Saturday the temperature was in the 90s; Sunday it did not even reach 60. That's the way it's been going this spring, with the resultant delays in planting and harvesting.
We have taken some radishes:
These are French Breakfast and Cherry Belle, same as everybody grows.
Also, some lettuce/mesclun mix:
There's nothing like the first garden salad of the season! I know we will be tired of it by July, but for now, heaven.
Here's a little update on progress:
We did get a bit of asparagus, but a late freeze burned many of the tender shoots, which is depressing. I've never had that happen before. So, the asparagus season is over with nothing to show.
Beets and carrots were planted April 15. The usual spotty germination. Some of the beets look strong, others are still just seed leaves. The carrots of course are frail looking. I love carrots, but hate planting and growing them!
Peas (snow, snap, and soup) were also planted April 15. They too suffered from spotty germination, but the ones that came up are about 9" tall now.
Asian greens were sown also on April 15. They are still pretty small.
Turnips were sown also on April 15. Some are getting big from a leaf perspective; who knows what's going on underground. I've never grown turnips before, so this is a learning experience.
Leeks (from seed), onions (from seed), and potatoes were set out on April 23. The weather, which was warm, turned cold again. I was afraid the potatoes had rotted, but they're up and looking strong finally, and are almost ready for their first hilling. The leeks look frail, just as they did last year. This is my first experience with seed-grown onions, and I question how they can possibly size-up in the normal time frame. But people tell me to have hope.
Artichokes were also transplanted April 23. They look pretty good.
Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts were transplanted May 14. Something has destroyed all the Brussels Sprouts plants, and half of the broccoli. Sigh. Too late to start over, so I planted cucumber seeds in those spots, with the hope that whatever it was will move on by the time they come up.
Cool-soil corn was seeded on May 21. It is already up and looking good.
Just this weekend I seeded the late season corn (of course the weather immediately turned cool). But hopefully it will warm up again this week. Summer squash and cucumbers (as mentioned) were also seeded. I also transplanted all the tomatoes.
The ever-encouraging Kitchen Goddess does her best to keep me from despair (and quitting gardening). And she's right. It may be a late-start season, but it could work out after all.
Well, it's "gardening," not "shopping," right?
Today (Monday) we are in the midst of what the weather report calls a "tropical rainstorm." I've never been to the tropics where it is 53 degrees F. But anyway, no gardening today, despite it being a US holiday.
Please see all the Harvest Monday posts, hosted by Dave at Our Happy Acres.
Those radishes look amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin! Tasty too.
DeleteMmm, I have had just a small amount of lettuce as it hasn't really kicked in yet. And I know what you mean that we'll be sick of it by mid-summer but that first bit is still exciting. And cool or not, I could use a rainstorm my way ... it's been rather hot and dry for us.
ReplyDeleteI've had terrible germination with the beets that I direct sowed a while back, just thinking I'd better re-sow soon. But luckily the carrots weren't as fussy.
Then please explain your magic with carrots, because I sure find them frustrating!
DeleteThat's a shame about the late frost and the asparagus, but it looks like your lettuce and radish are doing fabulous. I had terrible germination with my carrots and peas this spring and even worse, corn. I have about 60 plants from 200 seeds, not sure what happened with them.
ReplyDeleteWell, corn seeds do not store well. I learned that the hard way. Also, I learned the difference between "cool soil" and other varieties. But still, I have had mixed success over the years.
DeleteOoh, that's too bad about the asparagus. I have lost some to late freezes, but it has always recovered to make more. And I definitely have radish envy after seeing those beauties, since I never got around to sowing any this spring! After hearing about all your garden troubles, I really do think you should try some of Susie's rhubarb/bourbon cocktail. Or else do like I used to do and skip the rhubarb syrup!
ReplyDeleteYes, not sure why they did not recover much. Like you (in the past), "plain" bourbon is a go-to beverage. But now we're in "clear liquor" season!
DeleteThose French Breakfast radishes are perfection! Mine aren't nearly that pretty, but they still taste great, so I'm not complaining :) And heaven with the lettuce is right - I'll be picking the first lettuce in a few minutes for our dinner tonight...yum, yum, yum!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the carrots - love them but really don't enjoy sowing them...which is why I've procrastinated and am now 3 weeks behind.
Hope the lettuce meets your expectations! I'm sure there's plenty of time for carrots, so don't fret.
DeleteSounds like the weather in your area has been just brutal for gardening. At least you are getting something. I grow onions from seed but start them indoors in late February. Yours should size up if they get enough long-day exposure.
ReplyDeleteYes, the inconsistent temperatures (especially the cold nights) have been a pain. I too started the onions in February. I guess I was expecting them to size-up more before it was time to put them out.
DeleteAargh, you have had a frustrating spring! I know how you feel, there are times that I wonder why I subject myself to all the frustrations of wacko weather, critters, pests, diseases, and mysterious ailments (plants and myself) and then I enjoy that perfect salad from the garden and know I have to slog on. It's an addiction, no doubt.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why, but French Breakfast radishes always come out wonky in my garden, yours look perfect.
Your radishes and lettuce look wonderful. Sounds like you've been busy busy with all the planting. It's definitely been a frustrating year already, and it's early yet! Hopefully the weather will even out soon for you and everything will take off.
ReplyDeleteNice to see you are starting to get a harvest. The weather is lousy but obviously good for radishes. My onions and leek seedlings are always tiny, even starting them in February. They will catch up once they establish roots. Then feed them some nitrogen so they put on a lot of foliage before the solstice starts shortening the days.
ReplyDelete