The universe is full of mystery. A garden in a not so ideal place is producing surprising results: hot Serranos, jalapenos, red and yellow bell peppers, tomatoes and zucchinis (pictured above).

They are close to the north side of the house, and receive only marginal sunlight because of that, yet they are growing profusely.

Sarranos are hotter than jalapenos. I picked one and chomped down on it, and it was so hot I had to sip ice water for a half hour.

It’s mysterious. The ground is crappy – clay and mud. The sun isn’t as much as it should be. The vegetables are growing out of control.

Did I mention the pumpkins that sprung up in the back yard without planting them?