I got this from my vegetable patch

Do you remember my most recent post? In it, I showed you all the plants I’m growing in a small garden I improvised using an old, broken washing machine—one that otherwise would have ended up in the trash. However, today, while checking on my little makeshift garden, I discovered some pleasant surprises I’d like to share with you.

One of the plants I think I forgot to mention in the previous post is this one; at first, I wasn't sure if it was peppermint or spearmint, but after asking artificial intelligence (truly such a useful tool), I confirmed it was spearmint. It can be used as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes, so my wife really appreciates it. Also, in the bottom left of the photo, you can see my oregano plant; it is a variety we call "Orégano orejón" in Venezuela. It is excellent not only as a cooking ingredient but also for its medicinal properties—in my own case, I’ve used it to treat earaches.

This was one of the things that surprised me the most, because a long time ago I had planted a piece of ginger root, but whenever I checked the soil, I didn't see any changes. However, after I stopped paying much attention to it—and even forgot I had planted it (I suppose it went unnoticed amidst all the greenery)—I discovered this sprout and a bulb that is clearly ginger while examining each plant more closely yesterday. This makes me really happy, as ginger is one of the healthiest roots there is, and I’m glad I’ve finally managed to grow some right in my own home.

I also have this tomato plant; even though it has only produced one tomato so far, I see it as a great achievement (considering how small the garden is). Besides, I remember that on one occasion this plant produced up to three tomatoes, so I suppose I just need to give it more time and care.

And last but not least, do you remember my *ají dulce* plant? It had a few shoots and one pepper; while I was checking the plant, the striking color that pepper had taken on caught my eye because it stood out against the green foliage. That orange hue could only mean the pepper had ripened, so I proceeded to harvest it, cutting it off rather than pulling it to avoid damaging the plant.

I am very happy to have been able to share the progress I’ve made in my little vegetable garden with you. I look forward to seeing you again—God willing—to show you more updates.