Garden Diary: My Vegetable Plot in Early September

As we move into September, reviewing pictures of my vegetable garden diary from previous years has highlighted that growing certain crops is a waste of time, energy, and expense, and that’s before I factor in the stress factor.

Portugal: Growing Fruit and Vegetables – September

I know I am stubborn, and apparently, God loves a trier, but sometimes you just have to man up and concede defeat. This year, while my initial success with tomatoes was way beyond my expectations and the best year ever, the euphoria was short-lived when blight and white mould wiped out my entire crop in the blink of an eye.

The blight, virus, or disease (take your pick) also felled my cucumbers and courgettes. In the past, I have harvested some cucumbers and zucchini as late as December, but unless the latest batch of seedlings decides to grow… looking at the sickly specimens, I won’t hold my breath.

Okay, the weather hasn’t helped. We’ve been shrouded in sea mist at some point most days during August and now into September. The temperature here on the West Coast has also been unseasonably low, which could also be factored in. I wonder if it is just me?

So, what fruits and vegetables are growing in my garden as we move into September?

Strawberries Growing in a Pot

We are still picking strawberries. Just a shame I transferred most of my plants in the vertical strawberry planter which fell victim to what seemed millions of fruit flies.

Further survivors

Aubergines (Egg Plant) Growing in Pots

The aubergines are growing surprisingly well, considering I forgot to feed them – hence the yellow leaves.

Kale

I bought the seed plugs at our local market at the end of August, transferred them into pots, and planted them in the raised bed during the second week of September.

Cucumber Seedlings Planted Early September (Longo China)

I doubt these will survive as the seeds should have been planted by June. I never planted the seeds until the end of July and they already look a sickly yellow.

Zucchini Seedlings Planted Out in Early September

I planted the seeds on July 31st.The variety is Calabacin Hybrid F-1 Diamant. Sowing season is Jan-Aug and Nov-Dec. We will see if they survive the snails and whatever disease decides otherwise.

Yellow Peppers

The yellow peppers were growing well but since the tomatoes were wiped out by blight we will see if they survive.

Growing Lettuces in Containers

The one thing I can seem to grow throughout the year is different types of lettuce. I buy the seedling plugs from the local market and plant them directly in containers.

Purple Sage, Mint and Chives Growing in Pots

I grow a variety of herbs. The one herb I would LOVE to grow is lemon thyme but for some reason it always dies.

I also grow oregano and basil.

Related Posts:

Gardening: The Kiss of Death – Late Tomato Blight and White Mould

Garden Diary: 15th August – Growing Vegetables Ups and Downs

Garden Diary: Growing Vegetables in Containers