Batch Update - Lessons Learned

Spread out the zucchini

The Triumph Zucchini was hit hard by squash bug nymphs. They seem to be localized to the three squash planted close together. Yet the Dark Green Zucchini, Honeynut Winter Squash, Lakota Winter Squash, cucumbers and Scallop Blend Patty Pan are currently unaffected. I am not surprised the Honeynut Winter Squash is fine given it’s a hybrid Cucurbita moschata. I am surprised of the other two. The only observation I can see is that they are at different parts of the plot. So next year I’d like to separate the squash out a little more. Also, cover them until female flowers form.

The squash bug nymphs found on Triumph Zucchini

Timelapse of garlic

Garlic has been left to fend for itself. Based on my overview, I will pull them out in a week.

One of my coworkers noted that she spotted invasive jumping worms in the Company Community Garden. While I saw no signs in my spot, in abundance of caution, none of the garlic pulled will be planted next year.

I am also likely going to forego planting in the Company Community Garden next year, and focus on the other two gardens.

The garlic scapes were pulled on 06/27/2026

They were amazing sauteed and covered with a basic teriyaki sauce

Taken on 07/08/2026

Taken on 07/14/2026

Taken on 07/21/2026

Potato plants are a bit ungainly

If there is not a seed potatoes variety with more compact plants I may skip planting them on the patio next season.

Patio Jewel Amethyst Eggplant has yet to produce an eggplant

While being the healthiest looking, it is the only plant to have produced an eggplant. The City Community Garden has produced 2 so far. One is pickling and I have not tasted. The other went into a zucchini and Bolognese stir fry. The texture was very creamy and rich. I will definitely replant

Sweet Jimmy Nardello pods are much bigger than I anticipated

I was under the impression that Jimmy Nardellos would be a smaller profile sweet pepper compared to conventional store bell peppers. While they are not quite as wide as a bell it is quite wider than I expected.

Marketmores makes a comeback

I have been blessed with a half dozen cucumbers (both Marketmore and Gherkin Hokus) this season! Some are currently lacto fermenting while others were tried fresh. I will definitely consider replanting the Marketmore. However, I think I will replace my pickling variety. I am currently looking at the Pickling Cucumber variety from Botanical Interest.

Pickling the abundance to the rescue

Last year I recalled pickled bush beans being amazing. This year I scattered the remainder of the Mardi Gras Beans beans and Contender Bush Beans in rows 1-4. This was much more successful than I expected, and I had to remove some of the plants as they were overtaking the cash crops. The excess beans have gone to being pickled. I tried one jar after it fermented for 5 days. While delicious, I do think they require a minimum of 2 weeks for optimum flavor.

Planting snap peas in early spring was a good idea

I wasn’t sure how well direct planting Oregon Sugar Pod II Snow Pea around 2026-04-23 Transfer of the onions would do. I recall planting 30 and having about 18 of those survive. I would do that again. Maybe even placing them out in March next year.

First peas harvested on 06/27/2026

Taken on 07/08/2026. This was the last big haul of peas prior to pulling out the dying plants.

First cherry tomatoes at the start of July

These were picked on 07/06/2026. As of now I’ve collected around 20-30

Martian Jewels Sweet Corn needed support

Tassels started to appear on the stalks about a week ago. I was surprised as they are only around 5 feet tall. The seed packet states they go up to 6 feet so that is within expected dimensions. It’s just significantly shorter than the 8 feet the Glass Gem Flint corn from last year. Despite this lower profile, a few of the stalks tipped over after a bad wind storm. I have used some of the Garden Stakes 36 inch to support these tipped over plants.

Ice Queen lettuce does very well in this environment

The packet was not wrong. It is much more tolerant of heat than other lettuce varieties. Even though it is starting to bolt, the leaves are not bitter to the point of inedible.

Harvest on 07/15/2026

Brassicas are going to need more protection

With the Slug Plant Collar around the Purple Vienna Kohlrabi, American Purple Top Rutabaga, Lacinato Dinosaur Kale, and Romanesco Cauliflower, I never saw one snail on the plants. However, something still ate the leaves 😭. Next year I’m going to HAVE to cover with cloth covering.

Sunchokes do in fact fend for themselves

I have sparingly watered the plants. For the most part, they are flourishing on their own. Which is great, as that corner of row 5 is pretty hard to reach with the hose.

Coral Fountain Love-Lies-Bleeding Amaranth was completely MIA

I never saw one of the seeds I scattered germinate. Note has been added that if I did try to grow this again, I will do trays rather than direct sew.

Carrots also elude me

I thought I had some carrots in row one, but it turns out, they were all wild carrots. I think next year these will replace the potatoes in the Patio Garden