We have herbs and eggplants.

Today, I picked a pound and two ounces of basil, two ounces of dill, and the second six ounce eggplant. That may not sound like a lot of produce, but it is only the 8th of June and it will be a long productive summer. The tomato plants are loaded with all kinds of tomatoes and the various kind of peppers are in full bloom.

I have to finish the tepees tonight along with my own tax returns, and both will go out in the morning. I am also going to force the cucumber, squash, and okra seeds I need for plantings that did not show up for the party.

Forcing the seeds means I am going to do a couple of things. I am going to lightly file the exterior of the seed so that it will open easier, and then I will dampen some paper towels. The seeds then go into the damp paper towels and next into a plastic bag. In order to add a heating element, I will put them outside in a tray. The moisture that builds up inside will help get the seeds going. The filing of the seed will allow the moisture into the internal part of the seed.

Once the seeds are starting to open up and send out its tap root (main root of the plant) and the first leaves (cotyledons). The cotyledons are not true leaves, rather they are part of the embryo plant. The second leaves will be a true leaf and it generally looks a lot different. Once the plant has its second set of leaves, you can begin to see their distinct personalities.

Now, we have all forced our children to grow, whether it is in speech or reading or getting their rumps off the sofa. Sometimes we can not get the children to do it the first time and I just won't take no for an answer.

I ask twice and then I take them by the hand.