As our countdown to autumnal equinox gets closer (September 23), we are harvesting black eyed peas, Swiss chard for salad and greens, and planting new lettuce starts in a tower planter under the patio due to the intense burning from the sun. I have had some early morning work clearing old watermelon vines into the composter, trimming back zinnias, and pulling peanuts for drying and watching for sweet potato readiness.