Someone Please Make It Rain & Hinklehatz Pepper Sauce

Someone Please Make It Rain...

I have to admit that I'm a sucker for a good sign. As I was walking my dogs this morning I saw this and started laughing out loud. This summer really is hot and dry enough to warrant this sign and I love that on the other side it advertises sweet tea. I can't think of a better way to pass a hot summer day. 

So, a quick garden update despite the lack of rain and more hot days to come. Who are the survivors left in the garden? Below is a list of the tough veggies and herbs that have made it through the hot summer. I should mention that we are blessed with large oak trees that provide shade for at least part of the day. Anything that is in full sun has either died or looks like it is on the verge by late afternoon. 

Hinklehatz peppers

Marketmore and Mexican Gherkin Cucumbers

Musquee de Provence, Rouge Vif D'Etampes and Chinese Miniature Pumpkins

Hill Country Red Okra 

Some shishito, jalepeño and frying peppers

Eggplant

Basil

Tarragon

Lemon Grass

Chives

Black Spanish Grapes....until the birds found them

Sage

Thyme

Tomatoes are on vacation until fall

Recipe for Hinklehatz Pepper Sauce

What to plant now? Swiss chard (try it as edible landscaping for a pop of color), black eyed peas, pumpkins, chickpeas/garbanzo beans, lentils, gourds and shallots would be great to plant now. You may want to start them in the shade or shade your beds with shade cloth or an umbrella in the afternoon. It is also great to let your garden beds rest and baby them with some great compost to start fall planting in late August. 

Plan your fall garden now. You can plant lettuce, radishes, beets, snap beans, carrots, more tomatoes and cucumbers, arugula and spinach...maybe even a few strawberries. Thank goodness we have an extra growing season!

Don't forget about the wildlife around you. Leave water out for birds and maybe throw a little leftover fruit out for them. They are thirsty and hungry too.