Nasubi Surprise

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/100 sec, ISO1250
“Nasubi” Cedar Park, 2021

Seemingly out of nowhere, a nice sized fruit appeared on our nasubi (Japanese eggplant). I was so surprised! Now let’s see if the squirrels leave it alone so we can enjoy it when it matures. Speaking of that, I’m not sure exactly when we should harvest it. I guess it’s time to consult the google!

First Batch of Peppers

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1600
“Serrano Peppers” Cedar Park, 2021

This year, we have several different plants growing in our garden and on the deck. My favorites are the peppers, and the first plant to bear fruit is our Serrano plant.

Our pepper plants don’t usually survive the winter and we end up planting a whole new bunch each spring but this year, we have a lot of returning plants: two Scotch Bonnets, Jalapeño, Habañero, mint, basil, Italian parsley, and the pictured Serrano. New this year are eggplant, another Jalapeño, cilantro, green onion, and Pequin peppers.

I’m hoping we have a good and continuous harvest throughout the summer! At least enough to provide some fire to our cooking. 😁

California Garden Snapshots

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/3.6, 1/180 sec, ISO160
“Unidentified Plant” Orange, 2021

These photos were taken at my brother’s garden. Before moving to Texas, I never really thought about the amazing variety of plants that can thrive because of the mild California weather.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/4, 1/200 sec, ISO160
“Poppy” Orange, 2021

Prepping for Summer Veggies

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/4, 1/60 sec, ISO500
“New Crop Prep” Cedar Park, 2021

Perhaps in reaction to the terrible ice storm and damage to the yard we experienced a few weeks ago, I spent some time getting ready for this summer’s veggie crops. And by using the work “crops”, I am being VERY generous. Usually we just have several pepper plants and maybe a tomato plant, plus various herbs. This year, I have a few Scotch Bonnet plants that survived the winter and are growing nicely already. I also have some habañero and Italian parsley that are thriving.

I addition to these holdovers from last year, I (so far) added a jalapeño plant, Japanese eggplant, and zucchini squash. And lastly, we have a sweet potato that has developed shoots, so that will be going in the ground soon too.

I don’t have much of a green thumb, but gardening is something fun to learn and can be delicious too!

Starting the Seedlings

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/6.4, 1/25 sec, ISO640
“Seedlings” Cedar Park, 2021

Today I planted some jalapeno seeds in small containers. It’s the earliest I’ve done it, but I am still a few weeks late according to the experts. But I think I’ll be okay! Last year, I started so late and our pepper plants didn’t product much fruit, but I am confident this year we’ll have a nice harvest. Our Scotch Bonnet plants from last year actually survived the winter and are already sprouting new leaves which is surprising!

In order to boost my chances with these seeds, I’ve enlisted the help of a sloth guardian. 😄

Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/2.5, 1/30 sec, ISO640
“Seedling Guardian” Cedar Park, 2021