The garden is in full swing now!

Some challenges I am facing:

Aphids!! My bell pepper plants are completely infested! I’m spraying the infested areas with a dish soap and peppermint essential oil solution recommended by the Farmer’s Almanac and it seems to be helping, but I fear the plants may not bounce back in time for a harvest this summer.

Watering is also a challenge. I find myself hauling 6-8 watering cans onto the balcony daily. There’s no water source on the balcony so I have to fill the watering can in my kitchen sink and carry it through the living room. It’s becoming tedious. I have ordered an irrigation kit that should be arriving soon, where I will be able to connect the line to the kitchen faucet instead. I hope it works!!