Still recovering from late-season freeze

John

Pretty busy on the old homestead this week. The weeds are flourishing, the rhubarb is ready and shrubs and flowers need some upkeep and some pruning. On top of that, we have had a previous cold snap that wiped out many of the tender plants despite the fact they were covered with little buckets and tarps. That of course required replanting from both raised indoors seedlings and trying to find replacement plants at the area nurseries which were being bought out by other folks who had also lost their early season crops. So, I am feeling a bit down and as sometimes happens, I'm wondering if it is all worth it. Of course i know it is, but wondering how some of you out there deal with the trials and adversities and the eventual joy of growing your own food and beautifying your surroundings....even if there are some bumps along the way!

Leediafastje

We were hit hard with a late season freeze too! This is our first week of sun (it feels like a month late). The plants are growing like crazy now and I too feel like it's worth the frustration to be able and grow our own food. Keep your head up. know that you are not alone. Never quit (if you do I'll be lonely :-)

JodieDownUnder

Winter for me here in Australia, has been mild, so far. The vegetable garden is pumping along, even tomato seedlings have been popping their heads up in funny places! I know this will change soon and the brakes will go on, still got 2 months of winter to go. Gardening is always a learning experience, enjoy the good times and don't beat yourself up about the not so good. Pick and cook some of that rhubarb, that will make it worthwhile!

gardneto76

I have lost several plants like that to either frost or heat. I have learned to keep ALL or any volunteers I get as they usually do better than anything I plant. I also tend to plant extras in hopes that 1-2 babies survive. I have come to recognize that if I am patient and keep going it usually pays off in the end with a few really strong plants, compared to the 12 or so I started with. Also leaning I could clone the survivors has helped me recover as well. I can turn that 1 super healthy tomato into 3-4 super healthy tomatoes or others plants with less babying of the plant starts. Mother Nature can be a little cranky. Sorry you lost your plants. Hopefully you can find more soon.

KimWilson

We had an exceptionally warm May and then a surprise freeze in early June. We spent the entire day covering things and did well through the cold.

John

Had a freeze here in Wisconsin as well. Lots of folks planted early-including me with a few plants. Even covered for the downturn in temps all mine froze as did most other folks. Replant did fine and al growing good right now. :)

John

I will probably not plant early again next season regardless of the weather. Life and learn. :)

Gail H

We've discovered another casualty from the May freezes: our carrots. We planted them in March when it was quite warm. Then came the May freezes. We didn't realize it, but the carrots thought that was winter and kicked into second year mode when the weather warmed up for good. My husband has been babying them along and noticed that they were beginning to flower. He pulled one hoping that they were still edible. Unfortunately, they were like lumber.

John

I've heard of that happening and that they are not good to eat. I'm the type that would likely leave a few of them to see if anything changes. This planting season has been tough for sure-hope all goes well for your garden efforts from here on out. Have great day. :)