Long planting days.

We have been spending many hours and days getting all the plants and seeds in the ground. Our eyes are mainly focused on Summer harvests but I am also planning for Fall and even roots we can over winter for next Spring. The first round of tomatoes are planted, which include many heirloom varieties, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos and some canning tomatoes. Also planted this week, is the first succession of cucumber and summer squash-more than I have ever planted before! We planted a patty pan yellow squash, classic zucchini, and Cousa-a Lebanese Summer squash and the most delicious squash I have ever tasted!
All these plants love the hot, sunny weather we are having  but they do not handle dry soil well. And stressed plants are more susceptible to insect infestations so we are irrigating these sensitive crops. I am quickly learning about these new soils and how sandy loam soils will dry out after a rain.

                                 Sugar Snap peas with garlic growing strong in the background.

Caterpillar tunnel to get the tomatoes off to an earlier start. The fabric row cover acts as a mini greenhouse increasing heat during the day while the sun is out and offering a few degrees of night-time low temperature protection.