As an environmental horticulturist who started her career with a passion for growing food, I have to admit I’m a sucker for a huge summer vegetable garden. Today we’re heading to Fort Barnwell, North Carolina, to see what Rob has growing in his productive Zone 8b garden this summer. Here’s what he has to say:
We do containers all year and have this 60-by-45-foot plot. I’m going to be 72, and the weeds are ahead at the moment. July was really hot here this year, and then the rain finally came, so I’m getting back to it. The wheel hoe is ready.
Summer crops fill my container-growing area, where I garden throughout the year.
This celosia (Celosia argentea cvs., annual) is looking pretty good. The weeds need to go, but it’s been hot on this old guy!
‘Dixie Butterpea’ Southern pea (Phaseolus lunatus ‘Dixie Butterpea’, annual) growing in a 7-gallon container.
The dreaded tomato spotted wilt virus, or TSWV, showing up on one of my tomato plants.
‘Seminole’ corn (Zea mays ‘Seminole’, annual) is just about ready. Good summer eating!
‘Hossinator’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Hossinator’, annual) growing strong in the foreground from plugs.
I hadn’t necessarily planned on canning, but with a tomato harvest like this and so much more still coming, plans may have changed!
‘Purple Boy’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Purple Boy’, annual) is just starting to come in. Hopefully there will be plenty for fall if we don’t get a storm.
The wheel hoe is calling me! I also had to discourage the ducks from helping themselves to the late ‘Seminole’ corn.
Thank you, Rob, for sharing your garden with us! Judging by all those tomatoes, I have a feeling the wheel hoe and the canning supplies are both going to stay busy. Wish I could help!
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