Abbreviated view of my balcony garden. Just as water is life, so is sticking my hands in soil. This summer, I am growing 6 chili plants, New Zealand spinach, tomatoes, borage (pictured) and red orach (a voluteer). I’ve also started seedlings for my fall garden (brassicas). Not pictured is the ginger I thought would decompose but instead took root. I am very proud of my garden as this year shows my patience has increased. Never before have my chili plants got to the point of producing peppers! For the past few years, I have been buying dried chilis to make my own chili powder. The reality that I’ll soon be able to make that powder from my own homegrown peppers is incredibly freeing…and a sustainable practive that drives me crazy with delight! The plan is to dry the chilis and grind into powder as needed. I hope to have enough to last through to next spring when I will start the process all over again but this time with allium (onions and garlic) powder.