Eyeing Eggplants

Approximately one month from now is the earliest we can begin harvesting the Japanese eggplant in our garden.

Yesterday, I spotted at least five eggplants in various stages of growth in the garden. Before the Fourth of July weekend, there was only one eggplant.

As if that weren’t exciting enough, I spotted an additional four flowers on the crop, meaning more eggplants could begin growing soon. Unfortunately, I spotted one flower which had fallen off the plant—the end of an eggplant.

Last week, we spotted several cabbage worms in our garden, munching on the Brussels sprouts and kale plants. As I was inspecting the Tuscan/dino kale, a ladybug flew out from underneath its leaves.

Seeing the ladybug is good news because not only do ladybugs pollinate flowering plants, they also prey on harmful insects.