Good morning from the garden! It’s August 3rd, 2025, and the air today has that crisp feel that hints at the changing season, even though summer is still in full swing.
This morning, my first task was checking on the tomatoes. They’re absolutely loaded with fruit, and I’ve been harvesting a few pounds every other day. I noticed a bit of blight on one of the lower leaves of the ‘Brandywine,’ so I carefully pruned that section away. It’s a good reminder to keep an eye on things, even when the plants look healthy. The ‘Sungold’ cherry tomatoes are still producing like crazy – they’re always the first to ripen and the quickest to disappear from the snack bowl!
I also spent some time weeding around the peppers. The bell peppers are starting to turn from green to red, and the jalapeños are looking plump and ready for some salsa. It’s amazing how quickly weeds can creep in, especially after a good rain. Getting them while they’re small is key, so I made sure to clear out the patches around the base of the plants.
In the orchard section, the apple trees are heavy with fruit. I think this year’s harvest will be quite good. I’m planning on making some applesauce and perhaps a pie once they’re fully ripe. It’s always rewarding to see the trees I planted years ago finally producing so abundantly.
Later this afternoon, I’ll be doing a bit of watering and perhaps mulching the new strawberry bed I put in last week. The runners are already starting to establish themselves, and a good layer of straw will help keep the moisture in and the weeds down.
It’s these simple moments – the feel of the soil, the scent of the ripening fruit, the quiet hum of bees – that make gardening so grounding. Each day brings something new to see and do. I’m looking forward to seeing what tomorrow brings.