June Garden
Garden Update: Squirrels, Blossoming Plants, and First Harvests!
Summer is in full swing, and my garden is finally hitting its stride! It’s exciting to see everything coming to life — the colors, the growth, and yes, even the critters.
A Squirrel Saga and a win for corn
This month’s garden drama involved a very determined squirrel who thought my corn was a personal snack bar. Luckily, the little cage I rigged up did its job. I’m pretty sure it was a squirrel, too — if it had been a raccoon, the whole setup would've been shredded!
Amaranth Plant Almost Ready to Flower and Then, Seeds!
The amaranth is thriving—bushy, vibrant, and getting ready to bloom soon. Growing amaranth is a rewarding way to connect with traditional foods and enjoying a nutrient-rich ‘super-grain’ right from the garden. This ancient grain was cherished by Indigenous cultures for centuries; it is not only beautiful but also highly versatile. Once the seeds ripen, the tiny grains can be harvested and used in a variety of ways: dry and grind them into gluten-free flour for baking, or to thicken soups and stews and add extra nutrition, or pop them like popcorn for a healthy snack.
Berry Nice Moments
Exciting moment: I tasted my first strawberry of the season, delicious! The raspberries may be small, but the flavor is intense — a good reminder that size isn’t everything.
First Flowers!
The tomatoes have been a bit slow to get going this year, but they’re finally starting to catch up. The first flowers are apparent now, fingers crossed for a good harvest. The zucchini squash is starting to flower too, such a beautiful sight. I love this phase of the garden when everything feels full of potential.
First Harvests!
The heat got the better of my kale and spinach, both have bolted after weeks of production. The lettuce and orach are still going strong though.
Behind the lettuce, carrots and beets are flourishing and should be ready to harvest next month! Truthfully though, I have been harvesting beet greens to add to salads and sauteed dishes for a month now!
Cucumbers, Peas, and Herbs
The cucumber vines are growing bigger by the day and are about ready to flower; meanwhile, the peas are ready for harvest. I have been harvesting herbs since May starting with chives. Now my herbal pantry is starting to fill up with oregano, thyme and chamomile drying already. The basil gets trimmed regularly to encourage fuller growth, and because I love fresh pesto!
There’s nothing quite like stepping into my garden and knowing I’ve created my own little grocery store—one that’s always open, always fresh, and always mine. It brings a deep sense of peace to know that food is never far away, and an even deeper pride to see abundance growing from my own hands. It’s more than gardening—it’s self-reliance, beauty, and nourishment all in one.
What’s Growing in Your Garden?
Whether you're growing food, flowers, or both, I’d love to hear how your garden is doing this summer. Let me know in the comments — or share your favorite way to use fresh herbs!
Until next time, Keep growing!