From the desk of Willie Delwiche.
I planted most of the vegetables for the garden over the past couple of weeks. Seeds and seedlings. Neat rows and clustered groups. Into the raised beds they went.
I don’t know what the day to day (or week to week) fluctuations in the weather will be. But I do know that it is (finally) Spring. Planting as the air temperature rises and our daylight hours expand increases the likelihood of a bountiful garden later this summer. Leafy greens (kale, arugula, chard) were the first into the soil. They can withstand cooler temperatures than the cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes.
As a gardener, I have some understanding of the underlying trends and conditions that guide the seasons. Plant too soon and a late frost will kill off tender seedlings. Plant too late and the summer heat will sap the strength of plants without well-developed root systems.
It’s about knowing the growing environment, managing temperature risks and finding opportunities to increase vegetable production.
Some might dismiss this as a farmer’s market timing. I call it prudent.