This spring has been one for the record books. On Sunday evening, after spending the day in the garden re-planting basil and a few other tender plants, I looked at the weather and what did I see?
http://www.accuweather.com
Our last average frost is March 25. We are almost 6 weeks out from when we should have been having this kind of weather. It makes me want to give up on trying to keep the garden going. I can remember a couple of times when I’ve had to cover my tomatoes but I don’t ever remember having to do it on three different occasions. Yep, this is the third time this year I’ve pulled the stakes out, put buckets and rocks over the plants and hoped for the best.
Wednesday morning began with the garden growing and thriving as usual.
Normal Garden
By Wednesday afternoon, things were different.
Not Normal!
Every available vessel was used to cover the plants — 5 gallon buckets, bowls, empty formula containers, Mason jars . . everything I could find.
Tender Plants Are Covered
Rocks were placed on top of the lightweight containers to keep them from blowing away.
But .. something I’ve never done . . completely dug up some of the things I’ve already planted. Sunday I planted the basil (to replace what had already been damaged by the cold) and some cucumber plants.
Un-Planted Plants
The plants that were dug up, as well as plants not yet planted are in the well house . . once again awaiting warm weather.
Inside the Well House
Last night was 39º at our house but 35º in town. “Town” kinda sits in a hole and it’s usually a few degrees colder there. Tonight, they’re now saying 34º for our low. If we can get by without frost, the potatoes should be ok and then I hope this roller coaster between 90º degree highs and 30º lows will end. Sunday morning it should be safe to uncover the garden plants and plant the remaining plants and I hope that’s the last time they have to be covered or put up.
Dora, the quilter says
Yes, definitely roller coaster weather–same here in the NM desert.
Hilary McDaniel says
Isn’t this ridiculous? It’s been 110 yrs since this low. I heard on national weather another cold front in 2 weeks. I guess we should be glad it’s not 100 degree stuff!
Vivian Oaks says
At least you aren’t having snow, like a lot of people out West! Even here in PA we’re only down into the 50’s at night right now. I hate to think of the weather that’s headed our way!
Debbie Rhodes says
Up here in Kansas we have not had a week without cold temps yet. So our plants Haven’t been planted except for potatoes and we are sure yet if they will make it. Last year it’ was so dry.
Jolyn Olson says
I can sympathsize with you. S Minnesota has had from 5-18″ (yes 18″) of snow this week. Right now it’s in the 30’s. (35 degrees at 2:30pm) No fields planted yet and we should be almost done by now. What ever happened to normal? ha I’m just thankful that my farmer husband is not a worrier. The robins are looking a little disgusted.
Denise ~ justquiltin says
We had 85 degrees one day this week and now its barely 40. At least we didn’t get the 8″ or more of snow that they got just 3 hrs north of here. April showers are supposed to bring May flowers — we’ll we’ve had more than our share of the showers but it’s still too dang cold for the flowers. But you do have a lovely crop of pots and pails growing in your garden – but what a headache to have to keep doing!
Mary in VA says
My cold crops are bolting because of a warm spell, and it’s too cool for warm crops. We had snow storms in March, heat waves in April, and now cool weather in May. I don’t know if I’m confused or Mother Nature is.
e. scott says
Google HARPP
e. scott says
Sorry. Make that: HAARP
Joan in NE says
I still haven’t planted. It sleeted and snowed on Wed. froze both Wed and Thurs nights and hope tonight it doesn’t freeze. I so want to get some plants in the ground. Not sure if the pear tree survived as of yet. Hope it made it though as we are out of pears.
Susan says
Unbelievable year! I haven’t planted a single thing and last year I was already starting to get cherry tomatoes by May. Of course, last year was a completely mild winter that hardly even froze!
Regina says
We are being teased by an early warm spell – but still have 2 weeks before our last frost date. Trying to avoid the temptation to plant early –