My summer vegetable garden is a mix of successes and failures. Let’s get the bad. Corn, cucumbers and yellow squash have not done well. Between the chipmunks and vine borers, I was lucky to get two squash, two cucumbers, and a few pitiful ears of corn.

Tomatoes have done great. The potted ‘Celebrity’ started off way ahead of three of the same variety in the ground, but has since fallen behind. I suspect too much fertilizer. Four ‘Bodacious’ plants are also doing well. Between the two, I’m picking two or three tomatoes every day.

The big pots need a helluva lot more water than I knew. When the moonvines in two pots wilt, I water all the pots. No wonder potted vegetables died out early last year. I’m pouring two or three, three-gallon buckets into each pot every day. On Wednesdays, it’s aquarium water. I add MiracleGro to the water occasionally for all but the tomato since nutrients are being washed out.

Okra is the big surprise of the season. Two of three plants in one pot are magnificent–just one would make a beautiful potted plant for a sunny patio. The third has been crowded out a bit. Even so, I’m harvesting two or three okra every day.

The green beans (‘Calima Garden Bean’) are doing well too. I ended up with only eight plants, but they produce enough for me to have sauteed green beans for dinner every couple of weeks. This filet type snap bean is delicious too with what I’d describe as a strong green bean flavor.

Two kinds of peppers have already produced. The Shishito pepper is as prolific as a cherry tomato and about as useful. Don’t think I’ll grow them again. I’ve tried them several ways and haven’t been impressed. So far, the other plant has produced one sweet bell pepper.

My first attempt at growing personal watermelons is looking good. After a slow start, there are several on two vines now with new melons appearing every few days. I’m waiting for the tendril nearest the melon to turn brown to harvest.

Having a ready supply definitely ups my vegetable intake. Meatless meals are common (Bacon is a condiment, right?). I’ve given neighbors a few tomatoes, but have eaten everything else.

Yes, even the okra. A lot of people say okra is too slimy. I use them several ways, but my favorite is cut up and sauteed in butter. Adding a bit of apple cider vinegar once they start to simmer keeps the slime away.

I know better than to count my chickens. Anything is possible, but at this point, looks like I’ll have plenty of fresh vegetables for weeks to come. I’ll keep you posted. As always, thanks for stopping by.