I feel like we hardly need a photoessay this week, since I just posted tons of pepper pictures, but I suppose I have a few other interesting things to share.

As I was looking at our tomato plants earlier this week, I found that we had a good number of small green tomatoes on some plants, especially the ‘Black Krim’ heirlooms. Some of them are small enough that it seems likely they may have set during this hot spell. If so, that would be very exciting! I chatted with one of our specialists, and the real catch is whether these tomatoes set during the last “cool” spell in June, and they just haven’t grown like they should. I’m suspicious though…we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on them!

On another plant, you can just see the tiny little tomato forming where the bloom was. I don’t think these tiny tomatoes are past the point where they will abort if they weren’t adequately pollinated yet, but I know where they are and I’m watching them everyday. Can you just say that I’m desperate for some good news in this hot, hot summer?

Unlike the tomatoes (and the rest of us) our late okra planting seems to be really enjoying the heat. No blooms or okra yet, but the plants are looking great.

Continuing on the tomato theme, we have had a couple of ‘Marmande’ tomatoes ripen. Or rather, start to ripen. They are currently sitting on my table finishing the process.

Speaking of ripening, I think they’re looking pretty good. This one is a good candidate for ugliest tomato!

This rudbeckia from the Prairie Star Annual trial has a pretty dinky plant, but the flowers seem to more than make up for it!

Have a great weekend!