What do you think? Is it Physalis?

I have been off on vacation, and truth be told, it has not been so relaxing for me. I am a naturally wound up guy, so relaxing is a bit of a hard thing for me to do. Panic attacks, fear of dying and the works. Goes to show you that your health is in your mind as well.

So, I have to learn to truly relax. I have not posted much in the last few days because I needed to get my mind off of cooking for a couple of days.

Truth is, I don’t have much in the way of hobbies other than cooking, and I guess that can be unhealthy. I guess my garden counts as a hobby, albeit a neglected one. Well, nothing takes the mind off a sharp chest pain like weeding.

Today I actually sat down and watched a couple of videos in an attempt to find out why my San Marzano tomatoes are not preforming like I would like. One plant totally is sucking wind, and the other is a bit overgrown. I found a cool, short video describing what to do – pruning your tomato plant to 2 lines. I hope I have not screwed my plant up too badly now.

My yard also looks like a jungle. I am sure the neighbors appreciate the work I put into ripping out the waist-high thistles, dandelions and other nameless wonders. All the dog manure is picked up, ready to go, and even the herbs are properly clipped.

I was in a corner of my lot cleaning out what looked like some weird vines when I stumbled onto something that blew me away. I use Physalis all the time, (AKA ground cherries, cape gooseberries,) and I was startled to see vines growing on the ground. Thing is, I never planted them before!

Here are some crappy pictures, can you all tell me if I am right about this?

Excuse the beer shorts... Here is a shot.

I am so excited, if I am right, accidental gardening is an awesome thing! Now to figure out how to make it grow better.

Cool as a cucumber, this one measures in at just over 18 inches. Not bad for the first time!

Hello all! Just a quick update to let you all know what is going on with the garden this week!

Tomatoes are producing like mad. It looks like I will finally have my first set of Brandywines come this weekend, I can almost taste them right now.

Strawberries: I think these may taste really good. The reason I do not know is that my dog is eating them. They must be at least passable.

Peppers: Whatever.

Cucumbers: See the picture? I found her in the garden as I was looking through! It is huge! Stay tuned for what I do to it.

Beans: Didn’t grow.

Thyme: Is lovely in the late summer. The smell is just great. Time to make up a nice lemon thyme chicken.

I am considering getting the course material for the Square Foot Gardening so I can teach it. You know what they say, “Those who do not how to do it… Teach!”

Finally Ripe

Hello all! Just a quick update to let you all know what is going on with the garden this week!

Tomatoes are doing fine. The cherry tomatoes are kicking buttg, and they taste so good right off the vine. Go ahead, grow them yourselves!

Strawberries: I have seen on TV strawberries grown with plastic on the humps. Does anyone know about this? It seems like a good idea about that. I cannot get to the strawberries in time for the bugs.

Peppers: I give up! SWC for this plant next year. They go mouldy before I can even get to them in time. Mind you, who has time?

Cucumbers: I HAVE to get this on a trellis! They are overtaking the SFG!

Beans: MIA, none to be found!

Thyme: Is overtaking the planter. LOL. I love thyme though, so it is all good.

Life has been hectic for me lately. Work has picked up, my son is walking/terrorizing the cats, and the “garden” in the back is competing with the pool for the lush, silky green color that tells us it has been a wicked summer.

Fortunately, trudging through the jungle of weeds/grass looking for lost tomatoes is a lot of fun. Hacking through inch-thick thistles and knee-high grass really could set a person off with frustration. That is, until you find the little pot of red after the rainbow of weed flowers. All is forgiven then.

I spent a good time today tying up the tomatoes. The point there is to make them produce more. Perhaps the back area will even start to look okay. (Sure, the neighbor is hoping that things will improve for sure!)

Despite my neglect, the tomatoes are coming up. Forget the herbs though, they were lost a long time ago. (Except the huge basket of basil that I have by the pool side.) All is well though. I had enough tomatoes two years ago to choke a horse. This year I will be smarter though; they are going to be sundried.

Expect to see some recipes for some tomatoes soon. Real soon.