I May Have a Green Thumb Afterall

This summer I took on an enormous task. I planted some vegetables--eight tomato plants and two pepper plants, to be exact. Now, before all you seasoned gardeners begin laughing and mocking my timid attempt, let me explain. I do NOT have a green thumb. Some might even say it's more of a blackish shade.

I have killed every houseplant I have owned (all of which were given to me as I know better than to spend my own money on something that will inevitably meet its demise). Once I was given a cactus, and the giver even said, "it's so easy...you won't be able to kill it." They underestimated me.

But I figure now that I've managed to keep a dog alive for eight years, a daughter for four, and a son for almost two, maybe it's time to give plants another shot. Since we will hopefully be relocating in the next few months, I opted to try just a couple different plants in pots. I also purchased some flowering plants to spruce up our deck and front porch.

It's been almost two months and I'm happy to say, they are doing well. I was so excited, I had to share some pictures...

My Cosmos plant, blooming nicely in spite of my blackish thumb!

My tomato plant doing pretty well so far!

And the best part...my first homegrown tomato!

I can't wait to taste that first tomato. That is, if I can keep Little Man from picking it before then...he's so anxious to pull one off the vine.

You'll notice I didn't post any pics of my pepper plant. I'm afraid the bugs have made a buffet of the leaves and while the plant itself seems to be doing OK, there are no peppers showing up yet. I need to do some research and help my poor little pepper plants. If any of you gardeners have any tips or hints on getting rid of leaf-eating bugs (or anything else that might be the cause) I'd appreciate it.

I will keep you posted, and I'm sure I'll be posting what becomes of that first tomato...stay tuned!