Garden Update: Peppers, Tomatoes & A Little Jalapeño Kick

ByV.S. Quinnell

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There is something about walking outside in the morning and seeing new growth that feels like a little win. Not dramatic. Not loud. Just steady progress. And right now? My garden is doing exactly that.

My bell pepper plant has officially committed. We now have two actual peppers growing. Not “maybe.” Not “thinking about it.” Two real peppers.

If you’ve ever grown peppers, you know they test your patience. They grow leaves like they’re working hard and then take their sweet time producing. But I have been surprised with this little plant. I believe the following has helped me in my endeavor with gardening.

What’s helped:

  • A good quality organic vegetable fertilizer
  • Consistent watering (not drowning, not desert dry)
  • Full sun
  • Patience (which I am still learning)

My tomato plant may not be pretty, but she is still producing. There are two more tomatoes showing off some red. These tomatoes are overachievers. Once they start, they don’t stop.

To support them, I’ve been using:

  • I just purchased a tomato cage for structure
  • Pruning shears to remove lower leaves
  • A tomato-specific fertilizer

There is something about growing tomatoes that feels nostalgic. It reminds me that simple things still matter.

Miss Basil is thriving and showing up. She grows fast and smells amazing. I want to wait just a little longer, before I start to harvest but that will happen soon in hope that she keeps producing.

Fresh basil with tomatoes? That’s summer on a plate.

My new addition is a Jalapeño Pepper I added a jalapeño to the mix because I want to be able to go to my garden and pick a fresh tomato, cilantro, Jalapeño and an onion from my garden. Then make up some fresh pico de gallo. The onion is not out there yet, but it’s coming.

This one is still settling in, but peppers love warmth, so Arizona sun is working in my favor. If it does well, I might be making fresh salsa before summer even hits full blast.

Romaine Lettuce Joins the Garden Now this one surprised me. Romaine lettuce feels so fresh and clean and they say it grows faster than you think. I love the idea of walking outside and cutting lettuce for a salad. So, we will see how that goes.

I have to say there’s something deeply satisfying about food you grow yourself.

🔗 Affiliate link ideas:

  • Seed starter trays
  • Organic potting soil
  • Garden harvest basket
  • Raised garden bed

What is it about my little garden, that I can just spend time looking at it in wonder.  Yes, it’s peppers. Yes, it’s tomatoes. But maybe it’s about

  • Progress at any age
  • Trying new things
  • Watching something grow because you didn’t quit

At 67, I’m still planting things. Still learning. Still adjusting. And that feels pretty good. If you’re starting a garden in small pots, raised beds, balcony planters start anyway. You don’t need perfection. You need sunshine and a little consistency.

If you’re following along on YouTube, I just posted a short with this latest garden update

More peppers.
More tomatoes.
And now a little jalapeño attitude.

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