Our weather pattern in the Pacific Northwest seems to bring us hot dry summers and this has been definitely one of them. The water level in the irrigation pond has dropped alarmingly, but there still seems to be enough water for the garden. Nothing is particularly pretty right now. Plants are getting tired and many are reaching their maturity. The tomatoes have stopped flowering in the heat and are concentrating their resources for the fruit that is already there. Onions and garlic are finished - plants pulled up and the bulbs are drying for winter storage.
The one plant family that is thriving in the heat right now is squash. The leaves do wilt in the heat of the day, but I can't believe how many butternut squash are hiding under the leaves. It looks like a bumper crop!
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| Two butternut squashes hiding in the cotoneaster |
The vines have snaked their way all over the garden - even down the hillside to the pond where I located at least 3 nice-sized fruits trying to hide in the cotoneaster that cloaks the bank!
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| Waltham Butternut Squash |
All are a good size and I can see that we won't be able to cope with them all - the family will have to help out!
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| Cantaloupe |
Even the cantaloupe in the compost bin is doing well. I'd given up on it as I hadn't seen any fruit forming, but a careful check today amongst the leaves has disclosed at least 5. This year I plan to keep a watchful eye on the cantaloupe as last year, afraid to pick too soon, they were almost overripe when I finally summoned the courage to pull the fruit.
Every year when the end of August rolls around, I find myself longing for the cooler days of fall. By then the need for watering will have eased and it will almost be time to start again - planting the garlic!
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