It's been a bit of a roller coaster spring weather-wise. I could be misremembering, but it seems like it was in the 80's in late March and parts of April. And then April ended and May came in like the beginning of autumn. We've had lots of rain and cool weather - for which I am truly thankful.
The garden saw a planting in early April of radishes, kohlrabi and cabbage, and so far only the cabbage seems a lost cause. The kohlrabi isn't looking great, but it has finally sprouted through the soil, so maybe there will be a few to harvest? And then, a few weeks ago, sugar snap peas were planted, and they are looking beautiful, but haven't grown much since it cooled down again. I do see little vines, though, so hopefully they'll soon be climbing their trellises. If I ever planted peas before, it's been too long ago for me to remember. They feel like an experiment.
Last year I enlarged the garden with cardboard, and after weeding the clover that overtook that new area during the warm early spring, I decided to try growing sweet corn in that space.
I only started to doubt the wisdom of that idea after I told Greg what I'd planted (thinking he'd be excited) and he proclaimed, "The raccoons are going to enjoy it!"
So, I've decided to consider sweet corn an experiment too.
I'm just hoping the racoons don't humiliate me by taking the stalks down to the ground and creating a mess when they discover the tasty ears of corn.
While waiting for the garden to dry out again after several rains this week, I took stock of what else is growing that has needed little attention from me up to this point...
Cherries are coming on - I imagine we'll be enjoying a cherry cobbler in a few weeks.
And the garlic I planted in the full sun amongst the strawberry plants are looking glorious:
And today I was shocked to discover ripening strawberries - just days away from picking:
Unfortunately, at least one bird has discovered the strawberries too. I guess garlic leaves waving overhead in the breeze isn't enough of a deterrent.
And this little guy (and his three siblings) interrupted my thistle pulling in the walking onion patch:
After recovering my composure (after screaming when the first bunny jumped out right at my feet), I went back to pulling weeds, and accidentally disturbed the nest:
I haven't seen the little things for a week now. They hadn't (and still haven't) disturbed my peas, so I'm wondering if they were even weaned yet. I'm tempted to worry about them, but then I remember the rascals will be trying to eat the new green been plants that will soon be sprouting.
My neighbor, who grows flowers, hopes the bunnies survived. As a vegetable grower, I'm ambivalent.
And that is spring here on our little near-acre plot. I'm eager to plant more things, but the upcoming temperatures don't look like there's any reason to be in a hurry about it.
How is May coming on in your corner of the world?






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