While you might think that “July” would be synonymous with “hot” or “sunshine” our summer has been sorely lacking in either of those. More than a month of near-daily rain has kept us damp and susceptible to powdery mildew, slugs, and failure to thrive. In spite of Mother Nature’s lack of cooperation, we are having some success. My son documented what’s going on out there at the moment.
In spite of the weather we’re harvesting enough tomatoes for fresh eating from both in-ground plants and hanging tomatoes.
The eggplant leaves are yellowing terribly – suggestions?
Even with the yellowing leaves, I’m getting a decent crop of eggplant.
This pepper plant was given to me by a neighbor. Not sure what it is, but it’s thriving here. It’s a bit spicy, and prolific. I’m discovering that finding plants that have traditionally done well here seems to be the ticket. (Note to self: stop experimenting!)
But see, if I stopped experimenting I wouldn’t have discovered this pepper that’s putting on a nice show. (I believe it’s Lipstick from Baker Creek, but marauding chickens scratched up the plant markers.)
I’m over the moon excited about growing Brussels sprouts. I’ve never grown them before and look – little baby sprouts!
Stevia in flower. Time to harvest and dry the leaves.
White pineapple getting close to harvest time.
Some sort of guava. Some people have called it “yellow strawberry guava” but I don’t know if that’s right. The flesh is clear/white with lots of hard seeds.
Papaya fruit (my first!) just forming on a one year old tree that’s just about as tall as I am.
What’s growing in your garden?
How do you harvest and dry your stevia leaves? I have some and would love to know!
Well, this is a first for me, but my understanding is that when the plant flowers it’s time to harvest. I plan to really clip the plant back, pull off and wash the leaves, and then put them in the dehydrator (or oven). Not sure if I’ll leave them alone at that point or crush them into a powder…
With Stevia, I have simmered it in water and it becomes a liquid sweetener for coffee and the like.
Tina, how long did that keep for you? I’ve wondered about making a tincture, but that – even with the alcohol – only lasts 3 months or so in the fridge. I’m definitely going to start tossing fresh leaves in when I brew tea!
Love the stevia- have never tried growing it here in PA but may have to try. And very jealous of the pineapple!! Not much garden this year because we raised goats in the previous garden bed- but that was fun too. Thanks for the photos!
That pineapple is BEAUTIFUL! Love that you’re growing it!
Wow! Loved this tour of your incredible garden. The pineapples…Brussels sprouts…exciting! Everything must taste so fresh and delicious. Wish you were close be ( or vice versa) so I could have a sampling!
Mmmm. Brussels sprouts are delicious in almost any stage of growth. Try letting a few blossom, they taste great by themselves or mixed in a salad.