The Ramp Up

May is a hectic time in the garden, with Mothers’ Day marking the first planting day of warm season crops and flowers. This year, the last frost date was May 13th. Thunderstorms kept the grass (and the weeds) lush and green. The trees unfurled leaves seemingly overnight, and as the bulbs died away, new buds on peonies and violas started to emerge. The Columbine burst into flower, and the poppies are blooming and forming seed heads, depending on where they are planted in the garden.

May 13th

  • Last Frost date

May 17th 

Direct sowed: 

  • Cucumber – Early Fortune
  • Cucumber – Lemon
  • Cucumber – Mexican Sour Gherkin
  • Cucumber – Richmond Green Apple
  • Squash  – Zucchini Summer Black Beauty
  • Squash – Summer Early Prolific Straightneck
  • Squash – Summer Patty Pan Scallop Blend
  • Watermelon – Sugar Baby Bush (in its own grow bag)
  • Bean – Blue Lake Bush 
  • Bean – Dragon Tongue
  • Pumpkin – Connecticut Field (in its own grow bag)
  • Gourd – Birdhouse
  • Agastache – Anise or Hyssop

Did not plant the Squash – Summer Patty Pan Jaune et Verte

May 18th 

Soaked overnight and sowed:

  • Okra – Bowling Red
  • Morning Glory – Heavenly Blue
  • Morning Glory – Split Second
  • Nasturtium – Alaska Variegated
  • Nasturtium – Jewel Blend

The weather has been so wet – rolling thunder, lightning, and even flood warnings. The garden is loving the humidity and heat.