Summer doldrums

[b54red]

It seems the summer doldrums have hit me earlier this year than usual. It could be because the intense summer heat was far higher than average the last few weeks making going out into the garden a real chore instead of a joy. Just picking a few tomatoes was leaving me bedraggled. Doing the pruning and spraying has become far more difficult and I'm falling behind in my supplemental feeding of my plants. I'm beginning to think age may be a factor.

The past week the temperatures moderated with some rain but were replaced by smothering humidity that leaves you soaked after just a few minutes outside. The frequent rains and humidity also brought out the diseases in force meaning more spraying and pruning is necessary. Of course going into the garden early or late requires a good coating of DEET or you will be carried away by the mosquitoes.

I really shouldn't complain because we can't put up the tomatoes fast enough and are losing many to rotting before they can be processed. We have been giving away a lot of tomatoes but I know a real slow down is coming soon as the fruit set has entered that summer phase which means far less to pick despite more work to keep the plants healthy. I know most gardeners this far south are experiencing many of the same things and it is just part of gardening down here. Despite all the woes that come with gardening down here the definite upside is the very long growing season or two if you wish that I wouldn't trade for the more comfortable conditions and short seasons further north.

Bill