May has flown by, and my garden has been busy! Welcome to my end of May garden reflections, where I share lessons learned and my gardening goals for June.
Starting the Month with Hardening Off
May began with hardening off plants from my greenhouse. This essential gardening step gradually introduces indoor plants to outdoor conditions before transplanting. I moved a cabbage started indoors to a shaded spot, but it’s growing slowly despite the cooler weather. Unfortunately, the cabbage seed I planted in my raised bed didn’t germinate—a reminder of the unpredictability of gardening. If you would like to learn more about hardening off your seedlings, please check out The Spruce.
Potato and Corn Updates
I completed planting potatoes in grow bags and plan to top off the soil soon. Fingers crossed for a successful harvest!
For my corn, I used 10-gallon grow bags, planting Bodacious sweet corn in four bags and leftover Ambrosia sweet corn in one. Sadly, the Ambrosia seedlings didn’t survive, so I replanted with Bodacious. Two of the bags ended up with four plants instead of five due to a seed shortage, but I’m curious to see how they fare.
The Challenge of Seed Starting
I experimented with sprouting Jamaican Scotch Bonnet pepper seeds using damp paper towels. Two seeds sprouted but didn’t survive. Ironically, a seed I’d given up on back in January sprouted unexpectedly—a humbling lesson in patience.
Transplanting Tomatoes, Peppers, and More
This month, I transplanted mullein, four tomato plants (three grown from seed and one purchased), and all my peppers. Space constraints led to two peppers being planted in 5-gallon grow bags. Between the tomatoes, I added basil, and nasturtiums went between the peppers.
Overcoming Setbacks with Beans and Squash
Restarting beans and sorrel was a theme this month. Watermelon is thriving after a replant, and my cantaloupe produced two plants from a single spot. I couldn’t bear to thin them out!
I planted kabocha squash earlier than planned, applying mulch around the base to deter squash vine borers. Here’s hoping this helps!
Managing Rain, Weeds, and Soil Compaction
Frequent rains this month brought mixed emotions—great for growth but limiting garden work. Compacted soil in some grow bags and an uptick in weeds led me to plan for mulching. It’s a step to retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Lessons in Patience
In a weeding mishap, I accidentally pulled out my rosemary but quickly replanted it, hoping it survives. My okra hasn’t emerged, so I’ll restart that soon. Gardening is a constant teacher, and patience is a lesson I’m still learning.
Goals for June
I’m excited for June, with my main goal being persistence. Gardening is a journey, and I’m ready for what’s next!
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