The Dog Days of Summer

2 weeks ago.

The weatherman says we're in the "dog days" of summer, and he is right.  Almost all of my Romaine lettuce has gone to seed.  It changed over a few hot days last week to claim most of the mature plants.  Of 7 plants that were ready to harvest, or very close to being ready, I could only harvest 2.  The rest had sprouted seed pods which make them way too bitter to eat.

Last Week

If I were growing Romaine seeds I would be pleased.  Not this year.

Here are some pictures of the Romaine seed pods.  First they sprout within the top bunch of leaves, then within a week they spread out like a bush on top of the plant.

Swiss Chard also marches on without going to seed.  The leaves have turned a dark redish-brown and they taste just as bitter as ever.  My 2 plants are making more leaves than I can eat.
As usual, my Kale just keeps growing and producing new leaves.  Even the small plant leaves are ripe for harvest.  I wish I liked eating them by themselves.

After today's harvest.

What I harvested today was enough for salad tonight for my wife and I, and some Kale to give away to some very gracious people I work with.  There will be Romaine plants to harvest the next 3-4 weeks, at least and plenty of Swiss Chard and Kale.
I quit planting new Romaine seeds in the garden due to the heat and daily rains.  My plan now is to finish with these 10 - 11 plants in the ground, then remove the dirt and recycle it onto the ground under my hedge.  That will allow me to move the planting box outdoors.  I have several buckets of newly blended earth and a whole compost bin full of freshly recycled earth to use to refill the garden.  I am building my next 4 foot square planter as two 2 X 4 foot boxes, which would make it possible to actually move those boxes into the garage (with help) if needed due to heavy storms and hurricanes.  This would help my plan to expand (double) my garden space outdoors next year and I am looking at ways to lay that out, artistically.  Fall planting in Florida would begin in early September.
Happy gardening!