The biggest problem in the garden now is that tomatoes and peppers are being eaten. I found a half-eaten tomato high up on the plant covered in mouse poop. AHA! The perpetrator (or at least one of them) has been identified! How are they climbing up there? First, unsupported tomato vines that have fallen into the paths. I need to tie these up or trim them off. Second, plants growing next to the planters. The horseradish garden for one, and the currant plant and gooseberry. Some of it might be insect damage as well. I researched mice in the garden, and it is a common problem with tomatoes.

One other problem is the peppers. I have been leaving the green peppers on the vine to ripen, but they rot before completely turning red, orange, or yellow. I need to research that one.

The varieties of cucumbers I grew this year were prolific but got big too fast. I need to make sure that I get the Summer Rain variety from Countryside next year and other English varieties.

My current thought is to replace the bed I use for peas with a raised bed, and the two planters where the Shishitos are should be replaced with a raised bed. I’ll move the two planters to replace the one that collapsed in the heavy rain and the other one that is falling apart.

In general, I need to be better about maintenance, fertilizing the pots, and watering next year. Also, I need to tie up plants and trim more.

I need to find a way to protect the new blackberry canes from rabbits in the winter.

The Gypsy peppers did very well. I’ll plant more of them next year.