checking in on the garden: June Tomato Edition

Hey there, hot stuff! How’s your summer starting out? We are hanging in there so far, and I say “so far” because it’s going to be a LONG one. Our garden is already showing signs of buckling under the pressure of June/summer/desert/hell. We’ll make it, we’re use to it.  And I can’t complain, because our garden was pretty epic this spring!

TOMATOES! Tomatoes everywhere. And they’re still putting up a good fight, even though they’re quickly crisps get up. I estimate one more small harvest from them before calling it quits and cutting everything back. If you recall from this post, I didn’t plant tomatoes this year.  They just sort of popped up on their own. And I let them, because who am I to tell nature what to do? Unfortunately, they took over almost everything else I DID plant.

Que the horrible garden pics:

Those photos make me cringe.  I was in a hurry, though! Plus, so much is dying out right now, which is totally OK. I am a little over getting out there in the heat and babying everything. Side note: there is a random basil plant that is thriving on it’s own, despite the conditions, and I’m rooting for him. Otherwise, there’s a sad little okra plant, cucumbers, basil, bell peppers, chives and thyme. All of it severely neglected!

But the real hero this season? The TOMATOES!

I’ve made several batches of salsa, spaghetti sauce and given away gallons and gallons to coworkers and family. They were hearty, juicy, flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth. People at work started asking for them. “You know, if you ever have any you want to get rid of…” sort of thing. Thank goodness, though, because they just kept coming for a little bit there.

It will be nice to give the garden (and water bill) a break for a few months. I’m hoping to diversify things this fall instead of growing the same ‘ol thing again. What’s happening in your garden so far this year? I’d love to know!

Editor’s Note: Salsa Recipe!