In Garden News.

We had a windy thunderstorm two nights ago, and both tomato plants were battered pretty badly. The bigger of the two -- the one that has a couple small tomatoes on it already -- took the worse beating. I learned my lesson: those metal cages are not big enough or tall enough. Next year, I'll use 6 foot stakes and tie the plants up as they grow.

I tied both plants to stakes and hoped for the best. The smaller plant seemed like it was going to be okay. There were several places on the bigger plant where the stalks had been bent, and those branches wilted as the day went on, but this morning they seem to have bounced back.

The first two little Thai chilies ripened. They're fire-engine red. Dozens more green ones are waiting in the wings.

Two sunflowers bloomed! They must be over 8 feet tall. And the zinnias continue to pop out all over. J. cuts them from time to time for the kitchen table.