What can I say but another super-hot day near 100°F. Today I changed my routine as far as watering. I was doing the watering just before I leave, but I found out that watering before 8 AM is better as the ground is wet with dew and helps absorb the water easier.
This took me two hours as I use my retractable hose and water at the base of each plant. I need to evenly divide my plots better as two hours is way too long. At 8 AM the temperature is already rising, and tilling the 4′ x 6′ bed becomes my energy zapper.
I know what you’re thinking — it is small, but controlling my Sears Craftsman in a tight bed does take some strength. I was sweating bullets, and after I finished, I decided to hop in the truck and drive to the Learning Plot with the AC on full blast directed right at me, even the passenger vents. I then parked in the shade under the tree and sat awhile cooling down, ate a few snacks, and hydrated.
At the Learning Plot I inspected the tops and undersides of almost every leaf as Nancy Dru “Detective” was on the case for the bronze squash eggs, and I found quite a few. Some were just starting to hatch as there were little black nymphs. The duct tape worked like a charm even on the nymphs.
I watered and then went back to the Pickle Patch to finish what I started yesterday, which was removing the weeds inside the tomatillo cages. I have ten plants, but two bit the dust—no green on them at all, just crispy brown stems. The others might survive since they still have small leaves and a few yellow flowers.
With tomatillos you have to be careful when pulling weeds around the base because their roots sit close to the surface, not deep like tomatoes. So instead of pulling, I took my handy scissors and cut the weeds at soil level. And boy, there were a lot of thick weeds packed in there.
After clearing everything out, I put a ring of chopped bocking 14 (comfrey) as it’s a gentle N‑P‑K. Tomorrow is their watering day, and I plan to make a half‑strength Miracle‑Gro soluble solution for a nutritious boost to help them grow—at least that’s my thought.
And of course, I picked okra like I always do — those plants never let me leave empty‑handed. The tomatillos aren’t much to look at right now, but I’m giving them a fighting chance. You just never know. That tomato I thought was a total goner has started growing again. Mother Nature has her own plans, and sometimes she surprises you.
Happy gardening—and let your plants guide you.