July 9, 2025

Photos by Carlos "Uno"

It’s always interesting and fun to view the familiar through someone else’s lens.

My longtime driver, Carlos "Uno" Villamil, is an avid photographer. In the evening just before the sun begins to set, he often takes my four dogs out for a walk around the farm, snapping pictures along the way - of the gardens, the trees and flowers, the colorful sky, the beautiful landscape, etc. Many times he shares his images with me and others who work here, and we're so glad he does - great work, Carlos!

You may have seen some photos on my Instagram page @marthastewart48. Here are a few more, enjoy.

 

July 8, 2025

Early July in My Vegetable Garden

What a difference a few weeks make. Despite some really hot and humid summer weather, the growing vegetables at my farm are thriving.

I walk through the garden whenever I can. I've been picking artichokes, peas, fava beans, cauliflower, and others. Recently, my daughter also came up to harvest vegetables for her and her children. And, I always plant in succession, meaning I seed crops at intervals of seven to 21 days in order to maintain a consistent supply of harvestable produce throughout the season. It makes me so proud to be able to grow all this nutritious food for my family.

Here are the latest photos of what's growing, enjoy.

July 7, 2025

Staking Tomatoes in the Garden

How are your tomato plants doing? Mine are growing excellently with careful planning and maintenance.

Tomatoes, Solanum lycopersicum, grow on vines, so it is crucial to provide strong structures to which the vines can cling and climb. Some use pre-made tomato cages. I like to use tall bamboo stakes for supports. Bamboo is attractive, easy to find, and can be reused year after year. I also use natural jute twine to carefully secure the plants to the bamboo canes. Last week, Pete from my outdoor grounds crew, worked hard to put up all the tomato stakes, so the fast-growing vines can stay off the ground as they grow.

Here are some photos, enjoy.