Welcome back to the garden, friends! Mid-May is here, and it’s the perfect time for a garden update. I’ve been working hard in my little green oasis, and today, I’ll share what’s flourishing and what’s been a challenge. Let’s dig in!
Raised Bed #1: Carrots, Spinach, and Surprises
In Raised Bed #1, I planted:
- Carrots: These are growing beautifully! The green tops are lush, and I’m hopeful for some nice-sized roots.
- Spinach: Half a row, including one indoor transplant. Growth is slow, but it’s hanging in there.
- Oakleaf Lettuce: It took two attempts, but the original seeds finally sprouted. Growth is slow due to the warm weather.
- Strawberries: Unfortunately, the roots didn’t take. I replaced them with ground cherry, which is an exciting first for me!
- Cucumber: The seed sprouted quickly and looks promising.
- Scallions: Two transplanted scallions round out this bed.
Raised Bed #2: Beans, Melons, and Herbs
Here’s what’s happening in Raised Bed #2:
- Carrots: A different variety is thriving here.
- Oregano: A transplanted seedling I started indoors is doing well in one corner.
- Beans: I planted kidney and tricolor beans. Only one of each has sprouted so far.
- Watermelon & Cantaloupe: Watermelon is growing after a delayed start, but the cantaloupe needed replanting.
- Kabocha Squash: Planted on both sides of the tricolor beans.
- Nasturtiums: These companion plants are scattered throughout the bed for pest control and beauty.
Raised Bed #3: Tomatoes and Peppers
This bed is a tomato-and-pepper paradise:
- Tomatoes: I planted three Better Boy varieties and one Super Sweet Cherry.
- Basil: Planted between the tomatoes. Some seedlings struggled due to heavy rain but seem to be recovering.
- Peppers: Seven plants are growing well, with one showing minor struggles.
- Nasturtiums: Planted as companions to support the peppers.
- Lemongrass: Occupies a corner for its pest-repelling properties.
Raised Bed #4: Cabbage and Herbs
This bed is a mix of leafy greens and fragrant herbs:
- Cabbage: A transplanted seedling is growing slowly, and direct-seeded cabbage hasn’t sprouted yet.
- Mullein: Thriving beautifully.
- Thyme: Transplants (store-bought and homegrown) are doing well.
- Rosemary: Both a seed-grown plant (despite a mishap) and a store-bought one are planted here.
- Marigolds & Nasturtiums: Added for pest control and pollination.
- Onions & Scallions: Filling in the spaces between.
Raised Bed #5: Strawberries and Sorrel
Here’s the latest from Raised Bed #5:
- Sorrel: Unfortunately, seeds haven’t sprouted, even after replanting.
- Strawberries: Seven plants are growing, albeit slowly. Heavy rains may have impacted their growth.
- Cucumber: Transplanted from seed and growing slowly.
Grow Bags: Garlic, Corn, and More
The grow bags are buzzing with activity:
- Garlic: Two bags are thriving.
- Corn: Five bags were replanted after some seeds failed, but they’re progressing nicely.
- Mint: A small grow bag holds mint from last year, which came back strong.
- Lemon Balm: Another aromatic addition.
- Okra: Two bags haven’t sprouted yet.
- Hot Peppers: Recently transplanted and adapting.
- Potatoes: Outside the fenced area, six to seven grow bags are flourishing.
- Mango Seed: Experimenting to see if it will grow.
Gardening Lessons: Patience and Persistence
Gardening is full of surprises. Seeds like mint and peppers, which didn’t sprout initially, decided to grow months later! This journey truly teaches patience, a lesson I’m still learning.
How’s Your Garden Growing?
That’s my mid-May garden update! I’d love to hear how your garden is doing. Share your successes and challenges in the comments below—I can’t wait to connect with you.
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