Happy Friday, Rural Sprout readers, 

I’m sitting on my front porch, sipping my coffee this morning, and I can tell that the dog days of summer have arrived. Off in the woods across the road comes the lone sound of a single cicada. These little sci-fi movie-sounding critters are a sure sign that we are well into a good, long summer. 

I hope a few others emerge soon; he sounds lonely. 

Of course, another harbinger of summer, who is less welcome, has also arrived: the Japanese beetles. They are currently creating some gorgeous lace in my lima bean leaves. Now look, I know there are a couple of people in my house who wouldn’t be sad about fewer lima beans showing up on the table this year, but I am not one of them. 

Thankfully, these little poops are few enough in number that I can easily pick them off. 

Regardless, it seems that pest season is upon us. I may have to dig out my UV flashlight soon. What manner of creepy crawlies are you finding in your gardens these days, friends?

I teased my friend about his cucumbers, but now I'm in the same boat. All flowers, and no fruit. Let's take a look.

I was also asked by my bestie over lunch the other day how I managed to play in the dirt and still have nice nails, which, of course, got me thinking. So, here's how I do it.