King of Glory Community Garden Update
August-September 2021
Just as I thought that things were winding down, several gardeners have planted a second batch of
peas! With all the heat we have had, I didn’t think they would do well, but recent inspection shows
blossoms and fruit galore!
There are also “garden eggs” or “bitter tomato” ripening. These are a small, bitter eggplant relative
that is popular among the African gardeners. The fruit begins as the normal light green, then turns
white, then reddish orange when fully ripe. Our gardeners tend to prefer it in the white stage, when
it is a little more bitter than when fully ripe. They are similar to a close Italian relative, “melanzana
rossa di rotunda”.
There are also several varieties of squash being grown, in various shapes and sizes, but when I
query the gardeners, they all appear to be called “pumpkin”. I think there are some melons in there
also, but in the green stage, it is difficult to tell the difference. I have also spotted some “garden
huckleberry”, which is a nightshade grown for the tasty leaves.
Our gardeners were all excited to see the trees removed from the City water tank property! In
addition to flooding the back of the garden with light, the constant heavy truck traffic through the
“goat head field” did wonders to crush and kill many of the dreaded puncture vines!
I do have seeds of several African crops, should anyone be interested in trying their hand at them at
home. M’chicha is a nutritious and decorative plant, and the eggplant varieties are very interesting!
As always, Blessed Gardening!
Carolyn Watts
