Watering was done... it's still hot

 Not ragingly hot but hot enough for the AC middle of the day to sunset. Still debating on ripping everything but the oregano out for now. Yes, it's been over almost two weeks since I last posted, been busy with things and staying inside for most of it. Shouldn't really have done heavy watering but the poor dirt was so dry.

 

First day I was able to get out I just filled the little half gallon jug with water a few times and made sure the plants got water. The jalapeno has had 'taco' leaves for a week despite watering heavily yesterday. The other two peppers seem to be at a stand still as well.

 

There is a haze over the city due to fires which is making it difficult for me to get a full breath which is unheard of. It also makes doing anything outside rather well planned and careful. Hard to see in the pictures but there is definitely a brown haze close to the horizon.

 

Something did a number on my pinwheel, one of the petals was off so I just pulled it out and put it on the crate. You can see the 'taco' shape of the pepper leaves, that's before I watered like crazy (which I shouldn't have). And one lone little cluster of hawthorn flowers on a bush.

 

Rocky doing his typical 'master of all I see' pose. Flat surface, not the grass and in the shade. Speaking of shade... the stripping has begun. The Mourning Cloak caterpillars have hatched and started to strip the tips of the branches on the liquid amber trees.

After what I thought was a thorough watering with the absolute travesty of a leaky hose. Got my feet and 'garden shoes' soaked, shorts wet, sprayed my face... Last two peppers, half size and the plant still is suffering looking like it's not getting enough water. The peppers even at that size are plenty spicy enough so I'll have to wait another day or two to pull them and the plant. It's not wilting per se, but it's definitely stressed. The little tomato is still hanging in there and again, deciding whether to just dump everything and prep for winter crops or keep plugging away with what I've got and hope they survive.

A little spider in one of the other pepper plants making a home. The leaves were all cupped together so I had to double check and make sure it wasn't stressed. Nope, being held together by this little garden helper.

Not much else to say or do.

Really not much going on

 Weather is holding steady with warm/hot days and light breezes. Watering is still being done by bucket and bottle until I can get a new hose.

Basically all that's left is three peppers and that small tomato that seems to be doing good. I had put some more soil on top because using the bucket and jug just washed the soil out. Which also means the fertilizer pellets I had put in there also washed out. Oh well. I made a watering well for the jalapeno to keep the water from just slip sliding over the surface all over.

Certainly does make a different of course. Another trick I've told people about and never used it in my own garden. Go figure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These last two peppers are actually getting good size, that larger one will be typical size first obviously which makes me a bit less anxious. No blemishes or bites as yet and with the watering basin it's staying hydrated properly. Will be watering again tonight and some more tomorrow so they're good for another day or two after I have surgery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So I told Dolores that her potato plant had mites really bad, so what did she do? Just cut off the leaves. I don't even think she's worried about the potato as this was another volunteer from her compost. Then  there's my 'compost pile' with the last of the cilantro plants, and someone pulled weeds and put them on top. That will be in the 'to do' list for another month because that would involve getting the shovel and my tarp out to chop it all up.  If I have the energy and weather is right tomorrow evening I might try it.

 

As I was taking my shoes off on the front porch movement caught my eye and realized there was a good size lizard that just scooted behind our elephant. Yay! There have been scurrying and such noises and visuals in the garden of course, leaves rustling as I walk by so it's a good thing.

I have a video of Rocky checking out the mantid on the screen the other  night but need to edit it down to upload it. It was adorable to say the least. That will be for next time.

I don't take very many pictures if nothing is happening but I do check on things, or try to every day and with the heat and waking up later I am usually going out in the evening. We're about to close up for the day right now since it's 1pm and edging up to 88.