Reflecting

Alright, that last post even got me depressed, looking at all that dead stuff - in MY garden!  I'm sure it probably wasn't very inspiring for you out there.  So, to put a smile back on your screen, I thought I'd share some of my 'Firsts' of the season.

Our first batch of heirloom tomatoes!  And this from one of our plants weathered over from last year. 

(Frank can't wait for his first lick of salsa.)

This was the first year we grew strawberries (planted 2010Nov), and they have produced constantly since April.  Even more since June - who knew they loved summer so much!   

(Putting this one on my vision board.)

We had our fist wave of cosmos wildflowers since 2004!  I think there is too much shade in the back garden.  mmmmm...shade....

(Calling all butterflies!)

This year we grew zucchini from seed, and even under the shade of our huge pine trees, they're putting out nice fruit. 

(Smiling big for zucchini!)

(First zucchini-tomato tryst.  Hey you three, get a fridge!)

(This big guy was able to barter for a whole dozen eggs.)

Much to my surprise, our lisbon lemon tree even budded up it's first fruit.  Pretty early, but I hope it's a good sign of things to come. 

(Here come the lemons!)

Perhaps the best first of the season, was our first ever patio umbrellas.  They have done so much for the garden already.

(Our first love - sanctuary!)

What To Do Wednesday - Cover 'Em Up

Yeah, it's hot.  REALLY hot.  Last week we had three days over 110*degrees.  But that's what we expect in the summertime living in Phoenix.  The problem is, we plant things that don't expect to live in these kinds of heat conditions - especially vegetables.  

(sunburn on tomato fruit)

 Temperatures in the triple digits will surely cause irreparable damage like scalding on fruit, stems, and branches.  And don't be fooled thinking more water is needed.  Additional watering can exacerbate the problem, eventually, causing the plant to stress out and die. 

(dead branches and shriveled fruit of yellow pear tomato plant)

 Plants can't wear sunscreen and plants can move into the shade.  So it's up to you to cover 'em up!

Since the extreme heat only lasts about 12 weeks, I don't see the need for any bulky permanent sun protection structure in my garden.   So as a temporary solution, I set-up a simple shade cover tent.  I strategically placed some rebar and bamboo stakes into the ground (to drive them deep, you may want to pre-soak really good the day before).   Then I use binder clips to fasten my covers to the stakes.  
I prefer to use frost cover sheets instead of shade screen.  They are light and and easy to manage, and create an open greenhouse effect underneath.  Plus, given my sun exposure and location, the full blockage is necessary to minimize the stress to my delicate veggies.
 
It takes my about 5-10 minutes in the morning to put them up, and maybe 5minutes in the evening to take them down.  This routine also allows me time to inspect my plants and gives them some breathing time over night.
So plan you weekend project to protect your plants!