Half Work

Today I put compost in the (almost) empty raised bed. Need to mix it around for planting sometime this week.  I might try to work around the okra plant, as I don't need the whole bed right now if I do some succession planting.  In the half-occupied raised bed, I clipped the beans at the base of their stems so I can get the trellis removed this week, more compost added, and collard and onions planted.  I decided to put my cabbage and broccoli seedlings in the 4 containers I had free... this worked well since only 2 of each survived. I also need to plant the second batch of carrots, probably towards the end of the week.

I also need to rip out the begonias and marigolds from the pallet bed and add soil so I can get the lettuce planted.  Speaking of marigolds, the ones still acting as companion plants are doing so well. I may try to move them elsewhere as the peppers die. I finally picked all the Serranos today, and the bell peppers will probably be done by the end of this month.  I definitely should save some marigold seeds so I don't have to buy any next year.

The volunteer black cherry tomatoes that I transplanted directly into the yard soil are doing OK. I don't know how well they will grow in un-tilled soil much longer.  I predict they will stall and stall more as it turns cooler.  Today was the first real break from the heat with temps staying in the low 80s for the high. I had my windows open!

The hibiscus is still looking bad, but I went ahead and added a cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and 2 pink swamp milkweeds () to the big pot.  Hopefully the hibiscus will pull through and be the specimen plant I had before up-potting.

And finally, a quick photo of the beautyberry in the afternoon sunlight.