I always plant my little backyard garden too early. After a long winter – and desperate for the coming spring – I put my unsuspecting seeds and seedlings into the cold soil – and nothing happens. Many of my experienced garden friends don’t make a move until May 1.
This year, I did better. I managed to get some spring onions, lettuce and beets in the ground in mid-March, then waited until May to plant a couple rows of peas. Next, I added yellow squash, peppers, cukes and tomatoes. I just finished the garden with a planting of okra.
In past years, I have found that okra, peppers and even tomatoes don’t do much until the soil warms into the 70s. They don’t die, but they don’t do a lot of growing, either.
If we don’t get a serious drought, I hope this year for a bountiful garden this year. Not only is a backyard garden a fun hobby, but it can be a wonderful source of fresh vegetables.