For something that I wasn’t even interested in to start with, I have invested enough time and effort that I damn well going to see this to fruition! As our first garden, we are quickly taking notes on what to do or not to do next time. For example, with the location of the garden now, the taller tomato plants should have been on the other end so when there is the majority of the sun, they aren’t casting a shadow over the over plants. Here’s our basil plant that is doing great. We read that you have to pinch off the seeds that grow at the tops to keep the stalks healthy. We saw the difference. 
Something else we’ll do differently is to space out the seeds more when planting. Even one of the squash plants are starting to create shade under its broad leaves, hampering the growth of a young corn stalk. Here’s the corn in the back, the tomato to the right, and a new squash popping out toward the front left.
White Corn
Like the basil, the orange bell peppers came to us as a starter plant that we transplanted in to bigger pots. Also in common with its herbal neighbor it is growing nicely and already producing peppers! This is especially exciting as the orange variety is my favorite, the most expensive at the stores, and should produce much more flavorful yield.
Orange Bell Pepper
Drainage! Ever been driving out on some freeway or road and look over and see those vast fields where they are plowing and creating raised rows of dirt and soil? Ever wonder why they do that? Is it just to keep their crops organized so that while you’re driving at 70 mph you can look over and see pretty patterns in the field? Nope, it’s drainage. If you read about care for many plants, the stipulation for placing it in a well draining pot is a common one. This is so the roots don’t sit in water and rot, while still being able to get the water they need. Our garden currently is basically a big non draining pot. So unless you know exactly how much water is needed every day for each plant, you’re never going to get it right. The next one will be more raised and be able to somehow drain off the excess water.
Cherry Tomatoes (I think)
There seems to be some confusion about what type of tomatoes these are, but I’m pretty sure they are cherry tomatoes. The plant has already started to push its way in to the top of the bird netting, so soon something is going to have to be done. Also, when the corn gets up there, we’re going to figure out something about letting it grow outside the protection of the netting while keeping other plants inside.
Spiccaaaaay!
This little guy came home from the grocery store is a sad little square pot with leaves of yellow. If you look at the bottom three leaves (the lighter colored ones), they were the only ones that were present, and they were even lighter, yellow and sad looking. Transplanted and given some good soil. and within a few days the other healthy green leaves started sprouting up! We’re hoping to get some spicy jalapenos from this one.