but are able to ripen as the hot days and nights ever so gradually start to cool. There are usually fewer problems with the bugs as well- a win, win. The hardest part of the fall garden (in my opinion) is dragging yourself out in the scorching heat to put those seeds into the ground and then keep them watered

Some of the spring planted tomatoes, jalapeños, and Jimmy Nardello peppers have been producing, while several of the other varieties have been slow to get going. The bell peppers struggled early on with the wet weather but are now putting on new leaves and will hopefully be producing soon. Our favorite cucumbers from last year, known for their heat tolerance, the Armenian, finally decided the weather was warm enough for them to start producing-and just in time. The spring cucumbers will be removed soon due to the heat, but the Armenian and Indian Snake should take their place, giving us a steady supply during these dog days of summer. Typically, their production will slow down as the temperatures start cooling off, but for now, they’re quite happy. Both of these varieties produce long, bitterless, thin skinned cucumbers. We did a taste test this month as they started ripening, and so far the Armenian is the favorite as far as taste goes. We still are waiting to see which will be the best producer, but at this point, the Indian Snake seems to be winning in that category. So, the final verdict is not in yet. Time will tell. Finally, a few cantaloupe (also heat lovers) were planted as other crops were removed.

As we head into July, we are hopeful that all of the spring planted tomatoes, peppers, and remaining beds of okra will soon be in full production. The two fig trees look like they will have another good crop this year, but at this point are still green, and harvest time appears to be a ways off.

So, to sum things up thus far, the onions planted in January have all been removed. The plums, strawberries, blackberries and asparagus are history. The spring planted squash, green beans, and cucumbers are just about to wrap it up for the season. Now we’re praying for an abundant summer harvest that stretches well into the fall from the remaining crops. As a few of the heat sensitive spring crops are removed, we plan to do a little more planting, but that’s about it. It’s hard to believe, but most of our yearly planting is now behind us. There’s a saying that you reap what you sow. We take that literally. For the next few months, we are looking forward to keeping busy reaping what we have so diligently sown here at Brownwood Community Garden. Feel free to come visit us one morning, lend a helping hand, or maybe just watch the lively butterflies as you stroll through the colorful monarch beds.