caught in the act!

The figeater beatle, Cotinis mutabilis, is said to eat figs. When I see these huge members of the scarab beetle family, they are usually buzzing around the yard in their slow, lumbering way. Today, though, I caught one in the act of eating a dried fig. Though these beetles are destructive, I find their green iridescent green exoskeletons quite beautiful.

figeater beetle - Cotinis mutabilis

hornworms are back!

    A week or so ago, I saw the first hawk moth of the year flying in the garden. Hawk moths are large, beautiful flying insects with a lush furry appearance. Unfortunately, though, they portend the arrival of hornworms, the larval form of these critters. This morning I saw the first manduca sexta larva on the underside of a tomato leaf. The little bugger had already eaten a chunk of the leaf. I searched around the plants and found four more of these on the underside of the leaves.

    Note the tiny black "horn" on the posterior end, thus giving the name "hornworm" to these insects.

Manduca sexta larval form on tomato leaf

Manduca sexta on fingertip

Persian squash

   Today we ate the first of the Persian squash. I planted the seedling early this summer in the raised bed. Today the first squash was ready. It was delicious with a simple delicate flavor.
   It's been interesting to learn about squashes. The species Cucurbita pepo includes such varieties as acorn squash, spaghetti squash, yellow crookneck squash, and zucchini. Many squashes seem to be called different names in different areas.  I've seen the same fruit called "Mexican gray squash" or "calabacita" in local stores.

"Persian zucchini"

the corn is sprouting!

I planted corn on June 13 (7 days ago), and today the first of the seedlings are poking up through the soil. The tallest is about 10mm high.

corn seedling 7 days after planting

Mexican sour gherkin

Just for fun, I'm trying a very different little fruit this year. I planted a tiny vine from the local nursery, and it seems to be growing well. This is called "sandita" in Mexico, or "Mexican sour gherkin" here is the US. The Linnaean name is Melothria scabra. These little fruits are supposed to grow to about the size of grapes. It's in the same family, Cucurbitaceae, as cucumbers and melons, and it's interesting to see how the climbing tendrils look very similar to those of other cucurbits.

Mexican sour gherkin - Sandita - Melothria scabra

Mexican sour gherkin - Sandita - Melothria scabra

watermelons getting bigger

The watermelon vine is spreading widely across the yard. The biggest melon is now about 10cm and has a nice dark green color. It's interesting to consider that the root system underground is probably spreading as widely.

watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

chard salad

Since the chard has been producing so well, I've been pondering various recipes. Chard sauté was fine, baked chard chips with olive oil and salt were good (but this was mostly a vehicle for yummy oil and salt), but the favorite was simply steaming the chard. Using a simple bamboo steamer, and for only a few minutes, the chard loses its bitterness. A neighbor taught me about adding a little lemon juice for extra flavor. Add some red pepper and tofu and you've got an amazing dinner.

chard in steamer

steaming chard

chard tofu salad with red peppers