I have these two "beds" that are basically empty. Access to them is not necessarily convenient in that I'd be dragging the hose all the way down here, though I do see a couple of sprinkler heads. It's facing west, and the point closest to the water starts to get sun before 10:00 am as it comes over the house. (Photo was at about 11AM.) By mid-day, it's pretty much full sun straight to sunset, and this bed gets light until it's dark.

The weather here in Stockton has been ridiculously wonderful. I have learned to expect 100 degree days nonstop through August, but we seem to be hanging between 70 and 80 usually, with a big spike in heat later in the day to maybe 90 at best. Really manageable!

But -- expecting 100 in August is the norm, in my opinion.

That said -- what would you plant here that (1) most importantly, won't be an eyesore to the boats that pass by or the houses across the lake (like, no corn, no squash), and (2) won't require massive tending to on a daily basis? I know myself - and when it's 100 outside, it's quite likely I'll be spraying from above and just letting them survive, haha.

I know I'm going to take a good section and plant all kinds of peppers that I love. But the greens I love will probably wilt if given this much sun, I'm guessing, so arugula, etc. will stay in pots on my patio, I guess. Lettuce won't take this heat either.

So, whether I plant now or in the spring -- any ideas?

If there's nothing appropriate, I'm half inclined to just do plants. Our property has an alarming number of spiders that like to build webs IN plants, and some ridiculous super spiders that cast webs from ROOF to patio.....so half of me is a little hesitant to plant edibles and have spiders for food. I've been battling them since we got this house and I'm not really winning this battle -- though I have made a dent. I don't want them dead but I'd really like them to move into corners like they should be instead of creating cities between trees and bushes. So unsightly.

I don't suppose there's an edible that spiders detest?

Grace

Gardening was much easier in my 30s, I realized today. And a lot faster!

I don't know if they will make it once it gets colder given how late in the season it is, but I'm also going to plant some shiso/perilla plants I've started from seed, as well as some mint....in hopes they'll take over haha.

I also started some serranos but think I will pot those up until spring and then move them into the ground. The warm weather here has been heavenly in starting seeds. In SF, I'd just watch my potting soil do nothing!