I joined a community garden towards the end of May. When I started, I literally knew nothing about the world of plants, gardening, or vegetables. All sorts of weeds ran rampant in my plot so clearing them out was a big first step. Once I got the weeds under control, I started to plant. I planted a few different types of tomatoes, romaine lettuce, cucumber, peppers, cilantro, chive, onions, basil, and celosia flowers.
Fast forward to today, and this is what the garden looks like. Some plants survived and there were some that were not so lucky, but such is life. I have learned a lot with regards to nature, the life of plants, and what goes into getting our food.
It was surprising to see how well some of the plants did, especially considering how some were in poor shape. I did not think any of the romaine and one of the tomato plants were going to make it. With time and care, the romaine is flourishing and the tomato plants are making a comeback. In spite of the romaine bolting (preparing to flower and create seeds), I have even harvested some of the leaves. Apparently, it has a bitter taste though I did not notice. This romaine is crispier than what I am used to and it actually breaks in half when I bend it.
The cucumber plants has been flowering like crazy, and the tomato plants are starting to as well. I have been pruning some of the flowers to help the plant put more energy into strengthening itself. As an experiment, I did the same thing with my onions. I trimmed one bunch and left the other as it was. Over time, the trimmed one caught up with the one I did not touch.
It has been quite a ride, and I am looking forward to seeing what is in store down the road!