Persistent temperatures over 90 degrees and Heat Indexes over 100 degrees. If this does not make a Weather Warn Day, I don’t know what does! I am amazed the gardens have not totally wilted under the heat stress. Our drip irrigation ability does help somewhat. Behold . . .
In the box you will continue to see a variety of patty pan summer squash, zucchini (green, yellow and/or Italian), cucumbers, cabbage, and beans. We have three types of beans: green flat beans, yellow flat beans, and long, round green beans. The flat beans tend to get all mixed together when harvested as they are growing on opposite sides of the fence, but their vines do not “respect boundaries.” Meaning they twist through the wire and get all mixed together. Actually, they look prettier all mixed together anyhow.
You might find carrots or garden beets depending on the day. I fear the pretty carrots and the biggest beets are gone. We are still getting some pretty heads of cauliflower from the last wave planted; although this string of 90 degree days is taking a toll on them and everything else for that mater. Some of our pretty purple cabbage heads got sunburned and the green cabbages are not growing as we would prefer. But, my haven’t we have some beautiful cauliflower heads?!
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the bitter taste of some fruit is caused by an over-production of plant defense chemicals called cucurbitacins. This is mainly a problem in courgettes and summer squash and is caused primarily by a mutation within the plant where inadvertent cross-pollination may have occurred. High temperatures, dryness and other stresses when growing can also lead to an increase in cucurbitacins. I have not noticed any bitter tastes as of yet, but it is simply TOO HOT. I am sure everyone can agree upon this!
There will be late tomatoes. The plants are so loaded, we may harvest some green tomatoes just to lighten their load. Soon we will see eggplant and green, sweet bell peppers. With a bit of luck these peppers will turn red, yellow and orange by sometime in September! And now for a bit of silliness . . . just to gain size perspective.
