July Respite From Super Heat

Rainbow-colored plumeria.

Asparagus bean -- each 12 to 18" long.

Bunch of asparagus beans, enough for a couple of servings.

Yellow plumeria.

Self-sowed amaranth blooming.

Orchid - anyone know what type?

Another unknown orchid.

Begonia boliviensis 'San Francisco' on left and 'Santa Cruz' on right.

    Dare I say what a great relief the last couple of weeks have been, with temperatures in the high 80s instead of the forecasted 100+!  Especially since our living room air conditioner blew out three weeks ago and the new one has just been installed.  And the mornings’ overcast skies have added to the pleasure and forestalled the afternoon’s warmth. 
     The garden’s plants have felt the relief as well, with the heavily-laden tomatoes not looking wiped out at the end of each day, the beans and squash continuing their fruit sets, and the figs looking absolutely thrilled with large perky leaves and many fruits filling out.
     Taking heart with this wonderfully mild version of summer, I’ve made more sowings of beans and squash seeds to continue my current harvests and fed my tomatoes for renewed energy in putting out more blossoms.   
     And, dare of dares that this pleasant weather will continue for at least a while, I’ve transplanted several native milkweed plants -- Asclepias speciosa 'Davis', Asclepias speciosa ‘Showy’, Asclepias syriaca ‘Virginia Silk’, Asclepias fascicularis ‘Narrow Leaved’, and Asclepias physocarpa ‘Family Jewels Tree’. 
     All of these milkweeds are available online at Annie's Annuals & Perennials.  Although located in Richmond, on the “warm” side of the San Francisco Bay, I’ve found it to be an excellent source of 4-inch pots of a tremendous variety of plants that thrive in Southern California.  I heartedly recommend getting onto its mailing list to receive notice when your wishlist items become available.
 
Veggie Problems?

• See my 3/14/21 blog if you’re having problems with any remaining cool-season plants, including asparagus, beets, carrots, celery, lettuce, onion family (chives, garlic, leek, onion, shallot), peas, radishes, and spinach.  If you had any of these problems in the past, these notes will also help you prepare for the upcoming planting season.
• See my 3/28/21 blog if you’re having problems with any warm-season plants, including beans, corn, cucumber family (cucumbers, pumpkins, squash), melons (honeydew, muskmelon, watermelon), peppers and eggplants, sweet potatoes, and white potatoes.

 
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More July Tips
See July.