Late Spring Garden Update

Yesterday felt like high summer here — near 90°F — and I must have drunk a gallon of water to stay comfortable. A steady breeze made the day bearable; without it the heat would have been much tougher. Today’s forecast is milder, only about 82°F, which might call for a trip to the ice cream stand for a scoop or two of toasted coconut.

On the gardening front, one of the poppies opened and to my delight it’s pink. I’ve always wanted pink poppies, so seeing that color in the garden was a real treat. It’s small moments like that that make all the work worthwhile.

The peony buds are crawling with ants, which is a good sign — those ants usually arrive just before the flowers open. I’m expecting creamy white blossoms any day now.

Instead of tilling a long strip and planting lupine seed directly in the ground this year, I started the lupines in pots. I’ll transplant them next summer into a blue wildflower border along the front of the property. Starting them in containers seems smarter than fighting a weedy patch all season to give the seedlings a good start.

I planted a second round of butternut squash seeds. The first batch is growing along the picket fence around the vegetable plot and should supply plenty of squash for winter. Since I plan to convert that vegetable garden into flowers next year, I’m experimenting by planting another set of squash in the field where next year’s vegetable garden will be. Butternuts are one of those reliable, “set it and forget it” crops, so I’m hoping they thrive with minimal fuss.

The tomato plants are making a comeback after an early start that had me worried. They’re recovering well, and I’m optimistic about their progress.

Pepper plants have started to form tiny buds, which is always encouraging. The radishes are developing nicely, too, and the lettuce should be ready to harvest in a week or two.

Spinach hasn’t fared quite as well; I planted it in a sunny spot and it’s looking stressed from the direct sun. I’m deciding whether to pull it and sow basil instead, or wait and see if it recovers. Sometimes observing a plant through a bad patch teaches more than an immediate fix.

Best of all, the first zucchini plants are showing up — always an exciting sight. I love experimenting in the garden, trying different placements, and learning what works from season to season. It’s rewarding to see small successes and to adjust plans for the next year based on what the garden teaches me.

How are things at your place? Has the weather helped or hindered your crops this season? I’d love to hear what’s growing well for you and what challenges you’re facing.

Have a great day and remember to stay hydrated.

~Mavis